Zcash (ZEC) soars, NEAR agreement may be next: Why analysts choose to wait and see

Zcash rose strongly, and NEAR Protocol may become the next target-why analysts are still waiting and see

Zcash's recent strong performance. The privacy coin has risen more than 40% in the past month, and analysts are now turning their eyes to NEAR Protocol, believing it could become the next currency to show a similar trend.

Cryptocurrency trader Michaël van de Poppe recently added NEAR to his watch list, pointing out that the token is holding key support levels, while funds in the entire market are rotating into the altcoin. But he has not yet bought.

Why ZEC's rise may lay the foundation for NEAR's next wave of market activity

Zcash's recent surge comes as the altcoin seasonal index has risen to 58, just one step away from the transformation of Bitcoin's dominance. Money poured into privacy-focused projects, with ZEC leading the gains. This rotation is not accidental. When Bitcoin stalls, traders often look for high-risk opportunities in altcoins with strong narratives.

NEAR Protocol meets this feature. NEAR rose 1.47% in 24 hours, outperforming the cryptocurrency market, which fell 1.09% overall. Trading volume also surged by 40.55%.

"To be honest, I think $NEAR will see more momentum. ZEC is up again, so it is only a matter of time before $NEAR accelerates. It is holding key support levels. By the way, if I can't hold here, I plan to buy in large quantities..."

The connection between ZEC and NEAR is not just about plate rotation. Both tokens benefit from the same macro trend: the growing need for privacy in an increasingly monitored digital economy. If ZEC can maintain its gains, NEAR is likely to become the next currency to see significant gains.

Can NEAR stand firm at the support level of $1.92 and wait for the altcoin to move upwards?

Technical analysis shows that NEAR is testing the key Fibonacci level of $1.92. This 78.6% retracement level has served as support in recent trading and, if held, could pave the way for a move towards $2.15. The token has rebounded from this level twice in the past week.

The overall market environment is conducive to bullish results. Bitcoin's dominance is declining, and the altcoin seasonal index is approaching the 60 mark. Historical data shows that readings above 60 confirm that altcoins are in a continuing upward trend relative to Bitcoin. If this happens, NEAR could benefit from additional capital inflows.

Why the privacy narrative keeps NEAR attracting attention

Privacy is becoming a major theme in cryptocurrencies. Zcash's Ironwood upgrade is scheduled to take place on July 28, which has attracted market attention to the sector. The upgrade fixes a vulnerability in Orchard's privacy pool and adds formal verification to ensure supply integrity.

Although NEAR Protocol is not a pure privacy coin, it can still benefit from this narrative. The platform provides privacy capabilities through its second-tier ecosystem, and developers are building privacy-focused applications on the web.

Van de Poppe listed NEAR as one of his preferred altcoins this week and identified privacy trends as a key driver. This endorsement adds credibility to the view that NEAR is underestimated relative to its potential.

NEAR Price Forecast: Can bulls push prices back to $2.15?

NEAR's technical side is cautiously bullish. The token is trading above the 30-day index moving average of $1.83, which is a positive sign.

A daily close above $2.00 will confirm that bulls are in control and could push prices towards $2.15 resistance. If NEAR breaks through $2.15, the next target will be $2.42, or 38.2% Fibonacci retracement. However, the token first needs to hold the support level of $1.92. A break below this level would open up space for a drop to $1.74.

Trading volume is a key indicator to pay attention to. Current trading volume levels are below the 20-day average, indicating a lack of confidence in this rally.

Is it better to buy NEAR now or wait for a correction?

Van de Poppe is waiting for a correction before buying NEAR. He pointed out that if the $1.92 support falls, he plans to accumulate positions at a lower level.

The macro environment remains uncertain. Tensions between the United States and Iran and rising oil prices have rekindled inflation concerns, and the July 14 CPI report could trigger fluctuations in all risky assets. If the data is higher than expected, it is likely to push Bitcoin lower.

For patient buyers, waiting to retest the $1.74 support provides a better risk-reward ratio. This level has been held twice in the past month and can provide clear entry points and defined downside risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high can the NEAR Protocol go?NEAR's upside will depend on adoption rates, AI-related growth, developer activity, and the overall cryptocurrency market. If these trends continue, many investors believe NEAR could return to previous cyclical highs.

What is the future price of ZEC coins? No one can accurately predict the future price of ZEC. Its value will depend on demand for private cryptocurrencies, market conditions and regulatory developments.

How high can Zcash rise in 2026? Analysts 'forecasts for Zcash in 2026 vary widely. Bullish forecasts range from approximately $230 to $850, but actual performance will depend on adoption rates, market conditions and developments such as potential spot ZEC ETFs.