Chainlink stalls: Can LINK reach $12 as whale wallets cross 25K?

Chainlink [LINK] has recorded a sharp rise in large-holder accumulation, with 25,420 wallets now holding over 1,000 LINK. This steady increase reflects growing confidence among higher-capital participants despite the absence of strong price expansion.

Rather than chasing upward moves, these wallets have continued accumulating within a compressed structure, suggesting strategic positioning.

As a result, the divergence between rising holder strength and stagnant price has become more pronounced. This behavior often reflects early-stage accumulation phases, where stronger hands absorb supply quietly before any visible expansion begins for LINK.

Can Chainlink break above $9.60 resistance?

LINK has continued trading within a clearly defined range, with support holding near $7.95 and resistance capping price near $9.60. Price recently rebounded from the lower boundary, reinforcing this zone as a reliable demand area.

However, repeated rejections near $9.60 have prevented any sustained breakout attempt. As consolidation persists, price action has tightened within this range, reflecting reduced volatility and growing compression. This structure typically precedes expansion, especially when price continues respecting both boundaries consistently.

If buyers manage to reclaim $9.60, the price would likely push toward $12.00, where the next major resistance sits. At press time, the DMI structure began reflecting a shift in directional control, with +DI climbing toward 24.16 while -DI has declined closer to 21.50.

This narrowing gap indicates that bearish pressure has weakened compared to previous phases of the downtrend.

However, ADX sat near 14.56, indicating that trend strength remains relatively weak. This combination supports a stabilization phase rather than a confirmed directional breakout.

Source: TradingView

Falling reserves tighten sell-side pressure

At press time, Exchange Reserves have declined by 2.22%, bringing total holdings to approximately $1.158 billion. This reduction signals that tokens have continued moving away from exchanges, which typically limits immediate sell-side availability.

As supply on trading platforms decreases, the market faces reduced overhead pressure from potential sellers. This aligns closely with the observed rise in large-holder wallets, reinforcing the idea that accumulation has taken place outside exchanges.

As fewer tokens remain accessible for quick liquidation, price tends to stabilize within key zones. This tightening supply structure supports the ongoing consolidation rather than encouraging sharp downside continuation.

Source: CryptoQuant

Chainlink funding stays positive as longs build

The OI-Weighted Funding Rate has remained positive at 0.0042% as of writing, reflecting a gradual increase in long positioning. This positive bias shows that traders have leaned toward upward expectations without aggressively overcrowding the market.

Unlike extreme spikes, this controlled funding structure suggests steady participation rather than speculative excess. Price has maintained its range despite this long bias, indicating that positioning has not yet forced a breakout. However, sustained positive funding often supports upward pressure over time.

As positioning continues building gradually, it creates a supportive backdrop for a potential move above resistance if demand strengthens further.

Source: CoinGlass

Is a breakout brewing for LINK?

LINK has continued showing strong accumulation beneath resistance while supply tightens and long positioning builds gradually. However, price has remained capped below $9.60, keeping structure compressed.

If buyers reclaim this level, the buildup in positioning and reduced sell pressure would support a move toward $12.00. Until then, consolidation continues to define the trend.

Final Summary

• _Sustained accumulation within tight ranges typically precedes expansion, suggesting LINK could shift once resistance weakens significantly. _
• However, failure to reclaim $9.60 would likely keep the price trapped, delaying any meaningful directional breakout for now.