Despite zero outflows from Grayscale’s Chainlink ETF since its launch, LINK’s price continues to face downward pressure. The ETF has accumulated $54.69 million in net inflows, while whale activity remains strong, yet the altcoin has failed to translate these bullish signals into price gains. Analysts now point to upcoming catalysts that could shift LINK’s trajectory.
Sustained Institutional Interest in Chainlink ETF
The first-ever spot Chainlink ETF debuted on NYSE Arca on December 2, recording $37.05 million in inflows on day one. Since then, it has not experienced any outflows, though netflows were neutral on three separate days. As of December 15, the ETF added $2.02 million in net inflows, surpassing cumulative inflows of earlier-launched altcoin ETFs, including Dogecoin and Litecoin products.
Meanwhile, institutional interest in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has cooled. On December 15, Bitcoin ETFs saw $357.69 million in net outflows, while Ethereum ETFs recorded $224.78 million in exits. Against this backdrop, the Chainlink ETF has maintained a neutral-to-positive trajectory.
Whale Accumulation Signals Strong Conviction
On-chain data shows notable accumulation by Chainlink’s largest holders. Santiment reports that the top 100 wallets have acquired 20.46 million LINK since November 1, worth approximately $263 million. This suggests sustained confidence from major investors.
Yet, LINK’s price hasn’t reflected this activity. Over the past month, the altcoin has dropped 11.1%, extending today with another 6% decline amid broader market weakness. At the time of writing, LINK was trading at $12.78.
Upcoming Catalysts Could Support LINK
Several developments may boost Chainlink’s growth. Last week, the US SEC issued a no-action letter to the Depository Trust Company, approving a three-year pilot program to tokenize assets. While blockchain protocols for the initiative haven’t been finalized, analysts consider Chainlink a likely contender, potentially strengthening its institutional use case.
One analyst noted, “ETH and LINK form the backbone for future quadrillions in on-chain trading tied to real-world assets. If this thesis holds, buying these assets when they’re undervalued is the simplest strategy.”
Grayscale’s 2026 outlook also highlights LINK as a potential beneficiary of stablecoin growth, asset tokenization, and decentralized finance expansion.
Bottom Line
Although LINK’s price remains under pressure in the short term, steady ETF inflows, whale accumulation, and emerging institutional applications point to underlying demand. As asset tokenization and on-chain finance advance, these factors could play a critical role in driving Chainlink’s next major price move.
