Chainlink Launches Real-Time U.S. Equities Data Streams for DeFi

Chainlink has launched Data Streams for U.S. equities and ETFs, a new service designed to deliver real-time, high-throughput market data directly on blockchain networks. The service provides pricing data for major assets, including SPY, QQQ, AAPL, NVDA, and MSFT, and is already being adopted by leading DeFi protocols such as GMX and Kamino. The initiative aims to bridge traditional finance and onchain markets by offering institutional-grade data infrastructure, with current support across 37 blockchain networks [1].

The Data Streams are intended to power tokenized financial products such as perpetual futures, synthetic ETFs, and tokenized stock trading, addressing key challenges like pricing gaps and stale data during traditional market off-hours. By offering context-aware data with sub-second latency, including metadata such as market status and staleness detection, the service enhances the security and scalability of onchain financial applications. These features help reduce risks such as mispricings and unfair liquidations [2].

The service also includes circuit-breaker readiness and customizable reporting, enabling developers to build onchain products that reflect traditional market behaviors. Metadata is aggregated from multiple sources, including Finalto, Tiingo, and Finnhub, to ensure robust and reliable pricing. Developers can now programmatically assess data freshness and market conditions, which is essential for maintaining protocol integrity during unexpected market events [3].

The tokenized real-world asset (RWA) market has seen rapid growth, with the sector now valued at over $275 billion. Analysts forecast that the RWA market could reach $30 trillion by 2030 [4]. The launch of Chainlink Data Streams comes at a critical time, as regulatory environments such as the U.S. GENIUS Act signal increasing support for blockchain innovation in finance [5]. This development allows DeFi platforms to offer advanced financial products while adhering to traditional market safeguards.

Key use cases for the Data Streams include perpetual contracts, onchain lending, synthetic ETFs, and arbitrage strategies. The service also supports institutional-grade safeguards in real-time brokerage platforms and DeFi treasuries, enabling synthetic exposure to equity markets [6]. With the infrastructure now in place, institutions are expected to accelerate their entry into tokenized asset markets.

Chainlink plans to expand the coverage of equities and ETFs, introduce support for additional asset classes such as forex and commodities, and enhance contextual data offerings. Continued integrations with DeFi protocols and updates to developer tools are also in the pipeline [7]. The service is now available for developers to begin integrating into their platforms, with further enhancements expected in the coming months.

The launch highlights Chainlink’s role in bridging traditional and decentralized finance, providing the tools needed to bring capital markets onchain. By delivering secure, reliable, and high-frequency data, Chainlink is helping to unlock a new era of financial innovation and product development in the DeFi space [8].

Sources:

[1] Chainlink (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chainlink-launches-data-streams-for-us-equities-and-etfs-to-power-secure-tokenized-rwa-markets-onchain-302520632.html)

[2] Chainlink (https://blog.chain.link/chainlink-data-streams-us-equities-etfs/)

[3] BanklessTimes (https://www.banklesstimes.com/articles/2025/08/04/chainlink-unveils-data-streams-for-us-equities-etfs/)

[4] AInvest (https://www.ainvest.com/news/chainlink-launches-real-time-equities-etf-data-streams-onchain-finance-2508/)