Chang Hard Fork: What to Expect

The Chang hard fork, a major update for the Cardano blockchain, is slated to go live on the mainnet next week, barring any unforeseen delays. This upgrade is set to enhance Cardano’s scalability and governance, promising to improve both the network’s performance and the way ADA holders participate in its future development.

The Chang hard fork introduces significant changes through the Cardano Improvement Proposal (CIP) 1694. This proposal aims to grant ADA holders a more democratic role in shaping the blockchain’s future, enhancing its scalability and efficiency. The hard fork is expected to improve the network’s throughput and overall functionality, making it more robust and user-friendly.

Key Thresholds for Chang’s Implementation

For the Chang hard fork to proceed smoothly, certain thresholds must be met. Initially, at least 70% of Cardano nodes need to be updated to version v9.1.0. Additionally, 80% of exchange liquidity must be prepared to handle transactions effectively. Recently, Cardano achieved the first milestone by reaching the node readiness threshold.

However, exchange readiness remains a work in progress. As of the latest data, 34.8% of exchange liquidity supports the Chang hard fork. Twenty-one exchanges have confirmed their readiness, while nineteen, including Binance, are still in the process of upgrading. Moreover, seventeen exchanges, including Bybit—responsible for 5.42% of exchange liquidity—have yet to make significant progress.

ADA Price Movement and Market Sentiment

The anticipation surrounding the Chang hard fork has already started to influence ADA’s price. Following a period of displacement from the top-10 cryptocurrency rankings by market capitalization, Cardano has experienced a resurgence in optimism. This renewed interest has been bolstered by the upcoming upgrade and the positive sentiment it has generated among investors.

Cardano’s market position has been volatile recently. Earlier this week, Cardano was overtaken by Tron (TRX) in market capitalization, marking the second time in five months that ADA has been surpassed—previously by Toncoin (TON) in May. Despite these fluctuations, the Chang hard fork has reignited investor enthusiasm, contributing to a modest price increase.

Technical Analysis: What the Charts Say

A closer look at ADA’s technical indicators reveals a shift in market momentum. The 4-hour chart shows that the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator is signaling bullish trends. On August 19, the MACD line crossed above the Signal line, indicating that buying momentum is strengthening.

This technical analysis suggests that ADA could see further gains as the Chang hard fork approaches. The positive market sentiment and technical indicators are aligning, potentially setting the stage for additional price movements.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cardano?

As Cardano prepares for the Chang hard fork, the focus is on whether this upgrade will deliver on its promises and drive further growth for the blockchain. The hard fork’s success will depend on the network’s ability to meet the required thresholds and the readiness of exchanges to support the changes.

If the Chang hard fork proceeds as planned, it could enhance Cardano’s scalability and governance, positioning it for future growth and potentially improving its standing in the cryptocurrency market. The upgrade may also attract renewed interest from investors and users, contributing to ADA’s price performance.

Overall, the Chang hard fork represents a significant milestone for Cardano, with the potential to impact both its technological capabilities and market position. As the blockchain community eagerly anticipates the upgrade, all eyes will be on Cardano to see how it navigates this critical juncture and what it means for ADA’s future.

Conclusion

Cardano’s upcoming Chang hard fork is a highly anticipated event that is already making waves in the cryptocurrency market. With the hard fork set to enhance the blockchain’s scalability and governance, ADA’s price is showing signs of improvement as investors prepare for the upgrade. The success of the Chang hard fork will be crucial in determining Cardano’s future trajectory and its ability to compete in the evolving blockchain landscape.