Chainlink (LINK) at Critical $18 Resistance: Breakout or Retracement Ahead?

Chainlink's native token LINK is at a pivotal technical juncture, currently trading NEAR $17.77 with a 3.35% daily decline but maintaining a 6.42% weekly gain. Trading volume has dropped sharply by 41.86% to $844.12 million, indicating cautious market sentiment before a key resistance test.

The $18 level represents a critical make-or-break zone. A confirmed breakout could send LINK toward targets at $23.34, $26.86, and potentially beyond $31. Conversely, rejection at this resistance may trigger a pullback to mid-$15 support levels.

Analyst projections for 2025 show significant divergence. While DigitalCoinPrice forecasts an ambitious $52.88 target that WOULD surpass LINK's all-time high, more conservative estimates suggest potential declines below $18.25. The oracle network's price action in coming sessions will determine whether it joins 2025's top-performing altcoins or enters extended consolidation.