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 fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens. It addresses the critical question: “Should I buy NEAR now?” to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth potential.

Early Market Entry and Initial Cycles: Historical Price Review (2020 to 2021)

NEAR Protocol emerged in the cryptocurrency market with an early trading price of approximately $100.00 in 2020, according to available market records.

The following reflects NEAR’s price performance during the 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%

An investor who purchased 10 NEAR tokens during the early market phase in 2020 would have experienced significant losses, while those who held through 2021 would have seen substantial recovery and gains.

Bear Market Adjustment and Medium-Term Cycles: Returns and Risk Analysis (2022 to 2023)

During this period, NEAR experienced dramatic price volatility, reflecting broader cryptocurrency market cycles and investor sentiment shifts.

The potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens during these phases are as follows:

• 2022: -$125.29
• 2023: -$6.531

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 experienced mixed performance with periods of recovery followed by renewed pressure. The cryptocurrency market continues to debate whether NEAR is entering a new bull phase or remaining in consolidation.

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 (to date)

• Opening Price: $1.70
• Closing Price: $0.993
• Highest Price: $1.70
• Lowest Price: $0.993
• Annual Return: -41.66%

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

• 2024: -$22.22
• 2025: -$39.78
• 2026 (to date): -$7.091

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

Through analysis of NEAR Protocol’s historical price movements and potential returns spanning from 2020 to 2026, the token demonstrates extreme volatility with significant downside risk over the longer term. An investor who purchased 10 NEAR tokens at inception in 2020 and held through 2026 would face cumulative losses of approximately -$990.07, underscoring the high-risk nature of early-stage cryptocurrency investments. While brief recovery periods have occurred, particularly during 2021 and 2024, the overall trend suggests careful consideration is warranted before establishing new positions at current price levels.