 
 
On-chain analytics provider Santiment reports that the top 100 Chainlink (LINK) whales are ramping up accumulation as prices dip below $13.
This surge in whale activity contrasts with retail investors, who have been exiting amid a volatile week fueled by impatience and market FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt).
LINK has dropped 6.3% over the past week, trading at $11.79, according to CoinGecko. Retail investors seem to be taking profits or cutting losses, while larger holders are accumulating at these lower levels. Historically, such smart money activity often precedes upward moves, as whales can shape liquidity and drive price momentum.
Why does this matter? Well, large holders in crypto often exhibit a predictable pattern, while retail investors often react emotionally to short-term dips, while whales and institutions seize the opportunity to accumulate.
Therefore, Chainlink’s recent whale-driven accumulation signals strong confidence in its fundamentals and a strategic bet on long-term growth. Supporting this trend, CME Group plans to launch Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures next month, reflecting rising institutional demand.
 
Notably, Chainlink remains a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem, delivering reliable oracles that bridge smart contracts with real-world data. Its broad utility across blockchain networks continues to fuel adoption, making temporary price dips, such as the current drop below $13, potential accumulation opportunities.
Whale activity often signals key support zones, giving early insights into market behavior. Recently, LINK surged to a monthly high following Bitwise’s Spot Chainlink ETF debut on NYSE Arca, showing renewed investor interest.
While Chainlink shows short-term weakness, smart money is quietly accumulating, positioning for the next potential price surge. This phase depicts the contrast between strategic investors building positions and short-term retail traders reacting to market noise.