Cardano price prediction as retail sentiment flips bearish

  • Cardano price hovers near key support as optimistic crowd flips bearish.
  • Sentiment is at its lowest in five months, but ADA price is holding up.
  • The downswing could allow whales to come in and catalyse fresh gains.

Cardano (ADA) price has failed to break above the notable resistance level around $0.84 as analysts point to a shift in retail trader sentiment.

After surging alongside top altcoins to highs of $1.23 in December 2024, Cardano has found it hard to regain momentum, with short retail sentiment allowing bears to push ADA below $1 and to the $0.80 support level.

But what does a shift in sentiment mean for Cardano price?

ADA dips to key support amid retail sentiment slip

Cardano remains among the top 10 coins by market cap, but is currently down more than 6% in the past week amid a significant change in retail trader sentiment.

ADA enjoyed a bullish commentary ratio in August as the price rose to above $1, with this coming on the back of a sharp pullback earlier in the month.

Per analysts at on-chain metrics platform Santiment, the retail outlook has again swung bearish, with a bullish-to-bearish commentary ratio of 1.5:1, the most negative the crowd sentiment has been in five months.

Santiment’s data, which highlights social media activity and comments, suggests gains follow such dips in retail sentiment.

Notably, this bearish sentiment has been a catalyst for a 5% price rebound thus far, with ADA price eying a fresh breakout.

“Cardano has quietly seen its normally optimistic crowd start to turn bearish. After the lowest sentiment recorded in 5 months, $ADA’s price is +5%. Patient holders and dip buyers during this three-week downswing should root for this trend of bearish retailers to continue,” Santiment posted on X.

Bulls are thus trying to keep the $0.80 support level intact.

Cardano retail sentiment swings bearish: Source: Santiment on X

Cardano price prediction

The flip in retail sentiment has sparked optimism among analysts regarding Cardano’s price trajectory.

According to Santiment, hodlers and dip buyers may want to position further ahead of a potential price rally.

Historically, bearish retail sentiment has offered an ideal accumulation phase for whales, in this case, the outlook that could potentially drive ADA’s price upward.

“Prices typically move the opposite direction of the crowd’s expectations. When small traders sell off their bags out of impatience and frustration, it is generally the key stakeholders who accumulate and drive up prices again,” the analysts noted.

However, while short-term volatility is expected, Cardano may yet experience an extended pullback.

Broader market conditions and whale activity will provide signals, while traders may have to look at the technical picture.

As the market is largely weak amid September woes, ADA price could revisit support around $0.69 and $0.54.

On the upside, a breakout above $0.84 will allow buyers to aim for the psychological $1 level and $1.24. The all-time high is at $3.10.

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Ripple expands RLUSD stablecoin into Africa to power cross-border payments

  • Ripple has inked key collaborations to roll out its dollar-backed stablecoin across Africa.
  • Chipper Cash, Yellow Card, and VALR will integrate RLUSD to support trading and payments.
  • That signals increasing demand for regulated stablecoins in emerging markets.

Ripple has confirmed bringing its institutional-grade stablecoin, RLUSD, to Africa.

The blockchain company has collaborated with fintech platform Chipper Cash, payment provider Yellow Card, and Africa’s top crypto exchange VALR to expand Ripple USD access.

The move marks a notable milestone in the continent as remittances, access to the US dollar, and cross-border payments play a vital role in Africa’s financial landscape.

RLUSD has recorded impressive growth since its late 2024 launch, with a market cap above $700 million.

Its new expansion into Africa reflects Ripple’s dedication to making it central in financial models of growing economies.

Commenting on the move, Ripple’s Stablecoin SVP Jack McDonald said:

RLUSD has quickly become established in enterprise financial use cases, from payments to tokenization to collateral in both crypto and traditional trading markets. We’re seeing demand for RLUSD from our customers and other key institutional players globally, and are excited to now begin distribution in Africa through our local partners.

Fueling RLUSD adoption with strategic alliances

The African move comes weeks after Ripple joined forces with SBI Group to fuel RLUSD in Japan.

Once more, the blockchain company has tapped key players within the African tech space to expand stablecoin utility on the continent.

Chipper Cash, which offers fintech solutions to millions in Africa, will add RLUSD to streamline payments.

The company is already working with Ripple to streamline global transactions, and integrating RLUSD cements that collaboration.

Chipper Cash co-founder and CEO Ham Serunjogi promises to make the stablecoin available to its users “as soon as possible,” adding:

RLUSD is uniquely positioned to drive institutional use of blockchain technology across Africa and broader global markets, including through cross-border payments.

On the other hand, Yellow Card and VALR will broaden RLUSD’s access. The former has established itself as a lucrative payment network for users, even introducing gas-free transactions in July.

Yellow Card CEO Chris Maurice trusts the stablecoin integration will satisfy the rising demand for digital assets that support secure cross-border transactions and treasury management.

The CEO of crypto exchange VALR commented:

The listing of RLUSD reflects our broader strategy to support trusted stablecoin options that serve the evolving needs of both institutional and retail clients seeking a reliable digital dollar for a growing range of use cases.

RLUSD’s social impact

Furthermore, Ripple is navigating using the stablecoin for humanitarian activities.

For instance, Kenya’s Mercy Corps Ventures is leveraging RLUSD to pilot climate insurance programs.

The stablecoin can serve as insurance against drought, with funds held in escrow and released if data indicates famine risks.

Another pilot focuses on rainfall, promising timely support during life-threatening weather conditions.

Such projects show how stablecoins can offer real-world solutions in emerging communities.

Africa is only part of Ripple’s international expansion goals.

The stablecoin is already accessible through exchanges like Gemini, Kraken, Mercado Bitcoin, Bullish, and Bitstamp.

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Bitcoin could stabilize as dominance level drops; Check forecast

Key takeaways

  • BTC has been trading around $111k and could stabilize soon to allow altcoins to rally.
  • The Bitcoin dominance level has dropped to 55 amid growing altcoin demand.

BTC stagnates at $111k as altcoin demand grows

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market cap, has been trading around $111k over the past two days. This performance comes despite altcoins rallying higher, with Ether now approaching $4,500 after adding over 1% to its value.

However, Bitcoin’s stagnation comes with a decline in its dominance level. Bitcoin dominance has declined from its 62% peak to 55%, an indication that investors could be shifting funds from Bitcoin to altcoins.

Bitcoin dominance measures Bitcoin’s market capitalization as a percentage of the total cryptocurrency market cap. This metric helps investors determine if Bitcoin is favored at a particular period or if altcoins are the preferred investments.

In an email to Coinjournal, Sergei Gorev, Head of Risk, YouHodler, stated that historically, the dynamics of the BTC price have usually caught up with the dynamics of M2 growth. Gorev added that,

Perhaps this divergence is caused by the local summer vacation period, and, with the beginning of the autumn business season, the price of BTC may straighten again. In our opinion, the strengthening of the position of second-tier coins is quite long-term. Firstly, this is due to the market redistribution of profits of early investors in BTC, and secondly, in the future, the creation of crypto reserves may occur in the most liquid crypto projects, which can attract a wide range of corporate investors willing to invest billions of dollars. We think the next interesting market ideas could be SOL and XRP.

BTC still targets $113k despite declining dominance level

The BTC/USD 4-hour chart has seen an improvement compared to the bearish price action in August. The technical indicators have started switching positive, with the RSI of 59 showing that sellers are no longer in control.

BTC/USD 4H Chart

If the recovery continues, BTC could look to overcome the 4-hour resistance level and TLQ at $113,487. A breakout above this level would enable BTC to reclaim the $117k resistance with ease.

However, with the market still jittery, BTC could face a downward correction and drop to the Monday low of $107,250.

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Crypto update: Why Bitcoin is stalling while Ethereum eyes a breakout

  • A major split is emerging between Bitcoin and Ethereum in the market.
  • Bitcoin is acting as a macro hedge, holding steady around $112,000.
  • Traders are actively positioning for upside in Ethereum, eyeing $5,000.

A profound and telling split has fractured the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin, the long-reigning king, has settled into a stoic holding pattern, a defensive fortress against the gathering storms of macroeconomic uncertainty.

But the real action, the aggressive positioning for explosive growth, is happening in a different court.

A great rotation is underway, and traders are increasingly placing their bets on a new champion to lead the charge into September: Ethereum.

The fortress: Bitcoin as a macro hedge

Bitcoin is currently stuck in consolidation, trading near $112,000. But its lack of upward momentum is, paradoxically, part of its emerging narrative.

It is increasingly being treated not as a speculative growth asset, but as a steady macro hedge, a digital counterpart to gold.

This view is being driven by the deep uncertainty emanating from Washington.

In a recent note, QCP Capital wrote that persistent doubts about the Federal Reserve’s independence are keeping risk premiums elevated, a dynamic that weakens the dollar and directly supports hedges like Bitcoin and gold.

The options market tells a similar story of defense.

Flowdesk reported muted implied volatility in Bitcoin, suggesting traders are positioning for stability, not a breakout.

The skew remains negative, meaning puts are expensive—a clear sign that the market is paying a premium for downside protection.

The spearhead: Ethereum as the engine of ascent

While Bitcoin holds the defensive line, Ethereum is being positioned as the market’s spearhead. This is where traders see the real potential for a September breakout.

The data is clear: ETH risk reversals have recovered sharply from their recent selloff, indicating a renewed and aggressive demand for upside exposure.

Prediction markets are validating this theme with real-money bets. Polymarket sentiment shows traders expect Bitcoin to remain capped near $120,000, while giving Ethereum a strong chance of breaking the coveted $5,000 mark.

This view is consistent with its powerful 20 percent rally over the past month and the surging institutional interest being funneled through ETF inflows.

The widening rebellion

This rotation is not just a two-horse race. The renewed appetite for risk is broadening, with capital flowing into a wider array of altcoins. Solana (SOL) options have seen a surge in activity, with flows heavily skewed to the upside.

At the same time, spot activity has rotated into so-called “ETH beta” names like AAVE and AERO, as well as “SOL betas” like RAY and DRIFT.

This is a crucial sign that market breadth is improving, as conviction spreads beyond the majors.

The market is sending a clear, if complex, signal. The macro chaos is reinforcing Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation and institutional decay.

But the momentum, the capital flows, and the speculative energy are all gathering in the court of its challenger.

The stage is set for a fascinating and potentially volatile September, where the fortress and the spearhead will finally have their mettle tested.

Market updates:

BTC: Bitcoin remains in a consolidation phase around the $110,000–$112,000 range, marked by waning short‑term volatility.

ETH: ETH is trading near $4,400. Its rally is being fuelled by surging institutional interest, especially via ETF inflows, and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Fusaka network upgrade.

Gold: Gold is trading around record highs, propelled by expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate cut (markets now price in about a 92% chance), weakening confidence in Fed independence, and increased demand from conviction buyers like ETFs and central banks.

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Polymarket secures regulatory clearance to relaunch in the US

  • Polymarket wins CFTC no-action letter, clearing path to relaunch in US markets.
  • DOJ and CFTC probes closed, removing key hurdles for Polymarket’s US return.
  • Polymarket to rival Kalshi as a regulated US prediction market exchange.

Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction market platform, has gained the necessary regulatory approvals to begin operations in the United States.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued a no-action letter, clearing the way for the exchange to move forward after years of regulatory hurdles and investigations.

CFTC grants key approval

The CFTC’s no-action letter, announced Wednesday, allows Polymarket to avoid swaps data reporting and record-keeping obligations.

Such exemptions are standard practice for prediction markets, where contracts are based on event outcomes ranging from economic indicators and election results to sporting events.

Without the letter, compliance costs tied to transaction reporting could have been significant, potentially undermining Polymarket’s ability to operate profitably in the US.

“The green light to go live in the USA,” Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan wrote on X following the announcement.

The exchange has been steadily moving toward reentry into the US market, having acquired QCX earlier this year.

QCX had previously secured CFTC approval for its exchange application in July, setting the stage for Polymarket to expand under a regulated framework.

Background of investigations

Polymarket’s US ambitions had been delayed following regulatory scrutiny dating back to 2022.

That year, the platform faced a consent decree with the CFTC, which limited its ability to serve American users.

Questions later arose over whether Polymarket continued to allow US-based traders onto its platform despite these restrictions, prompting investigations from both the CFTC and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Both agencies have since closed their probes, removing a significant overhang on Polymarket’s operations.

The latest regulatory clearance, coupled with the earlier acquisition of QCX, marks a turning point for the company as it repositions itself in the US market.

Competitive landscape

By reestablishing its presence in the US, Polymarket joins a growing list of CFTC-regulated exchanges vying for market share in the prediction market space.

Its competitors include Kalshi, which already operates legally in the US, and broader crypto platforms such as Crypto.com, which have signaled interest in event-based contracts.

The prediction market model has drawn attention in recent years as investors, traders, and the general public look for innovative ways to speculate on real-world outcomes.

With regulatory clarity now in place, Polymarket is positioned to attract both institutional and retail interest, provided it can scale its offerings while staying compliant with US oversight.

For Polymarket, the latest approval represents more than just a regulatory milestone.

It signals a chance to compete head-to-head with incumbents and reestablish itself as a leading name in the event contracts industry, now under the full supervision of US regulators.

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