Why Is NEAR Protocol (NEAR) Up 14.04% Today, September 17, 2026? Claim Incentive and Heavy Trading Drive the Rally

NEAR outperformed a softer broader crypto tape, jumping 14.04% amid heightened attention around a September 15 claim window tied to the Confidential Intents incentive. Turnover of $627.42m (~18.15% of market cap) signals strong participation and liquidity rather than a thin move. Near-term focus is on whether momentum sustains beyond the event-driven catalyst and around key close-based levels highlighted by traders.