NEAR Surges 5.3 Percent as Institutional Buying Drives Breakout

NEAR Protocol has shown surprising resilience in a crypto market otherwise marked by subdued altcoin performance. Over the past week, the token price has risen from $2.47 to $2.60, breaking out of a prolonged sideways trend. This upward shift has been supported by a noticeable increase in institutional buying, particularly from funds targeting high-potential Layer-1 projects. Daily trading volume has more than doubled, reaching over 3.4 million units, a sign of increasing participation from both retail and institutional investors [1].

Technically, the breakout above $2.495 marked a key turning point in NEAR’s recent trajectory. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) now stands at 55.41, indicating moderate bullish momentum, while a bullish MACD crossover has further signaled a positive shift in market sentiment. Analysts are now tracking key resistance levels at $2.80 and $2.85, with the $3.04–$3.10 range identified as a potential breakout zone [1].

The asset’s ecosystem has also seen notable expansion, contributing to its long-term value proposition. Recent partnerships with Aurora Labs and Subzero Labs have expanded NEAR’s developer base, while experimental cross-chain integrations with Cardano may bring in new user segments. The ongoing adoption of “transaction intents,” a feature that simplifies smart contract interactions, is gaining traction and could enhance the platform’s user-friendliness and adoption potential [1].

Although NEAR’s total value locked (TVL) in DeFi remains below previous peaks, the platform’s focus on improving usability and accessibility positions it well for continued growth. Analysts project that NEAR’s price could trade between $2.80 and $3.17 through August, with the potential to reach $4.66 by year-end if the current trend persists [1].

Looking ahead, as Q4 historically brings increased market liquidity, institutional capital is likely to continue flowing toward assets with strong narratives and clear growth potential. NEAR’s dual focus on infrastructure development and ecosystem expansion makes it a compelling option for both short-term traders and long-term investors. With a strong technical setup and growing institutional interest, the platform is well-positioned to capitalize on the anticipated liquidity boost in the coming months [1].

[1] Source: NEAR Defies Market Caution — How Institutional Flows Are Fueling a Surprise Recovery, (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689c07d95471a54f40af8580/)