NEAR Protocol Rallies 12%, Riding the Wave of AI Sector Growth

NEAR Protocol Gains Ground as AI Narrative Reignites Altcoin Momentum

NEAR Protocol rallied sharply on July 17–18, jumping 11.6% from $2.81 to a high of $3.04, before closing slightly lower at $2.84. The move aligns with renewed strength across AI-linked crypto assets and a broader altcoin resurgence.

The uptick follows increasing capital rotation away from large-cap tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as investors embrace smaller-cap projects riding emerging tech narratives. Altcoins connected to artificial intelligence are seeing outsized gains, with NEAR among the top beneficiaries of this shift.

Strong support near $2.70 and clear resistance at $3.03 suggest disciplined institutional positioning. Unlike retail-driven spikes, this rally appears measured, marked by elevated volumes and controlled pullbacks.

Key Market Signals:

• NEAR rose 11.6% in under 24 hours, reflecting fresh inflows.
• Support held at $2.70; resistance met near $3.03.
• A modest 1.05% dip to $2.84 indicates tactical profit-taking.
• Volume surged past 317,000 units, signaling heightened institutional activity.
• Price action below $2.90 suggests continued consolidation and accumulation.

As AI gains broader traction in both tech and finance, NEAR is positioning itself as a leading protocol in the space. Analysts say further upside could follow if altcoin sentiment continues to strengthen in Q3.