Cardano Price Prediction: First Golden Cross of 2026 Appears – Is Smart Money Already Buying the Move?

Cardano has kick-started the new year with a golden cross, and smart money appears to be betting on it as a bullish signal for Cardano price predictions.

Short-term price action now outperforms the mid-term trend, with the 9-day moving average overtaking the 21-day moving average – a potential reversal signal for the altcoin.

While an early December golden cross proved to be short-lived, the hope is that this one may kick-start the next bull run, particularly with potential smart money positioning.

The golden cross formation came amid a spike in 24-hour trading volume, up 31.35% to $614.85 million. Such a significant spike often suggests movement from large holders.

Smart money may be to credit for the new year’s upside, and when smart money makes moves, retail traders often soon follow.

Cardano Price Prediction: Next Bull Run Underway?

Momentum indicators add weight to the argument that this golden cross may prove more than short-term volatility, returning to bull market levels.

The RSI has made a decisive cross above the 50 neutral line, at levels unseen since September at 57, before geopolitical uncertainty plunged the market into extreme fear conditions.

The MACD reads much the same with a wide lead above the signal line, suggesting bulls are back in control of the prevailing trend.

This bullish backdrop affirms the lower boundary of a year-long descending channel as a launchpad yet again, and with it, a breakout push may be underway.

The key breakout threshold sits along a historically divisive level at $0.70. Confirming this level as support could open up a 225% breakout push towards current cycle highs around $1.35.

And if 2026 delivers another bull run, fresh liquidity could push Cardano to reclaim previous cycle highs around $2, a 635% gain.

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