Should You Buy Cardano in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been closely monitoring the Cardano cryptocurrency for over three years. Every month, tens of thousands of users in New Zealand trust us to analyse market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, HelloSafe has never purchased Cardano nor received any compensation from entities associated with its ecosystem.

Cardano in brief

How much does 1 Cardano cost?

The price of Cardano is up this week. As of today, ADA trades at NZ$1.08, showing a 3.9% increase in the last 24 hours and a modest 0.4% gain over the past week.

Cardano’s market cap stands at NZ$39.05 billion, with an average daily trading volume of NZ$867 million over the past three months, holding the 10th spot among all cryptocurrencies.

There are currently 36.09 billion ADA in circulation, giving it a market dominance of about 0.98%.

Considering the dynamic crypto market in New Zealand, Cardano’s movements highlight both volatility and investment potential for local investors.

Our complete review of the Cardano cryptocurrency

Have we truly measured Cardano’s full potential, given the fundamental shifts in its technical, adoption and governance landscape over the past three years? After analysing the latest Cardano trends, incorporating on-chain metrics, technical signals, market data and competitive dynamics through our proprietary algorithms, a distinctive picture emerges for ADA’s positioning in the global Layer 1 blockchain ecosystem. So, why could Cardano become a strategic entry point again in 2025 for investors seeking exposure within next-generation smart contract platforms?

Performance and Market Context

Recent Price Evolution

Cardano (ADA) has demonstrated robust resilience in the face of crypto market volatility, trading at $0.6656 USD as of 7 June 2025, with a notable +44.1% rise year-on-year. While short-term technicals have flashed mixed signals, ADA’s performance in the last quarter aligns with sector trends, propelled by supportive infrastructure advances and institutional adoption. The intraday movement (+3.9%) and a positive 6-month trend (+4.9%) signal ongoing underlying demand despite episodic corrections.

Positive Recent Events

Several bullish developments merit attention. Integration with Brave Wallet unlocks Cardano for 86 million users worldwide, marking an inflection point for retail adoption. The strategic partnership with Franklin Templeton underpins growing institutional confidence in ADA, foreshadowing further capital inflows. Cardinal to its potential, the Midnight Protocol has gone live, addressing privacy and compliance—key demand drivers for institutional and enterprise users. Moreover, the full rollout of Voltaire decentralised governance primes Cardano for protocol adaptability and ecosystem consensus, strengthening its long-term value proposition.

Crypto Macro Tailwinds

Crypto markets display renewed optimism, with community sentiment at 86% bullish for Cardano. Institutional inflows, ETF prospects (notably, the anticipated Grayscale Cardano ETF pending SEC approval), and a global macro environment increasingly receptive to blockchain penetration support a constructive backdrop for Layer 1 platforms. In particular, the appetite for scalable, energy-efficient blockchains with distinct competitive moats positions ADA as a prime candidate for portfolio inclusion.

Technical Analysis

Key Crypto Indicators

• RSI: At 30.68, ADA’s RSI points to a neutral/slightly oversold state, suggesting downside may be limited and that accumulation zones could be forming.
• MACD: Recent bearish crossovers, yet the proximity to a support floor ($0.625 - $0.65) reduces capitulation risk; attention required for upcoming MACD turnarounds.
• Moving Averages: ADA currently trades below the primary moving averages (20, 50, 100, 200 days), unfolding a short-term bearish trend. However, historically, such periods have often preceded significant reversals in cryptos with strong fundamentals.

Solid Support and Reversal Signals

• Critical Support: $0.625 - $0.65 has consistently attracted buyers—evidenced by high trading volumes on dips and limited sell pressure below.
• Major Resistance: $0.72 - $0.74; a breach could activate a new momentum phase.
• Momentum & Structure: Despite trading under key MAs, the oversold RSI and price proximity to support favour risk-tolerant accumulation strategies. ADA’s volatility profile also offers pronounced swing and trend opportunities for active investors.

Short/Mid-Term Outlook

With support zone resilience, incremental adoption newsflow, and a technically neutral-to-bullish configuration, ADA appears primed for a potential recovery rally, especially if near-term catalysts (e.g., ETF approval or L2 scaling breakthroughs) materialise.

Fundamental Analysis

Growing Adoption and Strategic Partnerships

• User Base Expansion: Brave Wallet integration expands retail reach and ease of access.
• Institutional Partnerships: Franklin Templeton entry catalyses institutional trust, vital for scale and liquidity depth.
• Ecosystem Growth: Ongoing dApp launches, and the introduction of privacy protocols (Midnight) broaden Cardano’s use-case surface, while DeFi integration with RLUSD and cross-chain bridges radiate strength.
• Governance & Research: The Voltaire era signals one of the most advanced models for decentralised governance, underpinned by Cardano’s leading position in peer-reviewed blockchain research.

Attractive Relative Valuation

• Market Cap / FDV: At $24.02B market cap, ADA trades at moderate valuations versus historical highs and peers, suggesting an attractive entry point in context of roadmap execution.
• TVL: Total Value Locked, recently at $319M, has contracted but stabilises in line with risk-off trends sector-wide—nonetheless, anticipated upgrades and protocol improvements could energise capital inflows during the next expansion cycle.
• Staking Dynamics: 23 billion ADA staked underscores robust community conviction with APYs ranging from 2.55%–6%, adding yield-driven appeal for long-term holders.

Structural Edge

• Innovation: Cardano’s layered design (with planned Ouroboros Leios and Hydra enhancements) ensures scalability and security without centralisation trade-offs—an edge over less decentralised, less scientifically validated competitors.
• Community & Resilience: One of the largest, most active Layer 1 blockchain communities, fortifying network effects and defending relevance against aggressive contenders.

Volume and Liquidity

ADA’s average daily trading volume at $534M USD reflects:

• Solid Market Trust: Liquidity conditions are robust, supporting large position entries/exits without significant slippage.
• Dominance: Consistently ranked among top 10 cryptos by market cap, ADA’s volume and market depth further highlight its enduring mainstream and institutional appeal.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Upcoming Catalysts:

• ETF Approval: Grayscale’s pending ADA ETF could be a seminal event, unlocking new, regulated flows from wealth managers and retail investors alike.
• Protocol Upgrades: Ouroboros Leios (2026) and the rollout of Hydra (tested at 1M TPS) reinforce credibility in Cardano’s scaling roadmap, potentially rectifying past DeFi bottlenecks.
• DeFi/NFT Acceleration: Integration of RLUSD and cross-chain partnerships are expected to catalyse TVL and user activity ahead of the next crypto uptrend.
• Regulation and Institutional Adoption: Favourable regulatory tailwinds and marquee partnerships drive confidence for further institutional market entry.

Investment Strategies

Short-Term: Tactical Accumulation

• Buying Range: Engaging within or just above the $0.625–$0.65 support could optimise risk/reward, especially before a critical event such as ETF decision or software upgrade.
• Price Triggers: Technical breakouts above $0.74 may signal a momentum shift, offering entry points for traders.

Medium-Term: Trend and Upgrade Positioning

• Roadmap Alignment: Accumulation ahead of key technical upgrades (Ouroboros Leios/Hydra) and new use-case rollouts can catch inflection points.
• DeFi/NFT Expansion: Monitoring TVL and ecosystem developments provides guidance for scaling positions as new applications go live.

Long-Term: Stake and Hold

• Yield Enhancement: Participating in staking (2.5%–6% APY) compounds returns over time, while Cardano’s governance evolution and scientific credibility bolster its resilience and fundamental growth prospects.
• Strategic Allocation: As Cardano’s roadmap delivers on decentralisation, scalability, and real-world adoption, ADA could increasingly feature as a core Layer 1 holding in diversified portfolios.

Cardano Price Projections (2025–2029)

Is Now the Right Moment to Consider Cardano?

Cardano’s recent developments highlight the advantages of its methodical, research-driven approach, innovative scalability solutions, and robust governance, positioning it for success in an evolving blockchain landscape. While volatility and sector competition persist, the network’s strong fundamentals, high staking engagement, and powerful upcoming catalysts justify renewed interest—especially at current valuation levels, which seem to offer an excellent opportunity for strategic entry. With sustained growth in adoption, liquidity, and institutional involvement, Cardano could well be embarking on a new bullish phase.

Cardano remains a highly volatile cryptocurrency, delivering excellent opportunities for active investment, yet calling for disciplined risk management. The sharp recovery in price underscores Cardano’s capacity for swift, powerful moves—while the shifting macro context emphasises selective entry. Key technical levels to watch are $0.625 as immediate support and $0.74 as major resistance. The scheduled protocol upgrade in 2026 could act as a breakthrough catalyst for Cardano’s mid-term evolution. For those seeking next-generation blockchain exposure, the coming months may prove pivotal for Cardano’s role within a diversified crypto allocation.

How to buy Cardano?

It’s easy and secure to buy Cardano (ADA) online from New Zealand, especially when using a regulated platform. Kiwi investors typically access Cardano in two main ways: either by spot purchase—where you own the coins directly in your wallet—or by trading Cardano through crypto CFDs (contracts for difference), which let you speculate on its price without actually holding the coin. Each method has its own advantages and risks. For help choosing where to get started, you’ll find a platform comparison further down this page.

Spot Purchase

Buying Cardano “on the spot” means you acquire actual ADA coins and hold them in your digital wallet—giving you direct ownership. In New Zealand, reputable crypto exchanges will let you buy ADA with NZD. Typical costs include a fixed transaction commission (often around NZ$5 to NZ$10) per purchase.

Important example

Example: If Cardano’s price is $0.67 USD (about NZ$1.10), a NZ$1,000 investment—after accounting for around NZ$7 in fees—lets you buy roughly 902 ADA coins (NZ$993/NZ$1.10 ≈ 902).
✔️ Gain scenario: If ADA’s price rises by 10%, your holding grows in value to NZ$1,100.
Result: NZ$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment.

Trading via CFD

Trading Cardano via CFDs means you never actually own ADA—you’re speculating on its price through a broker. This method lets you use leverage, magnifying both gains and losses. Costs include the spread (difference between buy/sell prices) and daily “overnight” funding fees if you keep your position open.

Important example

Example: You trade a NZ$1,000 position on Cardano with 5x leverage. That means you control NZ$5,000 exposure to ADA.
✔️ Gain scenario: If ADA rises by 8%, your CFD position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: NZ$400 gain on your original NZ$1,000 (before fees).

Final Tips

Before you start, always compare the fees and trading conditions across different platforms—they can vary significantly. Whether you favour direct ownership or CFD trading depends on your investment goals and comfort with risk. For an in-depth comparison of Cardano platforms available in New Zealand, check our detailed comparison table below.

Our 7 tips for buying Cardano

The latest news about Cardano

Cardano saw a 3.9% price increase in 24 hours, highlighting strong short-term market momentum. Within the past week, ADA’s price closed at $0.6656, posting a modest 0.4% seven-day gain, while its annual performance remains robust at +44.1%. This recent uptick in pricing has been accompanied by a daily trading volume over $534 million, reflecting renewed trading activity and liquidity on major crypto exchanges accessible to New Zealand investors. While technical indicators remain mixed—ADA trades below its major moving averages and the MACD recently flagged a bearish crossover—the positive price action shows resilience and renewed investor attention.

The Brave Wallet integration now enables over 86 million users—including those in NZ—to access Cardano. This widely publicized integration potentially increases Cardano’s user base and transactional utility, as Brave is used by a tech-forward demographic, including many within the Asia-Pacific region. For New Zealanders, this move enhances the practical access to ADA for Web3 wallets and DeFi applications, increasing the ease of participation in the Cardano network without relying exclusively on centralized exchanges.

Institutional adoption was reinforced through a strategic partnership with Franklin Templeton, expanding Cardano’s legitimacy for New Zealand professional investors. Franklin Templeton is a globally recognized asset management firm with a presence in APAC, and its engagement signals rising institutional confidence in the Cardano ecosystem. This may drive greater inclusion of ADA in managed portfolios offered to New Zealand-based clients and could catalyze further interest from local funds or wealth managers seeking regulated exposure to digital assets.

Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem continues to expand, supported by the launch of the Midnight privacy protocol and roll-out of governance upgrades. The distribution of the Midnight “Glacier Drop” and the full implementation of the Voltaire decentralized governance phase have been highlighted as significant ecosystem milestones this week. These technical and governance achievements strengthen the long-term case for Cardano, particularly in jurisdictions like New Zealand where regulatory clarity and on-chain privacy are valued by both developers and investors seeking sustainable DeFi growth.

Cardano’s staking ecosystem remains robust, offering NZ users yield opportunities and strengthening network security. With approximately 23 billion ADA staked and staking rewards ranging from 2.55% to 3.75% APY across platforms accessible in New Zealand, the network continues to incentivize user participation. This financial incentive, combined with the security of a decentralized PoS protocol, reinforces ADA’s appeal for local investors looking for yield-generating crypto assets within self-custodial or regulated environments.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.