The cryptocurrency market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with major movements across key assets like Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP). In this comprehensive recap, we break down the latest developments shaping investor sentiment, on-chain activity, and price trajectories for these digital assets. From regulatory delays to whale accumulation and bullish technical forecasts, here’s what you need to know as of late May 2025.
SEC Delays Decision on Grayscale’s Spot ADA ETF
One of the most anticipated events in the Cardano ecosystem was the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) initial deadline for Grayscale’s spot ADA exchange-traded fund (ETF). Originally set for May 29, 2025, the SEC has officially postponed its decision until July 15, with a final ruling now expected by October 22.
This delay is not uncommon in the ETF approval process, especially given the SEC’s cautious approach toward new crypto-based financial products. While the postponement may have contributed to a 7% drop in ADA’s price over the past day, broader market conditions also played a role in the temporary downturn.
Despite the setback, optimism remains strong within the community. Historically, ETF delays do not necessarily equate to rejections—Grayscale’s spot Bitcoin ETF, for example, faced multiple extensions before eventual approval. Investors are watching closely to see if ADA will follow a similar path.
👉 Discover how ETF developments could reshape crypto investing in 2025.
Whale Accumulation Signals Confidence in ADA
While short-term price action shows hesitation, on-chain data reveals a powerful bullish signal: whales purchased over 180 million ADA last week. This level of accumulation suggests that large holders remain confident in Cardano’s long-term potential despite regulatory uncertainty.
Such buying pressure often precedes significant price movements. When whales accumulate during consolidation or dip periods, it typically indicates anticipation of future growth—especially when combined with strong fundamentals.
Additionally, recent technological advancements have strengthened Cardano’s ecosystem. Input Output Global (IOG), the core development team behind Cardano, recently announced that Bitcoin Ordinals can now be wrapped and bridged to Cardano using Fairgate’s BitVMX framework.
“This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling seamless interaction between two of the most prominent blockchain ecosystems.”
This interoperability innovation opens new doors for DeFi use cases, allowing Bitcoin’s growing Ordinals and BRC-20 assets to interact with Cardano’s scalable and energy-efficient ledger. It positions Cardano as a serious contender in cross-chain innovation—a factor that could attract both developers and institutional interest.
Ethereum Eyes $3,000 Amid Strong Monthly Gains
Ethereum (ETH) continues to demonstrate resilience and strength, posting a 45% gain over the past month. As of this update, ETH is trading just above $2,600, according to CoinGecko data, despite a minor pullback in the last 24 hours.
Market analysts remain optimistic about Ethereum’s near-term trajectory. Prominent traders like Daan Trades and Michael van de Poppe have shared bullish outlooks, citing key technical levels and macroeconomic catalysts.
Daan Trades identified **$2,800 as a major resistance zone**, noting that breaking through this level quickly could be challenging. However, Michael van de Poppe expressed greater confidence when ETH crossed $2,700:
“Ethereum above $2,700 is a great sign. I think we’ll see $3,000+ in June.”
These predictions align with broader market trends, including increasing demand for ETH staking, growing Layer-2 adoption, and expectations around upcoming network upgrades aimed at improving scalability and reducing fees.
With Ethereum maintaining its position as the backbone of DeFi and NFTs, continued ecosystem growth supports the case for higher prices. A move toward $3,000 would represent a new psychological milestone and could trigger further institutional inflows.
👉 Explore how Ethereum's upgrade roadmap might accelerate its next bull run.
XRP Surges 322% But Faces Profit-Taking Pressure
Ripple’s XRP has delivered one of the most impressive performances over the past year, surging 322% and currently trading around $2.20**. However, after hitting an intra-week high near $2.30, the asset pulled back by approximately 10%** over the past seven days.
While the annual return is undeniably strong, on-chain analytics firm Santiment has issued a cautionary note. Their data shows that 98% of XRP’s circulating supply is now in profit, far surpassing other major cryptocurrencies:
- ADA: 71%
- ETH: 71.5%
- DOGE: 77.9%
- LINK: 80.5%
Such widespread profitability increases the likelihood of profit-taking, which could lead to short-term volatility or a market correction. When most holders are in the green, even small waves of selling can trigger cascading effects—especially in less liquid altcoin markets.
Santiment’s warning echoes Warren Buffett’s timeless investment principle: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” For long-term investors, this moment may present either a prudent exit point or a strategic entry opportunity during any resulting dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the SEC delay its decision on Grayscale’s ADA ETF?
A: The SEC often extends review periods for complex financial products like crypto ETFs to conduct thorough evaluations. The delay until July 15 allows more time for risk assessment and market impact analysis—it does not imply rejection.
Q: Is Ethereum likely to reach $3,000 in June 2025?
A: Multiple analysts believe so, citing technical momentum and ecosystem strength. Reaching $3,000 depends on sustained buying pressure and broader market stability, particularly around macroeconomic indicators.
Q: What does high supply-in-profit mean for XRP?
A: With 98% of XRP supply in profit, many holders may choose to sell and lock in gains. This increases the risk of short-term pullbacks, even if the long-term fundamentals remain intact.
Q: How does Bitcoin Ordinals integration benefit Cardano?
A: It enables cross-chain functionality, bringing Bitcoin’s unique digital assets (like Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens) into Cardano’s ecosystem. This enhances DeFi opportunities and expands user engagement across blockchains.
Q: Should I buy ADA during the ETF delay?
A: Investment decisions should consider risk tolerance and time horizon. The delay is temporary, while whale accumulation and tech developments suggest underlying strength. Always conduct independent research before investing.
Q: What factors drive ETH’s price increase?
A: Key drivers include rising staking participation, Layer-2 expansion, institutional demand, and expectations of future upgrades improving scalability and efficiency.
👉 Stay ahead of market trends with real-time data and insights from leading blockchain platforms.
Final Thoughts
The current crypto landscape reflects a mix of regulatory caution and technological progress. While the SEC’s delay on Grayscale’s ADA ETF introduces short-term uncertainty, underlying metrics—such as whale accumulation and cross-chain innovation—paint a positive picture for Cardano.
Ethereum remains on a strong upward trajectory, with growing momentum pushing it closer to the coveted $3,000 mark. Meanwhile, XRP’s remarkable 322% yearly gain highlights its resurgence, though investors should remain cautious due to elevated profit-taking risks.
As always, navigating these markets requires a balance of technical analysis, on-chain intelligence, and macro awareness. Whether you're tracking ADA's ETF journey, ETH's climb toward new highs, or XRP's profit cycle dynamics, staying informed is key to making strategic decisions in 2025 and beyond.