- Chainlink launches into U.S. markets as the SEC approves Bitwise’s ETF, offering investors a new way to access LINK.
- Its price may remain cautious until broader market conditions improve.
SEC has officially approved Bitwise’s Chainlink (LINK) ETF, marking the first time the asset enters the U.S. equity markets. The ETF is set to launch on the New York Stock Exchange and is expected to start trading later this week. To attract investors, Bitwise will waive the management fee for the first three months, a move that could generate significant interest and potentially boost LINK’s price.
✅SEC APPROVES BITWISE SPOT CHAINLINK ETF
The U.S. SEC has approved Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF for listing on NYSE, marking Chainlink’s first direct entry into U.S. equity markets.
The ETF is expected to launch this week, offering a 0% management fee for the first 3 months pic.twitter.com/cMU9rJYBc2
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 7, 2026
LINK’s Recent Price Performance
LINK rose 0.7% in the last 24 hours, 11.8% over the past week, and 13.7% in the last 14 days. Despite this short-term rebound, LINK continues to recover from last year’s market downturn, dropping 1% in the past month and falling 40.8% since January 2026. While the ETF approval could signal a new chapter for the asset, investors remain cautious given LINK’s prolonged decline from its all-time high of $52.70.
ETFs and Crypto Market Impact
ETFs have historically influenced crypto markets. During the 2025 market cycle, ETF inflows contributed to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) reaching new all-time highs. Institutional interest, including significant purchases of crypto-based ETFs, further fueled market activity. Analysts suggest that Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF could follow a similar path, attracting new investors and potentially supporting LINK’s price.
However, past ETF launches for assets like Ethereum, Solana, and XRP indicate that immediate price surges are not guaranteed. While Bitcoin achieved new peaks shortly after its ETF debut in 2024, other cryptocurrencies saw delayed or muted reactions. The broader economic climate and investor sentiment will likely influence LINK’s performance post-ETF.
Outlook for Chainlink Investors
While the SEC approval is a major milestone for Chainlink, market participants remain cautious. LINK may not reach its previous highs until macroeconomic conditions stabilize and risk appetite increases. Nevertheless, the ETF launch offers a convenient entry point for institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to Chainlink, potentially marking the start of a new phase for the asset in U.S. markets.
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