NEAR Price Rises: Bitwise ETF Acts as Catalyst—Will It Break Through $5.47?

NEAR Protocol Price returned to the spotlight after recording a gain of around 7.45% in 24 hours to around US$5.17. This move allowed NEAR to outperform Bitcoin, which gained only around 0.38% over the same period.

One of the main catalysts came from developments surrounding the Bitwise NEAR ETF. On September 24, 2026, the registration of the Bitwise NEAR ETF became effective and its listing application on NYSE Arca was approved. 

The product will trade under the ticker NRR and is designed to provide exposure to the price of NEAR, while also having the secondary objective of generating additional NEAR through staking.

With the price already approaching its annual high, attention is now turning to whether NEAR can maintain its momentum and retest the US$5.47 area.

Key Takeaways

• NEAR is trading around US$5.17 after strengthening sharply over the past few days.
• Developments surrounding the Bitwise NEAR ETF have become a major catalyst by opening a new avenue for NEAR exposure through an exchange-traded product.
• The US$4.82 area is an important level to watch, while US$5.47 represents the annual high area that could be tested if momentum continues.
• Rising open interest and derivatives activity are also increasing the potential for volatility ahead of ETF trading.

NEAR Price Today and Latest Movement

NEAR price underwent significant changes throughout September 2026. Historical data shows that NEAR was still around US$2.62 on September 16, before rising to US$3.15 on September 17 and US$3.76 on September 18.

The rise then continued. Trading data from September 27 shows NEAR moving around US$5.14, with a daily high of approximately US$5.48. Therefore, the US$5.47 area has become an important level because it is close to the newly formed high.

This movement shows that NEAR's momentum is much stronger compared with the beginning of the month. However, the rapid rise also means that the risk of profit-taking and a short-term correction should be considered.

Read Also: Blockchain Without Bridges? Getting to Know Near Protocol Chain Signatures

Bitwise NEAR ETF Becomes the Main Catalyst

ETF developments have become an important factor behind NEAR's latest rise.

On September 24, 2026, the Bitwise NEAR ETF completed several important registration steps. 

SEC documents show that the ETF shares were registered for trading on NYSE Arca, while its listing application had been approved by the exchange.

The ETF will use the ticker NRR. Its primary objective is to provide exposure to the value of NEAR held by the ETF. The product also has the secondary objective of obtaining additional NEAR through staking.

In its prospectus, Bitwise stated that the ETF plans to stake 100% of the NEAR it holds, except for certain portions required for liquidity or operational needs.

This development is important because it provides a new avenue for traditional-market investors to gain exposure to NEAR without having to directly buy and hold the token.

The ETF launch is expected to take place around September 29, 2026, making the period leading up to the initial trading session one of the market moments to watch.

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Derivatives Activity Also Drives NEAR Price

In addition to the ETF, activity in the derivatives market has also increased alongside the NEAR rally.

Open interest showed significant growth as the price began to move higher. Market data cited by several reports even showed that NEAR futures open interest reached around US$1.56 billion on September 27, the highest level in the available data period since late 2023.

This condition shows that more derivatives positions were being established amid the rally. Its impact can go in either direction.

If long positions continue to increase and the price successfully breaks through resistance, leverage can amplify the upward momentum. Conversely, if the price reverses sharply, leveraged positions can trigger liquidations and accelerate the decline.

This was already visible on September 27, when NEAR briefly fell around 3.1% within one hour and approximately US$600,000 in long positions were liquidated, according to a TokenPost report.

Therefore, the rise in open interest is not only a signal of increasing interest in NEAR, but also indicates that volatility needs to be monitored.

Read Also: Quant (QNT) Price Rises Today, Reaches $180: Here's Why

NEAR Price Analysis: Can It Break Through US$5.47?

From a technical perspective, US$5.47 is an important level because it is around the latest annual high.

If the price manages to break through that area and hold above it, the market may assess whether new momentum has formed following the breakout. Conversely, failure to sustain the rise could send the price back to test the support area.

One level to watch is US$4.82. This level is around an important retracement from the latest move.

From the US$5.17 price:

• US$5.47 means a gain of around 5.8%.
• US$4.82 means a decline of around 6.8%.
• US$4.60 means a decline of around 11%.

Therefore, movement between US$4.82 and US$5.47 could become an important area for assessing whether the ETF momentum can sustain the upward trend or instead be followed by profit-taking.

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NEAR Price Scenarios Ahead

Bullish Scenario

If NEAR manages to stay above US$4.82 and buying pressure remains high, the price could retest US$5.47.

A break above that high with strong volume could be the next technical development to watch, especially if it occurs alongside the start of trading for the NRR ETF.

Correction Scenario

Conversely, failure to hold US$4.82 could open the way for a correction toward US$4.60.

This risk is increasingly relevant because the NEAR rally has occurred relatively quickly. High derivatives activity can also amplify the move if long positions begin to be liquidated.

Consolidation Scenario

NEAR may also move sideways after the sharp rise. Under these conditions, the market may need time to absorb the gains before determining its next direction.

Consolidation above US$4.82 would be a different development compared with a direct correction after the rally.

Read Also: SAGA Coin Rises, Will SAGA Price Break Through US$0.0575?

What to Watch After the NEAR ETF Launches?

The ETF launch does not automatically mean that NEAR's price will continue to rise. The market's response after the product begins trading will instead provide important new data.

Several indicators to watch include ETF fund flows, NRR trading volume, NEAR spot price, futures open interest, and the price's ability to hold the US$4.82 level.

If demand through the ETF develops alongside strong spot volume, the market may gain an indication that the catalyst is generating new demand. Conversely, if profit-taking occurs after the launch, NEAR volatility could increase.

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Conclusion

NEAR price is entering an important period after a sharp rally throughout the second half of September 2026. Developments surrounding the Bitwise NEAR ETF have become the main catalyst, while increased derivatives activity has also strengthened the price movement.

With NEAR around US$5.17, the US$4.82 area is a level that needs to hold to maintain the short-term upward structure. On the upside, US$5.47 is an important level that could be retested.

The launch of the NRR ETF around the end of September is the next catalyst to watch. 

However, high open interest also means that the risks of volatility and liquidations remain significant, making price movement after the ETF begins trading an important factor in determining NEAR's next direction.

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FAQ

What is the price of NEAR today?

NEAR is trading around US$5.17 based on the market data used in this article update.

Why is the price of NEAR rising?

One of the main catalysts is the development of the Bitwise NEAR ETF, which has completed its registration and listing stages on NYSE Arca. Derivatives activity and capital rotation into altcoins have also supported the movement.

What is the next NEAR price target?

The US$5.47 area is an important level to watch because it is around the latest annual high. A breakout above this level needs to be confirmed by momentum and volume.

What is the NEAR price support?

The US$4.82 area is one of the important levels in the short-term structure. If selling pressure increases, the area around US$4.60 may also become a focus.

When will the Bitwise NEAR ETF launch?

The Bitwise NEAR ETF uses the ticker NRR and is expected to begin trading around September 29, 2026. The actual trading date still needs to be confirmed through announcements from the exchange and issuer.