ADA (Cardano) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I buy ADA now?

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of ADA’s historical prices and market fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to evaluate the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ADA coins. It also addresses the key question, “Should I buy ADA now?” to help both beginners and long-term investors grasp timing and growth opportunities.

Beginning of Bull Market and Early Market Cycles: Historical Price Review (2017 to 2018)

ADA is the native currency of the Cardano protocol. According to CoinMarketCap, its early trading price was approximately $0.50.

Below are ADA’s price changes during the initial market phase:

2017

• Opening Price: $0.50
• Closing Price: $1.35
• Highest Price: $1.35
• Lowest Price: $0.50
• Annual Return: 170.0%

2018

• Opening Price: $2.65
• Closing Price: $0.0484
• Highest Price: $2.65
• Lowest Price: $0.0288
• Annual Return: -98.17%

An investor who bought 10 ADA during the early bull market in 2017 would face a potential loss of -$1.545 if sold today.

Bear Market Adjustment and Mid-term Market Cycle: Return and Risk Analysis (2019 to 2022)

During this period, ADA’s price experienced sustained volatility, with a slight decline in 2019, a strong rebound in 2020-2021, and a significant correction again in 2022.

Potential returns for purchasing 10 ADA in each year are as follows:

• 2019: $3.06
• 2020: $3.08
• 2021: $0.438
• 2022: -$8.245

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy ADA Now? (2023 to Present)

In recent years, ADA has experienced alternating cycles of rebound and correction. A recovery rally occurred in 2023, continuing into 2024, but by 2025 so far, a noticeable pullback has taken place.

2023

• Opening Price: $0.29749
• Closing Price: $0.5939
• Highest Price: $0.595
• Lowest Price: $0.24272
• Annual Return: 99.64%

2024

• Opening Price: $0.4944
• Closing Price: $1.09
• Highest Price: $1.19
• Lowest Price: $0.3275
• Annual Return: 120.65%

2025 to date

• Opening Price: $0.9672
• Highest Price: $1.13
• Lowest Price: $0.3455
• Annual Return: -64.28%

Potential returns for an investor purchasing 10 ADA during this period are:

• 2023: $0.4801
• 2024: -$1.489
• 2025 to date: -$6.217

Conclusion: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

By analyzing ADA’s historical prices and potential returns, we observe that its market performance exhibits cyclical characteristics, transitioning from early rapid growth to sharp declines, followed by slow recovery. The negative return so far in 2025 indicates market adjustment pressures. Investors should carefully evaluate risks when considering buying ADA and make decisions based on their investment strategies and risk tolerance.