NEAR & LINK Face Key Resistance as Bitcoin Holds Key

Near Protocol’s significant price spike on Friday morning, reaching as much as 9.3%, has positioned the cryptocurrency at a crucial technical juncture. The $NEAR price now faces strong horizontal resistance at the $3.13 level while simultaneously approaching a descending trendline that has contained previous advances. This convergence of technical barriers creates a make-or-break scenario for NEAR bulls seeking to capitalize on the recent momentum.

Technical indicators suggest caution despite the price surge. The Stochastic RSI indicators are beginning to show signs of topping out, signaling potential momentum exhaustion. Furthermore, trading volume would need to increase substantially to support a successful breakout above the $3.13 resistance level. The weekly chart reveals what appears to be a potential W pattern formation, with the neckline coinciding precisely with the horizontal resistance level at $3.13.

A confirmed breakout above $3.13 would signal that the final stage of the crypto bull market is underway for NEAR Protocol. However, for this to occur, the Stochastic RSI indicators at the bottom of the chart would need to reverse their current trajectory and provide the necessary momentum thrust. The coming sessions will determine whether NEAR can overcome these technical hurdles or face rejection at this critical level.

Chainlink presents a similarly compelling technical picture, with the $LINK price testing the upper boundary of its trading channel. The short-term timeframe shows LINK positioned at the top trendline of its channel, though technical indicators suggest a breakout may not be imminent. The Stochastic RSI indicators display signs of potential topping, while the decreasing volume profile fails to exhibit the confidence typically associated with successful breakouts.

The weekly timeframe reveals a more promising structure for LINK enthusiasts. Following a substantial rise from June through August 2025, the cryptocurrency entered an extended period of sideways and downward consolidation that has formed what appears to be a classic bull flag pattern. This technical formation often precedes significant upward moves when resolved to the upside.

With only a few days remaining in the trading week, a breakout for LINK could materialize as early as next week. Key signals to watch include the Stochastic RSI indicators beginning to turn sideways and then upward at the 50.00 level, coupled with increasing volume bars that would confirm institutional and retail interest in the potential move.

The fate of both NEAR and LINK breakouts ultimately hinges on Bitcoin’s performance, as the broader cryptocurrency market continues to take directional cues from the dominant digital asset. With Bitcoin bulls and bears still contesting whether the price has established a local bottom, the uncertainty creates headwinds for altcoin breakouts regardless of their individual technical setups.

Historical patterns demonstrate that sustained altcoin breakouts typically occur only when Bitcoin establishes clear directional momentum. The current indecision in BTC price action suggests that traders should maintain close surveillance of Bitcoin’s performance throughout the remainder of the week. A decisive move from Bitcoin would likely catalyze corresponding movements in both NEAR and LINK.

For traders considering positions in either NEAR or LINK, the technical analysis indicates that both cryptocurrencies require specific conditions to achieve successful breakouts. NEAR needs to conquer the $3.13 resistance with supporting volume, while LINK requires resolution of its bull flag pattern with confirming momentum indicators. However, both scenarios depend fundamentally on Bitcoin providing the necessary market stability or upward impetus for altcoins to flourish.