- Bearish Double-Top Formation: ADA risks a 20% drop, targeting $0.762 support.
- Bullish Pennant Potential: Break above $1.326 could push ADA toward $3.15.
- Key Catalysts in Play: Bitcoin recovery, Midnight scaling solution, and new partnerships.
Cardano (ADA) hasn’t been spared in the ongoing crypto sell-off. The market has been on shaky ground lately, and one possible reason for this slump? Former President Donald Trump hasn’t said much—or signed anything—regarding cryptocurrencies. It’s left traders and analysts a bit uncertain. In the meantime, ADA seems poised for a potential 20% drop, thanks to a risky chart pattern taking shape.
Cardano’s Double-Top Signals Potential Downside Ahead
Technical analysis can be a useful tool for spotting where an asset might be headed next, and one of the most common patterns traders watch for is the double-top or double-bottom. These patterns often signal reversals, meaning a trend could be about to change.
Earlier this month, ADA formed a double bottom around $0.882. That pattern kicked off a bullish rally, briefly pushing its price up to $1.16. But now, the tables have turned. Cardano has painted a double-top at $1.152, a level it failed to break on both January 7 and January 17. The neckline for this pattern sits at $0.882—the low point from January 13.
Adding to the bearish vibes, the 100-day and 50-day moving averages are close to forming a bearish crossover, which isn’t exactly the kind of signal bulls want to see. ADA has also slipped below the psychological $1 mark, another worrying sign.
If the price keeps sliding, it could fall back to the neckline at $0.882, which is about 8.35% below its current value. Bulls will need to defend that level because if it breaks, ADA could tumble all the way to $0.762—marking a painful 20% decline. On the flip side, if ADA manages to climb above $1.036, this bearish forecast might be invalidated.
Long-Term Prospects Are Still Bright
Markets can be noisy, especially in the short term. While things look rough for Cardano right now, the long-term picture might tell a different story.
Take a look at the weekly chart, for instance. Cardano has formed a “break and retest” (B&R) pattern, pulling back to the critical support level of $0.807. Why does that matter? Because this was a major price point—it was the highest swing back in March of last year and also served as the neckline for a triple-bottom pattern around $0.246.
On top of that, ADA appears to be building a bullish pennant pattern. This setup features a tall flagpole followed by a consolidating triangle. As long as ADA stays above the $0.807 support, this pattern remains intact. If the price breaks above the resistance at $1.326, it could set the stage for a run back to its all-time high of $3.15.
What Could Drive Cardano Higher?
There are several potential catalysts that could help ADA recover and even thrive.
For starters, the broader crypto market could get a boost if Bitcoin starts to recover, as analysts expect it will. Historically, altcoins like ADA tend to perform well when Bitcoin is on the rise.
Beyond that, there are some promising developments in Cardano’s ecosystem. For example, the launch of the Midnight scaling solution later this year could improve the network’s efficiency. Plus, Cardano is integrating with BitcoinOS, a move that could expand its functionality.
And let’s not forget Charles Hoskinson, Cardano’s founder. He’s hinted at partnerships with other networks, including Terra Luna Classic and Chainlink. These kinds of collaborations could help Cardano grow into a more vibrant and competitive ecosystem.
While the short-term outlook for ADA may seem grim, the bigger picture still holds promise. Whether it’s Bitcoin’s recovery, new tech upgrades, or strategic partnerships, there are plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Cardano. That said, the next few weeks could be pivotal—so buckle up.