[Digital Today reporter Yeseul Kim (김예슬)] Cardano is holding at a long-term support level around $0.25, but whether it shifts into an uptrend depends on bitcoin breaking above its 55-week exponential moving average near $86,000, an analysis showed.

The Crypto Basic, a blockchain outlet, reported on Monday that market analyst Drini diagnosed that Cardano and the broader altcoin market remain strongly linked to bitcoin.

Over the past 30 days, bitcoin has risen 20 percent while Cardano has gained 6 percent. Drini viewed that Cardano has historically followed bitcoin's moves, but with a time lag in its response. That means even if bitcoin shows a recovery trend, Cardano may not immediately move in the same direction.

The key turning point is the $86,000 range, where bitcoin's 55-week exponential moving average sits. If bitcoin reclaims this zone, it can be interpreted as a signal that buyers have seized control, and the likelihood of a broader altcoin rebound also increases. Drini assessed that investors who believe bitcoin has already bottomed may want to watch Cardano.

If bitcoin fails to clear $86,000 and slides again, Cardano could continue moving sideways or retest lower price levels. Cardano has been trading near $0.25 for weeks in a range-bound pattern. The outlet also reported an interpretation that buying has flowed in multiple times near the prior cycle low, suggesting the market is recognizing the area as a structural bottom for the time being.

Still, Cardano is trading below its 50-week exponential moving average of $0.44 and its 100-week exponential moving average of $0.52. Those levels previously acted as support in past bull markets, and regaining them could restore upside momentum. Based on Fibonacci retracement, the current price is near $0.23, the 0 percent zone.

If a rebound begins, the nearest level to watch is $0.42, the 23.6 percent level. That is about 68 percent above the current price of $0.25. Chartwise, it also leaves room up to around $4, the 127 percent Fibonacci level, but that scenario is possible only if bitcoin first moves above the key zone.

Internal disputes within the Cardano ecosystem also remain a variable. The latest controversy centers on treasury spending and IOG's request for budget funds. The outlet said key stakeholders, including Charles Hoskinson and IAG's CEO Navjit Dhaliwal, are involved in the process.