{"id":585073,"date":"2026-04-17T14:52:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T14:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/Blockchain.News\/news\/20260417-near-could-hit-3-as-whale-accumulation-reaches-63-prediction"},"modified":"2026-04-17T14:52:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T14:52:15","slug":"near-could-hit-3-as-whale-accumulation-reaches-63","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-bitco.in\/index.php\/2026\/04\/17\/near-could-hit-3-as-whale-accumulation-reaches-63\/","title":{"rendered":"NEAR Could Hit $3 as Whale Accumulation Reaches 63%"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Joerg Hiller<\/a> Apr 17, 2026 14:52<\/span> <\/p>\n

NEAR’s 3.61% surge to $1.44 comes as whale positioning hits 63%, setting up a potential breakout that could target $3 within two months if the token clears immediate resistance at $1.49.<\/p>\n

\"NEAR <\/a> <\/figure>\n

Smart Money Loading Up<\/h2>\n

NEAR’s recent price action tells two stories. On the surface, we’re seeing a modest 3.61% daily gain that pushed the token to $1.44. But beneath that surface movement lies something more interesting: whales have positioned themselves at 63% long, while retail traders sit at only 58% long. This divergence between smart money and retail typically signals institutional confidence that hasn’t yet been reflected in price.<\/p>\n

The token is currently trading at 85% of its Bollinger Band range, pressing against the upper band at $1.49. This level has acted as a ceiling in recent weeks, but the whale positioning suggests this time might be different. When institutions position this heavily while retail remains relatively cautious, it often precedes significant moves higher.<\/p>\n

The Technical Picture Clears<\/h2>\n

NEAR’s chart structure shows a token preparing for its next major move. Trading above key short-term averages, with the 7-day simple moving average providing support at $1.40, the immediate setup looks constructive. However, the token remains 15% below its 200-day average at $1.69, indicating any rally would need substantial momentum to flip the longer-term trend.<\/p>\n

The momentum indicators paint a picture of building pressure rather than exhaustion. While some might interpret the current setup as overbought, the negative funding rate of -0.0024% suggests there’s no excessive leverage in the system. This creates room for genuine buying pressure without the risk of a leverage-driven collapse.<\/p>\n

Path to $3 Becomes Visible<\/h2>\n

The route to $3 requires NEAR to first break decisively above $1.49 on meaningful volume. Success there opens the door to a test of the 200-day average at $1.69, which has historically provided strong resistance. Breaking through that level would likely trigger algorithmic buying and could accelerate the move toward the $3 target within a two-month timeframe.<\/p>\n

The whale accumulation pattern supports this scenario. When institutional players position this aggressively, they typically have a longer time horizon and deeper conviction than the average retail trader. Their 63% long positioning suggests they see value that the broader market hasn’t yet recognized.<\/p>\n

Risk Management Remains Key<\/h2>\n

Despite the bullish setup, NEAR faces immediate resistance that could derail the rally. A rejection at $1.49 would likely send the token back toward $1.34 support, with a break below that level potentially triggering a deeper correction to $1.30.<\/p>\n

The balanced taker buy\/sell ratio indicates we’re not seeing panic buying yet, which is actually constructive for a sustained rally. Organic accumulation typically creates more durable price moves than sharp, leverage-driven spikes.<\/p>\n

For traders looking to position for the $3 target, any pullback toward $1.41-$1.42 offers an attractive entry point with stops below $1.34. The whale positioning and technical setup create a compelling risk\/reward scenario, but success depends on clearing the immediate resistance with conviction rather than another false breakout that has characterized NEAR’s recent trading pattern.<\/p>\n