NEAR is trading into a technically important area as price action compresses beneath a well-defined resistance zone, according to analysis shared by Michaël van de Poppe.
The latest charts highlight a shift in momentum, with buyers steadily pressing into levels that previously capped upside moves.
Crucial resistance zone approaches for $NEAR.
Discussed this during the past few days, and I expect to see a breakout towards the range, through which the next target zone is $3-3.50.
Good momentum, and I think we'll continue to see strength on this protocol. pic.twitter.com/3vzmK0KOj2
— Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) January 5, 2026
Resistance Zone Comes Back Into Focus
The higher-timeframe chart outlines a broad resistance band that has repeatedly rejected price during prior attempts. This zone is clearly marked as the area that must be reclaimed for a structural breakout to unfold. After a prolonged decline, NEAR established a base at lower levels before beginning a sequence of higher lows, signaling improving demand.
On the chart, the market recently pushed above local support and started to build acceptance just beneath resistance. This behavior often reflects absorption of sell pressure rather than a sharp rejection, increasing the probability of a continuation move if the range is cleared decisively.
Short-Term Structure Shows Building Momentum
The lower-timeframe TradingView chart shows NEAR trading around $1.72, with price accelerating sharply from the late-December lows. Volume expanded during the upside impulse, followed by consolidation rather than immediate retracement. This suggests the move was driven by sustained participation, not a brief volatility spike.
Price is now fluctuating near recent highs, holding above the prior breakout area. As long as this zone continues to act as support, the structure favors further upside exploration rather than a full retrace.
Breakout Scenario and Target Zone
Van de Poppe notes that a confirmed breakout through resistance would likely open the path toward the next range, with a projected target zone between $3.00 and $3.50. From a structural perspective, this aligns with a transition from accumulation into expansion, where former resistance flips into support.
However, failure to reclaim the resistance area would keep NEAR range-bound, with price vulnerable to rotating back into the prior consolidation. For now, the charts show momentum leaning constructive, with buyers gradually gaining control as price compresses near a pivotal decision point.
If acceptance above resistance materializes, the probability shifts toward continuation rather than rejection, placing NEAR at a technically significant juncture.
