NEAR Protocol Tests Critical Resistance as Momentum Builds

Timothy Morano
Jan 07, 2026 06:11

NEAR Protocol trades at $1.76 as technical indicators flash bullish signals near a key resistance level that could determine the next major move.

NEAR Protocol is approaching a pivotal moment as it tests resistance at $1.84 while showing its strongest bullish momentum in weeks. The Layer 1 blockchain’s price action at $1.76 has caught the attention of technical analysts who see striking similarities to the pattern that preceded NEAR’s 40% rally in October 2025.

Momentum Building Despite Market Headwinds

While Bitcoin has declined 1.18% over the past week, NEAR has held its ground with only a modest 0.73% drop, demonstrating relative strength that hasn’t gone unnoticed by market participants. According to data from Binance, NEAR’s 24-hour trading volume of $42.3 million suggests institutional interest remains steady despite the broader market’s cautious tone.

The most compelling signal comes from NEAR’s MACD histogram, which has turned positive at 0.0433 for the first time since late December. Technical indicators suggest this bullish crossover typically precedes significant price moves for NEAR, with the RSI sitting comfortably in neutral territory at 58.55, leaving room for upward momentum without signaling overbought conditions.

NEAR’s position within its Bollinger Bands tells an equally interesting story. Trading at 0.89 on the %B indicator puts the token near the upper band at $1.81, a level that has acted as resistance three times since November. However, unlike previous attempts that failed on weak volume, current momentum appears more sustainable.

Analyst Views Diverge on Breakout Potential

Market analysts are split on NEAR’s immediate prospects, though most see upside potential if key levels hold. Crypto research firm Messari notes that NEAR’s network fundamentals remain solid, with developer activity showing steady growth throughout Q4 2025. Their base case targets $2.10 by February, representing a 19% upside from current levels.

However, not everyone shares this optimism. Digital asset strategist Marcus Chen from Blockchain Capital warns that NEAR’s proximity to its 200-day moving average at $2.33 creates a significant overhead supply zone. “We’ve seen NEAR struggle with this level multiple times,” Chen observes. “Without a catalyst beyond technical momentum, breaking through sustainably becomes challenging.”

The contrarian view gains credence when examining NEAR’s 52-week range. Currently trading roughly 47% below its March 2025 high of $3.35, the token faces a long climb back to previous glory. Bears point to this extended consolidation as evidence that institutional appetite for NEAR remains limited compared to more established Layer 1 competitors.

Technical Picture Points to Decision Time

NEAR’s technical setup presents a textbook ascending triangle formation, with horizontal resistance at $1.84 and rising support that currently sits around $1.73. The pattern typically resolves with a breakout in the direction of the prevailing trend, which has been subtly bullish since NEAR’s December low.

The Average True Range of $0.10 indicates volatility has compressed significantly, often a precursor to explosive moves. If NEAR can clear the $1.84 resistance with conviction, technical projections point to an initial target of $2.10, aligning with analyst forecasts. A more aggressive target emerges around $2.41, where strong resistance from earlier trading sessions awaits.

Support levels remain well-defined, with immediate support at $1.73 backed by the 7-day moving average. Should this level fail, the next significant floor sits at $1.41, representing the token’s recent range low and a critical level that has held on multiple tests.

The Trade Setup

For bulls, the setup requires patience and precision. An entry above $1.84 with sustained volume offers the best risk-reward profile, targeting $2.10 initially with stops below $1.70. The 14% potential gain against a 3.4% risk creates an attractive 4:1 ratio that institutional traders typically favor.

Bears should watch for rejection at current resistance levels, particularly if volume fails to materialize on any breakout attempt. A close below the 7-day moving average at $1.73 would signal that the recent momentum has stalled, opening the door for a test of stronger support near $1.41.

Bottom Line

NEAR Protocol stands at a critical juncture where technical momentum and fundamental stability converge near key resistance. The next 72 hours will likely determine whether NEAR can finally break its months-long consolidation pattern or faces another rejection that could extend the sideways action into February. Watch $1.84 closely – a decisive break above this level could unleash the move that NEAR bulls have been waiting for since last autumn.

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