As the crypto market moves through January 2026, NEAR Protocol (NEAR) briefly entered focus following a strong intraday move. The Layer 1 token climbed 5.7% to reach $1.73 before giving back part of those gains, highlighting the ongoing gap between short-term price action and sustained market conviction.
At the same time, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is drawing interest for a different reason. Instead of rapid price movement, attention is forming around its hardware-backed crypto model, which reflects a broader shift in how early-stage infrastructure projects are being evaluated.
NEAR Sees a 5.7% Jump, but Momentum Softens
NEAR’s move higher began after the U.S. market opened, pushing the price toward $1.73 before selling pressure emerged. As the session continued, the token pulled back into the $1.68–$1.70 range.
Key session metrics showed mixed signals:
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Intraday move: +5.7%, peaking near $1.73
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Volume: Approximately 47% above the 30-day average
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Market comparison: Underperformed the CD5 crypto index
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Price range: Roughly $0.11, representing about 6.5% of value
The largest volume spike occurred when 6.41 million NEAR changed hands. Overall activity suggested a rebound from session lows rather than sustained breakout demand, pointing to short-term positioning instead of broad accumulation.
Resistance Continues to Limit NEAR’s Upside
From a technical perspective, NEAR remains within a well-defined range, with repeated rejections at higher levels.
Key zones include:
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Primary support: $1.66–$1.67, aligned with prior high-volume reversals
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Near-term support: $1.71–$1.72
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Immediate resistance: $1.73–$1.74
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Upper range ceiling: $1.74–$1.76, tested multiple times
Volume trends continue to support a consolidation outlook. Without a sustained close above $1.74 accompanied by stronger volume, NEAR is likely to remain range-bound, reflecting broader conditions across many altcoins.
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Highlights a Different Market Focus
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is attracting attention due to its hardware-backed crypto framework, which contrasts with the software-only architecture common among early-stage projects.
Rather than relying solely on protocol logic, ZKP integrates dedicated physical hardware to support verifiable computation. These devices process workloads and generate cryptographic proofs, confirming execution while preserving data privacy. Verification and privacy are embedded directly into the system’s design.
By linking computation to physical infrastructure, ZKP introduces a distinct trust model. Execution depends on both cryptographic validation and hardware-backed proof, which may be relevant for applications involving AI processing, private data workflows, and verifiable computation environments.
Why Hardware-Backed Models Are Being Watched in 2026
As the crypto sector matures, market participants are becoming more selective about execution and delivery. Hardware-backed crypto designs, such as the one used by ZKP, are increasingly discussed due to factors including:
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Emphasis on deployed infrastructure rather than concepts alone
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Computation verification tied to physical systems
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Higher barriers to replication due to hardware requirements
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Reduced reliance on short-term speculative narratives
The ZKP whitelist remains active, with participation reflecting interest in system readiness rather than price movement. This positioning keeps Zero Knowledge Proof part of broader discussions around emerging crypto infrastructure in early 2026.
Final Thoughts
NEAR’s recent 5.7% move illustrates how quickly momentum can form, but also how easily it can fade without sustained confirmation. Persistent resistance and moderate volume continue to suggest consolidation.
Meanwhile, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) highlights a contrasting approach focused on hardware-backed execution and privacy-first design. By anchoring computation to physical systems, ZKP represents one of several infrastructure-oriented models gaining attention as market focus shifts from short-term movement toward execution and delivery.
As 2026 progresses, these differences are becoming central for those evaluating which crypto projects stand out under more selective conditions.
Explore Zero Knowledge Proof:
Website: https://zkp.com/
Auction: https://auction.zkp.com/
X: https://x.com/ZKPofficial
Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial
This article contains information about a cryptocurrency presale. Crypto Economy is not associated with the project. As with any initiative within the crypto ecosystem, we encourage users to do their own research before participating, carefully considering both the potential and the risks involved. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
