Coin WorldFriday, Jul 18, 2025 7:26 pm ET

2min read

On July 18, the cryptocurrency market experienced a notable surge, with several major tokens showing significant price movements. Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL) were among the top performers, driven by strong project fundamentals and favorable market trends. Ethereum's price reached above $3,600, setting new targets at $4,000. This surge was influenced by the leadership of Vitalik Buterin, who emphasized the resilience of Ethereum's collective builder strength and continuous scaling efforts, including Layer 2 solutions and staking.

Ripple's price aimed for $4, contingent on surpassing $3.60, indicating strong trading activity. The robust gains in ADA and SOL, trading at significant levels, underscore their importance in the market. Industry awareness around these price points is high as these assets continue to attract attention. The market dynamics showed strategic movements particularly around key psychological price levels. Technical analyses and historical trends suggest further strong performance across these cryptocurrencies.

XRP reached a new all-time high with a price just above $3.6 after a 37% rally this week. This performance is particularly impressive given the token's history of volatility. Despite slowing down on its rapid upsurge, XRP is still trading at a decent price, showing a price correction over the last few hours. The token's market cap has also seen significant growth, positioning it well ahead of other major cryptocurrencies.

Cardano (ADA) and Solana (SOL) also showed strong performance. Ethereum broke key levels and could soon target $4,000 or higher. Cardano is nearing a breakout and may rally past the $1 mark. Solana followed a textbook breakout pattern, with a confirmed triangle breakout targeting $180–190. The token's price is currently holding above $174, with the $170 zone now serving as support. This surge is backed by on-chain strength, with over 14 million active daily addresses and strong inflows in recent weeks. Technical models, including Fibonacci confluence, point toward a potential rise to $180, possibly even $190–200 in the coming weeks.

Cardano, on the other hand, is consolidating within a symmetrical or ascending triangle between $0.59–0.76. After rallying approximately 39% in July, ADA trades around $0.72–0.76, close to its upper resistance. Technical indicators, such as the RSI around 68 and a bullish MACD, signal growing momentum. However, ADA hasn't broken the $0.75 mark decisively, and a breakout above this could retest $1.00+, with analysts eyeing targets up to $1.25–1.50. Conversely, a failure here risks a drop toward $0.55–0.60 support. For now, Cardano remains in a critical “watch-and-wait” phase.

Comparing the strengths and risks of Solana and Cardano, Solana's breakout is confirmed with triangle resistance cleared with volume, strong guidance from Fibonacci, and on-chain metrics all aligned. Momentum is clearly in its favor. Cardano, while technically set up, needs a breakout above $0.76 to validate its triangle formation, making it more conditional. Solana's risk lies in false breaks, but current support levels offer defined stop zones. ADA offers higher upside potential (40–100%) but comes with a greater risk of breakdown.

In conclusion, Solana leads the charge with a confirmed triangle breakout, targeting $180–190, making it an optimal play for aggressive, momentum-driven traders. Cardano, by contrast, remains in a setup phase, and its triangle breakout would offer attractive rewards, but confirmation above resistance is essential. For now, Solana forms the stronger triangle breakout, while Cardano remains the one to watch. Potential outcomes include increased institutional involvement and enhanced investor confidence. Historical patterns, coupled with existing market data, reinforce the probable continuity of current positive trends.