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

Abstract

This article comprehensively reviews NEAR Protocol’s historical price movements and market volatility since its inception, analyzing data across bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 NEAR tokens. By examining price trends and market cycles, this analysis addresses the critical question: “Should I buy NEAR now?” to help both novice and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Early Market Cycles and Price Discovery: Historical Overview (2020 to 2022)

NEAR Protocol emerged as a highly scalable blockchain platform designed to support decentralized applications with linear scalability through state sharding. According to available market data, NEAR’s early trading price began at approximately $100.00 in early 2020.

The following represents NEAR’s price performance during its initial 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 in 2020 at early prices and held through 2021 would have experienced significant volatility, demonstrating the extreme price swings characteristic of emerging blockchain projects during early adoption phases.

Bear Market Adjustment and Consolidation: Risk and Recovery Analysis (2022 to 2023)

Following the euphoria of 2021, NEAR experienced a severe correction in 2022, reflecting the broader cryptocurrency market downturn. This period tested investor conviction and market fundamentals.

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%

An investor purchasing 10 NEAR tokens during the bear market depths would have seen recovery gains emerge in 2023, though cumulative returns from early 2020 remained significantly negative for those who bought at peak prices.

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

In recent years, NEAR has demonstrated mixed price action, with 2024 showing recovery momentum before facing headwinds in 2025.

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: $1.72
• Closing Price: $1.72
• Highest Price: $1.72
• Lowest Price: $1.72
• Annual Return: 0.00%

An investor considering purchasing 10 NEAR tokens at current 2026 levels faces a market environment characterized by consolidation and price stabilization following the 2025 decline.

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing

Through analysis of NEAR Protocol’s historical price movements since 2020, the token demonstrates pronounced cyclicality with extreme volatility during bull phases and severe corrections during bear phases. Current price levels in 2026 represent a significant discount from all-time highs, while cumulative returns from early 2020 entry points remain substantially negative. Investment decisions should consider both the speculative nature of emerging blockchain infrastructure projects and individual risk tolerance in light of NEAR’s demonstrated price volatility.