NEAR Protocol Historical Price and Returns Analysis: Should I Buy NEAR Now?

Abstract

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

Early Market Phase: Historical Price Overview (2020 to 2022)

NEAR Protocol emerged as a highly scalable base layer protocol designed to support decentralized applications on mobile devices. According to available market data, the token’s early trading price was approximately $100.00 in 2020.

The following represents NEAR’s price movements during its early market phases:

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%

2022

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

An investor who purchased 10 NEAR tokens during the early bull market phase in 2021 would have experienced significant volatility, with potential returns of -3.932% if liquidated at current levels.

Bear Market Adjustment and Mid-Period Cycle: Returns and Risk Analysis (2023 to 2024)

During this period, NEAR experienced recovery attempts following the severe bear market of 2022. The token demonstrated renewed interest from market participants, though gains remained modest relative to its historical peak.

The following represents potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens during this mid-cycle phase:

• 2023: -3.073%
• 2024: -18.762%

2023

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

2024

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

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy NEAR Now? (2025 to 2026)

In recent periods, NEAR has experienced renewed downward pressure, raising questions about market sustainability and whether investors should establish positions at current levels.

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: $1.34
• Highest Price: $1.70
• Lowest Price: $1.02
• Annual Return: -21.34%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens during this period are:

• 2025: -36.322%
• 2026 (to date): -3.633%

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

Through analysis of NEAR Protocol’s historical price movements and potential returns across multiple market cycles, the data reveals significant volatility characterized by dramatic peaks and sustained downturns. The token has experienced multiple severe corrections, with cumulative long-term returns remaining substantially negative for most entry points prior to 2023. Current market conditions present ongoing challenges for investors evaluating whether to establish positions in NEAR at this time.