$NEAR drops over 10% in 24 hours. Is this a healthy correction or the beginning of a deeper selloff?

NEAR Protocol has fallen approximately 10.25% to $5.21, as broader altcoin weakness, profit-taking and leveraged liquidations pressure the market.

Despite its strong monthly rally, short-term momentum has weakened, with RSI near 39 and reported trading volume reaching $1.58B.

Key levels to watch:
• $5.16: Critical support. Holding could support consolidation.
• $5.45: First recovery level to reclaim.
• $5.72: Potential upside resistance.
• $4.90: Downside risk if support breaks.

The upcoming U.S. CPI report on October 14 could also influence market sentiment.

The bigger picture: NEAR's decline appears closely linked to broader market risk reduction rather than a confirmed deterioration in its fundamentals.

Can $NEAR defend $5.16 and recover, or will sellers push it toward $4.90?