Investors Double Down on ADA Despite SEC’s Grayscale ETF Delay—Here’s Why

SEC stalls—ADA bulls charge ahead anyway.

Ignoring Regulatory Headwinds

While the SEC hits pause on Grayscale’s Cardano ETF, investors aren’t just holding—they’re loading up. No official numbers? Doesn’t matter. The crowd’s voting with their wallets, betting big on ADA’s tech over the paperwork paralysis of traditional finance. Classic crypto move: bypass the gatekeepers.

Market Momentum vs. Red Tape

Delays might spook Wall Street, but crypto natives just shrug. They’ve seen this before—regulatory sluggishness versus blockchain’s breakneck pace. ADA’s community isn’t waiting for permission; they’re building, staking, and accumulating. Because why let a slow-moving regulator dictate the timeline of a fast-moving asset?

Finance’s Loss, Crypto’s Gain

Here’s the cynical jab: traditional finance spends months debating filings while decentralized networks clock gains. The SEC’s hesitation isn’t killing momentum—it’s highlighting how obsolete centralized approval processes have become. ADA’s backers know: innovation doesn’t wait for a rubber stamp.

SEC Delay Creates Regulatory Overhang

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it would extend its review of Grayscale’s proposed spot Cardano ETF until October 26, 2025. The delay followed a similar pattern the SEC has taken with other crypto-based exchange-traded fund applications, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Regulators cited the need for additional time to evaluate investor protection measures, liquidity risks, and market manipulation concerns before issuing a final decision.

For many market participants, the announcement was expected. ETF approvals in the United States have often been delayed for months, and Grayscale’s cardano filing was no exception. While the delay has added regulatory uncertainty, investors appeared unfazed, focusing instead on ADA’s price resilience and broader market momentum.

ADA’s Short-Term Price Action

In the past 24 hours, ADA’s price fluctuated within a $0.04 range, from a low of $0.83 to a high of $0.88. The most notable surge occurred when ADA jumped from $0.84 to $0.88, coinciding with a spike in trading volumes that more than doubled the 24-hour average. Following this breakout, ADA stabilized in a narrow consolidation zone, with resistance NEAR $0.88 and support around $0.85.

Analysts noted that ADA’s stabilization at $0.86 suggests potential institutional accumulation. This steady price action amid higher trading volumes may indicate that larger market participants are positioning themselves ahead of a possible breakout, particularly as investors weigh the implications of a September rate cut and altcoin rotation.

Broader Market Context

The crypto market’s performance this week has largely tracked macroeconomic signals. Powell’s comments from Jackson Hole emphasized that while inflation remains a concern, the Federal Reserve is prepared to adjust interest rates if economic conditions weaken further. This was interpreted as a positive for risk assets, leading to a rally in bitcoin and altcoins before Monday’s correction.

Historically, lower interest rates have increased liquidity in financial markets, encouraging greater risk-taking in assets like cryptocurrencies. As a result, anticipation of policy easing in September has already shifted market sentiment back into bullish territory. Cardano, along with ethereum and Solana, has benefited from this improved outlook, with traders buying into dips rather than exiting positions.

Comparing Current Trends With Past Cycles

Cardano’s current price trajectory shows similarities to its historical patterns. Analyst “Crypto Bullet” pointed out that ADA’s recent movements resemble its consolidation phases in previous bull cycles. During the 2020–2021 rally, ADA formed a double bottom pattern before breaking into a strong upward trend.

If history repeats, ADA could potentially MOVE toward the $1.70–$2.10 range in the coming months. This projection, however, comes with caveats. Analysts warn that ADA remains closely correlated with Bitcoin’s performance. Should Bitcoin experience another retracement, ADA could retest support at $0.80 before resuming its upward momentum.

Investor Sentiment and ETF Implications

While the SEC’s delayed decision on Grayscale’s ADA ETF has created short-term uncertainty, investors appear more focused on market structure and upcoming catalysts. Approval of a spot ETF WOULD represent a milestone for Cardano, potentially attracting significant institutional capital and broadening its accessibility to traditional investors. Even without immediate approval, the filing has generated greater visibility for Cardano within mainstream financial circles.

Traders have also highlighted the ongoing capital rotation from Bitcoin to altcoins during market consolidation phases. This rotation is seen as a natural progression in crypto cycles, where early Bitcoin gains are reinvested into altcoins with higher risk-reward potential. ADA, as a top 10 cryptocurrency with an active ecosystem, has been a clear beneficiary of this trend.

Outlook for the Coming Weeks

The coming weeks will test whether ADA can maintain its support levels and continue building momentum. If the token holds above $0.85 and breaks past $0.88 resistance, analysts see room for a rally toward the $1 mark. Sustained momentum and institutional inflows could then fuel a broader push into the $1.70–$2.10 range projected by some technical models.

On the other hand, any major setbacks in Bitcoin or negative macroeconomic developments could pressure ADA, with $0.80 as a key downside level to watch. Regardless, investor confidence remains relatively strong, suggesting that dips may be treated as buying opportunities rather than signs of weakness.

Conclusion

Cardano’s ADA has demonstrated resilience in the face of regulatory delays and broader market volatility. While the SEC’s decision on Grayscale’s ETF is postponed until October, investors are prioritizing near-term momentum, macroeconomic catalysts, and historical price patterns that favor potential gains. With increased trading volumes, institutional interest, and Optimism surrounding rate cuts, ADA remains one of the altcoins to watch as the market enters the final quarter of 2025.