NEAR Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy NEAR Now?

Abstract

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

Early Market Cycle and Initial Bull Phase: Historical Price Review (2020 to 2021)

NEAR Protocol is a highly scalable base layer blockchain designed to support decentralized applications with sufficient speed for mobile devices. According to available market data, NEAR’s early trading price began at approximately $100.0 in 2020.

The following illustrates NEAR’s price movements during the initial market phase:

2020

• Opening Price: $100.0
• Closing Price: $1.48
• Highest Price: $100.0
• 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 recovery phase in 2021 would have achieved significant gains from the 731% annual return, demonstrating the volatility characteristic of emerging blockchain protocols.

Bear Market Adjustment and Medium-Term Cycle: Risk and Return Analysis (2022 to 2023)

During this period, NEAR experienced significant price correction, falling from $13.52 to $1.28 in 2022, followed by a partial recovery in 2023. This phase reflects the broader cryptocurrency market downturn and consolidation typical of post-bull-run cycles.

The following shows potential returns for investors who purchased 10 NEAR tokens during the bear market and early recovery periods:

• 2022: -125.089 (10 tokens purchased at $13.52 would show substantial loss)
• 2023: -6.33 (partial recovery with 121.55% annual gain)

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

In recent years, NEAR has experienced mixed price action with periods of recovery followed by significant declines. The market remains uncertain regarding whether a new bull phase has commenced or if bearish conditions persist.

2024

• Opening Price: $3.21
• Closing Price: $5.9
• 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: -65.2%

2026 (to date)

• Opening Price: $1.7
• Closing Price: $1.01
• Highest Price: $1.7
• Lowest Price: $1.01
• Annual Return: -40.48%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens during the recent market cycle are as follows:

• 2024: -22.019
• 2025: -39.579
• 2026 (to date): -6.89

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

Through analysis of NEAR’s historical price movements and potential returns, the data reveals a challenging investment landscape characterized by extreme volatility and significant downside risk. From the initial $100 pricing through 2026, NEAR demonstrates the high-risk nature of blockchain infrastructure tokens. The recent consecutive negative annual returns across 2025 and 2026, combined with the token’s continued price decline, suggest investors should approach current entry points with considerable caution and conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital to NEAR Protocol.