NEAR Drops 7% From $2.52 Entry and Targets $2.16 Liquidity Zone

• NEAR price moved down after losing support near $2.52 and now trades below the key short term zone
• The current trend shows weakness and the chart signals that the $2.16 level could hold or break soon
• Traders already locked gains and now expect the price to retest the lower zone around the demand block

NEAR/USDT has dropped 7.03% from the trade entry, with current price action indicating further downside toward a key demand zone. As shared by Crypto Patel on May 4, the asset has tapped into a bearish order block while traders managed risk using partial profits and adjusted stop-loss levels. The price currently sits at $2.337, down from recent highs near $2.52.

A visible breakdown has followed the mid-structure shift (MSS) and confirmed a move from buy-side liquidity to a lower sell-side range. The red zone at the top marked the bearish order block, which served as resistance and triggered the sell-off. A projected decline of $0.174 targets the green demand block around $2.16, expected over the next 2 days.

As NEAR approaches a critical decision zone, investors are questioning whether the current momentum can reverse or if further losses are likely.

Technical Structure Shows Shift in Market Control

The trading setup on the 4-hour chart from TradingView shows a textbook example of a structure breakdown. Following a strong rally from April 21 to April 25, NEAR entered a consolidation phase under $2.60, where a bearish order block formed. The asset failed to break above this resistance and began to create lower highs.

A marked MSS (market structure shift) appeared around April 29, suggesting a change in direction and a loss of upward strength. The price proceeded to sweep buy-side liquidity before aggressively targeting lower levels. This behavior indicates a classic liquidity move where price grabs highs before reversing.

From May 1 onward, the price accelerated downward, confirming the bearish structure. The chart projects a potential 7.03% drop to $2.16, resting on a previously tested demand zone. That area served as support during the rally and may now act as a possible bounce region.

Strategic Trade Management in Play

Crypto Patel’s post highlights a common approach to trade management in volatile conditions. Traders booked partial profits near $2.52 and moved stop-loss (SL) levels to secure gains. This method allows traders to protect capital while still participating in further moves.

The tweet notes that this style of trading—locking in gains while allowing downside room—helps maximize trade longevity. It reflects a disciplined risk strategy, especially important when prices enter key liquidity zones. As NEAR remains in a descending structure, protection becomes a top priority.

The projected red box in the chart shows potential continuation into the green zone marked as an order block. This level could attract demand, creating a possible reaction or even reversal . However, without clear signs of support, further pressure may develop.

This raises a significant question: can the demand zone near $2.16 provide enough buying interest to stop NEAR’s slide, or is deeper downside in play?

Price Action Confirms Bearish Sentiment

Volume and candle patterns confirm weakening momentum, with red candles dominating recent sessions. There is no sign of strong buying absorption yet, which supports the bearish outlook. Traders are watching the reaction around the $2.16 zone closely.

The market appears to be driven by liquidity hunting behavior, seeking to capture both sides before establishing a clearer direction. If the price fails to hold above the lower zone, the next logical support may fall below $2.10. With the trend leaning negative, careful observation is advised.

The current 4-hour structure has aligned with broader patterns seen in other altcoins during this period. NEAR’s technical breakdown mirrors conditions in correlated markets, further confirming the bearish setup.