ChainLink (LINK) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy LINK Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of LINK’s historical prices and market fluctuations since its inception, analyzing data across bull and bear market cycles to assess the potential returns of purchasing 10 LINK tokens. By examining price movements from 2017 to 2026, this analysis helps both novice and long-term investors understand market timing and growth opportunities, ultimately addressing the critical question: “Should I buy LINK now?”

Bull Market Origins and Early Market Cycles: Historical Price Review (2017 to 2020)

LINK is an ERC-20 standard token built on the Ethereum blockchain, designed to compensate Chainlink node operators for retrieving off-chain data, formatting data into blockchain-readable formats, performing off-chain computation, and ensuring uptime. According to historical records, LINK’s early trading price was approximately $0.1884 in 2017.

The following details LINK’s price performance during the initial bull market phase:

2017

• Opening Price: $0.1884
• Closing Price: $0.5763
• Highest Price: $0.5763
• Lowest Price: $0.175
• Annual Return: 205.89%

2018

• Opening Price: $1.38
• Closing Price: $0.3883
• Highest Price: $1.38
• Lowest Price: $0.1781
• Annual Return: -71.79%

2019

• Opening Price: $0.445
• Closing Price: $1.83
• Highest Price: $3.4
• Lowest Price: $0.3858
• Annual Return: 310.54%

2020

• Opening Price: $2.24
• Closing Price: $13.64
• Highest Price: $18.76
• Lowest Price: $1.99
• Annual Return: 510.18%

An investor who purchased 10 LINK tokens during the early bull market phase in 2017 would have realized a return of 130.21% if sold today.

Bear Market Correction and Mid-Cycle Period: Risk and Return Analysis (2021 to 2022)

During this period, LINK experienced significant price volatility, with the market shifting from bullish sentiment to bearish correction. The cryptocurrency sector faced regulatory pressures and broader market headwinds that impacted asset valuations.

The following details the potential returns for investors who purchased 10 LINK tokens during the bear market phase:

• 2021: -30.011% return
• 2022: -143.31% return

2021

• Opening Price: $16.21
• Closing Price: $21.86
• Highest Price: $52.27
• Lowest Price: $15.48
• Annual Return: 34.85%

2022

• Opening Price: $27.54
• Closing Price: $5.63
• Highest Price: $27.54
• Lowest Price: $5.63
• Annual Return: -79.56%

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy LINK Now? (2023 to 2026)

In recent years, LINK has experienced a recovery phase following the 2022 bear market bottom, with growing discussion about whether the asset is entering a new bull cycle or remains in consolidation.

2023

• Opening Price: $5.96
• Closing Price: $14.94
• Highest Price: $16.37
• Lowest Price: $5.16
• Annual Return: 150.53%

2024

• Opening Price: $13.15
• Closing Price: $23.58
• Highest Price: $29.25
• Lowest Price: $10.0
• Annual Return: 79.28%

2025

• Opening Price: $19.84
• Closing Price: $13.43
• Highest Price: $25.82
• Lowest Price: $11.3
• Annual Return: -32.29%

2026 (To Date)

• Opening Price: $13.21
• Closing Price: $13.21
• Highest Price: $13.21
• Lowest Price: $13.21
• Annual Return: 0.0%

The potential returns for investors purchasing 10 LINK tokens during this recent period are as follows:

• 2023: 72.46% return
• 2024: 0.58% return
• 2025: -66.26% return
• 2026 (to date): 0% return

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through comprehensive analysis of LINK’s historical prices and potential returns from 2017 to 2026, we observe a pattern of significant volatility characterized by explosive bull runs followed by substantial corrections. Early investors in 2017 have realized substantial gains despite interim drawdowns, while recent entrants in 2025-2026 face challenging market conditions. The data suggests careful consideration of entry points and risk tolerance remains essential for investors addressing the question: “Should I buy LINK now?”