This Altcoin Surged 30% This Month—Can the Price Rally Another 25% to Hit $2?

Near Protocol has been rising for the past few months, highlighting the growing interest in the AI narrative within the crypto markets. The recent partnership with Story has intensified the NEAR Price action, which has surged by close to 10% to $1.63 in the past 24 hours. The price surge coincides with the news of a strategic partnership with Story Protocol, focused on providing IP infrastructure for Web3 creators. Moreover, it has also provided a fresh narrative catalyst, attracting buyer interest as volume spiked over 51%. 

Traders are now watching whether the NEAR price breaks the barrier at $1.70 and reaches $2 before the end of the month. 

NEAR Protocol continues to strengthen its bullish market structure as improving ecosystem fundamentals and the growing AI narrative support positive sentiment around the token. The latest partnership with Story Protocol has further reinforced NEAR’s positioning within the AI-powered creator economy, helping the token outperform several Layer-1 competitors over the past few weeks. As a result, traders are now closely watching whether the improving momentum can trigger another major breakout toward higher resistance levels.

As seen in the chart above, the NEAR price has maintained a strong ascending trend after rebounding from the crucial support zone near $1.12 earlier this year. The token recently surged above the key resistance at $1.41 and is now attempting to challenge another major barrier near $1.66. Meanwhile, the moving averages are beginning to trend upward, suggesting improving bullish strength, while the RSI continues to hold above the mid-range level, indicating sustained buying momentum. If NEAR successfully breaks above the $1.66 resistance zone, the rally could extend toward the next major target near $1.84 in the coming weeks.

On the other hand, the 50/200 MA is heading for a bullish crossover or Golden Cross that may push the price higher. 

Collectively, NEAR Protocol continues to strengthen its position within the growing AI and creator economy narrative as improving ecosystem fundamentals support bullish market sentiment. While the price is approaching a crucial resistance zone near $1.66, sustained buying momentum and strengthening technical structure suggest the token could be preparing for another breakout. If bullish momentum persists and the AI narrative continues gaining traction, NEAR price may remain one of the stronger-performing Layer-1 projects in the coming weeks.