NEAR Historical Price & Returns Analysis: Should I Buy NEAR Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of NEAR’s historical price movements and market volatility since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to evaluate the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens. Through detailed analysis of price fluctuations across multiple market cycles, this article addresses the critical question: “Should I buy NEAR now?” to help both novice and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and assess growth potential.

Early Market Launch & Initial Cycle: Historical Price Review (2020 to 2021)

NEAR Protocol is a highly scalable base layer protocol designed to enable decentralized applications to run quickly on mobile devices. According to recorded market data, NEAR’s early trading price started at approximately $100.00 in 2020.

The following details NEAR’s price changes during the early market phase:

2020

• Opening Price: $100.00
• Closing Price: $1.48
• Highest Price: $100.00
• Lowest Price: $0.631
• Annual Return: -98.52%

2021

• Opening Price: $1.73
• Closing Price: $14.39
• Highest Price: $16.24
• Lowest Price: $1.73
• Annual Return: +731.06%

An investor who purchased 10 NEAR tokens during the early bull market phase in 2020 would have experienced a significant drawdown. However, those who held through 2021 would have captured substantial recovery gains of approximately $143.70 on their initial investment.

Bear Market Correction & Mid-Cycle Adjustment (2022 to 2023)

During this period, NEAR experienced significant price volatility characterized by sharp declines followed by gradual recovery, reflecting broader cryptocurrency market dynamics.

The following illustrates potential returns for investors who purchased 10 NEAR tokens during the bear market and consolidation phases:

• 2022: -$120.21 (representing a -90.57% annual decline)
• 2023: -$1.45 (representing a +121.55% annual recovery)

2022

• Opening Price: $13.52
• Closing Price: $1.28
• Highest Price: $20.14
• Lowest Price: $1.28
• Annual Return: -90.57%

2023

• Opening Price: $1.65
• Closing Price: $3.65
• Highest Price: $3.80
• Lowest Price: $1.03
• Annual Return: +121.55%

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy NEAR Now? (2024 to 2026)

In recent years, NEAR has demonstrated mixed performance with periods of modest gains followed by consolidation, presenting investors with varied entry opportunities.

2024

• Opening Price: $3.21
• Closing Price: $5.90
• Highest Price: $8.25
• Lowest Price: $2.75
• Annual Return: +83.61%

2025

• Opening Price: $4.97
• Closing Price: $1.73
• Highest Price: $4.98
• Lowest Price: $1.51
• Annual Return: -65.20%

2026 (Year-to-Date)

• Opening Price: $1.70
• Closing Price: $1.50
• Highest Price: $1.70
• Lowest Price: $1.50
• Annual Return: -11.80%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens during recent periods:

• 2024: -$17.14
• 2025: -$34.70
• 2026 (to date): -$2.01

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets & Investment Timing Analysis

Through analysis of NEAR’s historical price data and potential returns across multiple market cycles, investors can observe the token’s extreme volatility and cyclical nature. The data reveals that long-term holders have experienced substantial gains during bull phases (particularly 2021), but significant losses during bear markets (2020, 2022, 2025-2026). Current market conditions in 2026 suggest prices remain depressed from previous peaks, warranting careful consideration of risk tolerance and investment horizon when evaluating whether to purchase NEAR at present levels.