Cardano (ADA) has been making headlines—not for a price rally, but for a surprising surge in trading activity. Even as ADA’s price slipped, its trading volume soared past $1.2 billion, sparking questions and excitement across the crypto world. Let’s break down what’s happening with Cardano, why the volume is spiking, and what’s next for this blockchain giant.
#1
The crypto market recently took a nosedive, and Cardano was no exception. ADA’s price dropped nearly 4% in a single day, mirroring a broader market slump that saw major coins tumble and bullish bets wiped out. Over the past 24 hours, ADA hovered around $0.76, down from recent highs and reflecting a tough quarter overall
Quick Look: ADA Price Moves
Jan 17, 2025 $1.16 (high)
Jan 20, 2025 $0.985 (SMA 50)
May 24, 2025 $0.66–$0.76
Despite the drop, trading volume exploded—up 145% at one point, reaching $1.26 billion in just 24 hours. This kind of volume spike usually signals intense trader interest, whether from panic selling, bargain hunters, or both.
Cardano Price Action: A Rocky Ride

Quick Look: ADA Price Moves
Jan 17, 2025 $1.16 (high)
Jan 20, 2025 $0.985 (SMA 50)
May 24, 2025 $0.66–$0.76
Despite the drop, trading volume exploded—up 145% at one point, reaching $1.26 billion in just 24 hours. This kind of volume spike usually signals intense trader interest, whether from panic selling, bargain hunters, or both.
#2
- Market Sell-Off: The crypto market saw nearly $860 million in liquidations as traders rushed to exit positions, taking profits or cutting losses.
- Speculation & Volatility: High volatility often draws in day traders and speculators, boosting volume even as prices fall.
- Upcoming Upgrades: Anticipation around Cardano’s Plomin hard fork and governance changes has traders positioning for future moves
Why the Volume Surge?

- Speculation & Volatility: High volatility often draws in day traders and speculators, boosting volume even as prices fall.
- Upcoming Upgrades: Anticipation around Cardano’s Plomin hard fork and governance changes has traders positioning for future moves
#3
Cardano isn’t just about price swings. Under the hood, the network is evolving fast:
1. Plomin Hard Fork: Power to the People
Cardano activated the Plomin hard fork, shifting governance from a few core contributors to the entire community.
Now, ADA holders can vote directly on protocol changes, treasury spending, and more.
Seven new governance actions were introduced, including proposing constitutional changes and approving treasury withdrawals.
2. Ouroboros Leios: Scalability on the Horizon
The upcoming Ouroboros Leios upgrade promises to boost Cardano’s speed and scalability, targeting completion by 2026.
Cardano aims to become one of the fastest blockchains, challenging networks like Solana and Ethereum.
3. Midnight: Privacy for the Future
Cardano is launching a privacy-focused sidechain called Midnight, using zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced security and privacy in decentralized apps.
Cardano’s Big Upgrades: Decentralization & Speed

1. Plomin Hard Fork: Power to the People
Cardano activated the Plomin hard fork, shifting governance from a few core contributors to the entire community.
Now, ADA holders can vote directly on protocol changes, treasury spending, and more.
Seven new governance actions were introduced, including proposing constitutional changes and approving treasury withdrawals.
2. Ouroboros Leios: Scalability on the Horizon
The upcoming Ouroboros Leios upgrade promises to boost Cardano’s speed and scalability, targeting completion by 2026.
Cardano aims to become one of the fastest blockchains, challenging networks like Solana and Ethereum.
3. Midnight: Privacy for the Future
Cardano is launching a privacy-focused sidechain called Midnight, using zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced security and privacy in decentralized apps.
#4
Stablecoin Market Cap - $30.2 million +30%
Average Daily Transactions - 71,500 -28%
Average Transaction Fee (USD) - $0.29 +27%
Treasury Balance (ADA) - 1.7 billion ADA +5%
Treasury Value (USD) - $1.1 billion -19%
Source: Messari, CoinMarketCap
Cardano by the Numbers: Q1 2025

Average Daily Transactions - 71,500 -28%
Average Transaction Fee (USD) - $0.29 +27%
Treasury Balance (ADA) - 1.7 billion ADA +5%
Treasury Value (USD) - $1.1 billion -19%
Source: Messari, CoinMarketCap
#5
Community Governance: A New Era
Cardano’s shift to decentralized governance is a huge milestone. Now, 20% of all network fees go straight to the treasury, funding new projects and upgrades chosen by the community. Over 1,220 Delegated Representatives (DReps) are actively shaping Cardano’s future, making it one of the most democratic blockchains out there.
#6
Key Levels to Watch: If ADA holds above $0.75, bulls might regain control. A break below $0.69 could spell more downside.
Major Upgrades: The Plomin hard fork and Ouroboros Leios upgrades are expected to drive long-term growth and adoption.
What’s Next for ADA?
Price Predictions: Analysts see ADA potentially dropping to $0.60 if the market remains weak, but a bounce above $0.86 could set the stage for a move toward $1.01.Key Levels to Watch: If ADA holds above $0.75, bulls might regain control. A break below $0.69 could spell more downside.
Major Upgrades: The Plomin hard fork and Ouroboros Leios upgrades are expected to drive long-term growth and adoption.
#7
2. Cardano is now governed by its community, thanks to the Plomin hard fork.
3. Treasury is growing in ADA terms, but its USD value dipped due to price drops.
4. Upcoming upgrades (Ouroboros Leios and Midnight) could make Cardano faster and more private than ever.
Key Takeaways
1. ADA’s price dropped, but trading volume spiked to $1.2B—a sign of heavy market action.2. Cardano is now governed by its community, thanks to the Plomin hard fork.
3. Treasury is growing in ADA terms, but its USD value dipped due to price drops.
4. Upcoming upgrades (Ouroboros Leios and Midnight) could make Cardano faster and more private than ever.
#8
High volatility and market sell-offs often trigger a rush of buying and selling, boosting volume even as prices drop.
What is the Plomin hard fork?
It’s a major upgrade that hands governance power to ADA holders, allowing them to vote on key decisions and treasury spending.
What’s the outlook for ADA’s price?
If ADA can reclaim $1, it could target $1.16 and beyond. But if it falls below key support, it might dip toward $0.60.
Is Cardano’s treasury healthy?
Yes in ADA terms, but its dollar value fell as ADA’s price dropped. Still, it’s a strong fund for future development
FAQ Cardano
Why did Cardano’s trading volume surge while the price fell?High volatility and market sell-offs often trigger a rush of buying and selling, boosting volume even as prices drop.
What is the Plomin hard fork?
It’s a major upgrade that hands governance power to ADA holders, allowing them to vote on key decisions and treasury spending.
What’s the outlook for ADA’s price?
If ADA can reclaim $1, it could target $1.16 and beyond. But if it falls below key support, it might dip toward $0.60.
Is Cardano’s treasury healthy?
Yes in ADA terms, but its dollar value fell as ADA’s price dropped. Still, it’s a strong fund for future development