Cardano (ADA) has been a prominent player in the cryptocurrency market for years, consistently ranking among the top digital assets by market capitalization. However, despite its popularity, ADA’s performance has raised concerns among investors about its long-term prospects. Some have even gone as far as labeling it a “zombie crypto.”

While ADA made headlines for being included in US President Donald Trump’s initial proposal for a national crypto stockpile, its price action and onchain activity paint a different picture. Recent findings suggest that the Cardano network lags behind in decentralized finance (DeFi) adoption, with only a fraction of the total value locked (TVL) compared to other blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. This has made it challenging for Cardano to attract liquidity and stablecoin activity.

Although some argue that Cardano’s DeFi sector is still in its early stages, other newer blockchains have surpassed it in terms of user engagement and trading volume. This raises the question of whether upcoming developments can reverse the trend.

However, there is still hope for ADA’s future. With key catalysts on the horizon, such as a potential ADA exchange-traded fund (ETF) and its emerging role in Bitcoin’s DeFi ecosystem, 2025 could be a pivotal year for the cryptocurrency. But will these developments be enough to turn the tide?

To uncover the full story and explore the current state of Cardano’s native token, check out the latest video on the Cointelegraph YouTube channel. This in-depth analysis delves into the challenges and potential opportunities for ADA, providing valuable insights for investors and enthusiasts alike.

Don’t miss out on the discussion and subscribe to the Cointelegraph YouTube channel now. Stay informed and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency.