While major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have recently moved sideways, Cardano (ADA) is experiencing remarkable momentum. Institutional-scale investors—commonly referred to as whales—are acquiring the digital asset at an unprecedented rate. Since the U.S. presidential election in early November, ADA’s price has surged more than 150 percent. What’s driving this sudden shift in sentiment among major players, and can Cardano sustain its current rally?

Political Shift Fuels Market Optimism

The timing of this surge is significant. The crypto sector has experienced renewed optimism since Donald Trump’s election victory on November 5. Expectations of more favorable regulatory frameworks are driving prices upward, with Cardano appearing to benefit disproportionately.

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has indicated preliminary discussions with the incoming administration regarding crypto-friendly policies. For a blockchain like Cardano, which emphasizes scientific rigor and regulatory compliance, clearer legal guidelines could serve as a substantial growth catalyst.

Whales Deploy Billions in Capital

The data reveals a compelling story: cryptocurrency wallets holding over $10 million in ADA have increased their positions by a staggering 145.72 percent within a single month. These major holders now control Cardano tokens valued at approximately $12.11 billion.

This accumulation trend extends beyond the largest players. Mid-sized investors are also participating actively:

• Wallets holding between $100,000 and $1 million: Holdings up 105.66% (Total value: $4.36 billion)
• Wallets holding between $1 million and $10 million: Holdings up 82.97% (Total value: $3.9 billion)

The broad-based nature of this accumulation suggests fundamental confidence in the asset rather than isolated speculative bets by individual whales. Institutional investors appear to be strategically positioning for Cardano’s long-term potential.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Cardano?

Network Metrics Reach Multi-Month Highs

On-chain data confirms the substantial accumulation activity. Transaction volume soared to $52.26 billion—the highest level recorded since June 2024. Particularly noteworthy: large transaction volume exploded by 297 percent within just two weeks, peaking at $28.43 billion on November 16.

For the second consecutive period, whale transaction counts surpassed 8,900—another six-month record. This sustained high activity level indicates this may represent a structural shift in market behavior rather than short-term speculation.

Another significant development: Cardano is increasingly decoupling from the broader altcoin market and demonstrating relative strength against Bitcoin. The ADA/BTC pairing is approaching an eight-month peak. Historically, similar patterns in June 2024 preceded a 26 percent price surge in the Bitcoin pair.

Retail Investors Capitalize on Gains

While institutional players accumulate, retail investor behavior tells a different story. The total number of Cardano addresses has decreased by approximately 30,000 since November 5. Particularly, wallets containing less than $1 in ADA reduced their holdings by nearly 40 percent—a classic indication of profit-taking following substantial price appreciation.

This transfer of assets from weak to strong hands is often viewed in technical analysis as a healthy market development. Institutional investors establish long-term positions while short-term oriented traders exit their positions.

The critical question remains: Can Cardano maintain its current momentum? The combination of whale accumulation, heightened network activity, and favorable political conditions creates a supportive environment. The coming weeks will determine whether this newfound strength becomes established or whether profit-taking temporarily slows the rally.

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