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Chainlink stalls as market waits for clear signal

Written by Liezl GambePublished Jan. 11 2026Last Updated Jan. 11 2026

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Chainlink (CRYPTO:LINK) has spent several days moving sideways, keeping traders cautious as price action remains trapped in a narrow range.

The token has struggled to generate momentum, reflecting broader hesitation across the crypto market.

Market participants point to low conviction in daily and weekly candles, signalling balance between buyers and sellers.

Analysts say this indecision is closely linked to wider market conditions, particularly bitcoin’s (CRYPTO:BTC) continued dominance.

As long as bitcoin fails to set a clear direction, many altcoins including Chainlink remain under pressure.

Key technical levels have defined the current structure, with support holding near twelve dollars.

Resistance around sixteen dollars has repeatedly capped upside attempts.

Traders describe this zone as a compression range where volatility often builds before a larger move.

A sustained close above sixteen dollars could shift sentiment and attract renewed buying interest.

In a bullish scenario, upside targets are seen around eighteen dollars, with twenty dollars possible if volume expands.

A failure of support near twelve dollars would likely increase selling pressure.

Bearish projections suggest a potential move towards ten dollars if that level gives way.

Some analysts warn that an extended sell-off could even test the eight-dollar area.

A third scenario remains in play, where price continues to oscillate inside the current range.

In this case, traders may focus on short-term strategies such as scalping rebounds and pullbacks.

Market observers note that such accumulation phases often precede sharper directional moves.

Timing the breakout, however, remains difficult without a clear catalyst.

Risk management has become a priority as false breakouts remain a concern.

Traders are advised to wait for confirmed daily closes beyond key levels rather than reacting intraday.

Smaller position sizes and tighter stop losses are commonly recommended in the current environment.

Some investors are choosing to avoid active trading altogether during the period of uncertainty.

Long-term holders continue to point to Chainlink’s fundamentals despite near-term weakness.

Portfolio diversification is also being used to reduce exposure to bitcoin-driven volatility.

One month after the failed launch of a proposed Chainlink exchange-traded fund, sentiment remains mixed.

For now, Chainlink sits between hope and caution as the market waits for direction.

At the time of reporting, Chainlink price was $13.23.