$NEAR Near Protocol (NEAR) has shown promising growth and momentum in 2024, positioning it as a strong contender in the Layer-1 blockchain space. The project benefits from technical innovations such as its Nightshade 2.0 upgrade, which enhances transaction speed and scalability, positioning it as an attractive option for developers.

Currently, NEAR is consolidating with an upward trend, supported by a bullish MACD crossover and high trading volume. The technical outlook suggests a potential for further price increases, with a target for the end of 2024 ranging between $5.24 and $6.40. Given its solid fundamentals, the short-term price target for a buy-in would be around $5.00 to $5.50, and its strong upward momentum could push the price higher in the coming months.

For long-term growth, NEAR could see prices climb toward $6.66 by January 2025. However, cautious investors should watch for any potential corrections if broader market sentiment shifts.