Chainlink Price Jumps 12% After SEC Approves Bitwise Spot ETF

Summary:
  • Chainlink price trades above $13 after gaining around 12% over the past week, supported by a rebound from the $12 level and improving market sentiment.
  • The rally follows U.S. SEC approval of Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF, increasing institutional visibility and access to LINK.
  • Technical structure points to upside targets at $18 and $20, provided bulls continue to defend the $12 support zone.

Chainlink price is trading above $13 after gaining 12% over the past week, making it one of the strongest-performing large-cap altcoins in recent sessions. The rally follows confirmation that the U.S. SEC has approved Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF, a development that places LINK among a small group of cryptocurrencies with regulated investment products in U.S. markets.

At the same time, broader market conditions remain supportive. Bitcoin is hovering near $92,000, while Ethereum is trading above $3,200, helping improve risk sentiment across the crypto market. Against that backdrop, Chainlink has emerged as a notable outperformer, with renewed investor interest spilling over into select altcoins.

Market participants are now watching whether ETF-related inflows could extend the current recovery phase, particularly as institutional access to Chainlink becomes more straightforward.

LINK Price Poised for Gains as Bitwise ETF Gets SEC Approval

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, marking Chainlink’s first entry into U.S. equity markets through a regulated investment vehicle.

The ETF provides investors with exposure to Chainlink’s price performance without the need to directly hold LINK tokens. Bitwise has confirmed that the fund will launch this week and will carry a 0% management fee for the first three months, a structure designed to attract early participation.

The product is managed by Bitwise Investment Advisers and was registered under an S-1 filing dated January 5, 2026. The approval is expected to increase institutional visibility and accessibility for Chainlink, reinforcing its position within the broader crypto ecosystem as adoption expands.

Chainlink Chart Analysis: LINK Holds Above $12 as Recovery Builds

Chainlink’s recent advance followed a successful defence of the $12.00 support level, which has acted as a key demand zone during the recent consolidation phase. Price rebounded sharply from this area, pushing LINK as high as $13.87 before entering a period of short-term consolidation.

From a technical perspective, maintaining price action above $12 remains critical. As long as this level holds, the recovery structure stays intact and allows for further upside attempts. On the upside, $18.00 represents the next major resistance, followed by the psychologically important $20.00 level.

Chainlink Price Chart For January 2 2026 Created on TradingView

The structure suggests buyers remain active on pullbacks, while downside pressure has eased compared to prior sessions.

Chainlink Price Targets 44% Rally to $20: Will Bulls Defend $12 Support?

The LINK price surge to $13.87 was driven by strong buying interest after bulls successfully defended the $12.00 support, reigniting optimism around a broader recovery. With price now stabilising above that level, technical projections are increasingly focused on $18.00 and $20.00 as upside targets.

Momentum indicators support the bullish bias. The MACD remains in positive territory, with the MACD line still positioned above the signal line despite some narrowing, indicating that upside momentum has not fully faded. In addition, the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) is holding near +0.10, pointing to steady capital inflows rather than distribution.

Based on the measured move from the $12.00 base, the chart projects a potential 44% upside from the recent $13.87 high toward the $20.00 level, provided support continues to hold. While short-term consolidation is possible, the broader setup keeps the long-term outlook constructive as long as $12 remains intact.

Market participants are now watching whether ETF-related inflows could extend the current recovery phase, particularly as institutional access to Chainlink becomes more straightforward.

Why is Chainlink price going up today?

Chainlink price is rising after defending the $12 support zone and following news of U.S. SEC approval for a Bitwise spot Chainlink ETF, which has improved market sentiment around LINK.

Can Chainlink reach $20 in 2026?

Chainlink could move toward $20 if it continues to hold above $12 and breaks resistance near $18. The current setup remains conditional and depends on sustained momentum.

What is the key support level for Chainlink right now?

The most important support level for Chainlink is $12. A sustained move below this level would weaken the current bullish outlook.