Behind ASTER's gentle rise: platform size surpasses $300 million, and the deflation mechanism is about to become a new catalyst

ASTER performed relatively modestly amid the overall bullish trend in the crypto market, rising 3.47% in 24 hours to $0.79, with a market cap of $1.965 billion. However, looking at a longer time frame, it has increased 13.73% over the past 7 days, indicating that the medium-term upward trend is still in progress. More importantly, this recent rise reflects the continuous strengthening of the Aster platform’s fundamentals and the accumulation of recent positive factors.

Platform Fundamentals Support Token Value

As a perpetual contract DEX platform, Aster’s scale data continues to grow. According to the latest data, the platform’s managed assets have reached $310 million, with a total trading volume of $0.95 trillion, and active users number 1.98 million. What do these figures indicate?

This scale provides a solid foundation for the application scenarios and value capture of the ASTER token. Users trading, staking, and participating in various activities on the platform will generate demand for the token.

Recent Positive Factors Gradually Materialize

Burndrop PoC Mechanism Launch, Strengthening Token Deflation Expectations

Aster Network officially launched the Burndrop PoC integration phase, which is a noteworthy development. Users can stake 2026 ASTR tokens to mint Burndrop SBT passes, with the core being— all ASTR tokens deposited during the experiment will be burned at the final stage of the experiment.

What does this mean? It directly reduces circulating supply. With a total token supply of 80 million and only 31.19% currently in circulation, the deflation mechanism will reinforce expectations of token scarcity. Investors’ long-term value outlook will thus change.

Market Position Significantly Improved

In 2025, the perpetual contract DEX market achieved rapid growth, with annual trading volume reaching $7.9 trillion. In this highly competitive sector, Aster and Lighter have had monthly contract trading volumes exceeding Hyperliquid in both November and December—two consecutive months— which is a key signal.

This indicates that Aster is not only growing but also gaining recognition in market share competition, with user activity and trading enthusiasm validated by the market.

Medium-Term Trend Amid Short-Term Fluctuations

Details of recent price performance:

• 1 hour: down 0.41% (short-term correction)
• 24 hours: up 3.47% (moderate rise)
• 7 days: up 13.73% (clear upward trend)
• 30 days: down 19.70% (reflecting earlier correction)

This pattern is typical—after rebounding from the bottom, there are short-term fluctuations, but the medium-term trend remains upward. The 24-hour trading volume reaches $204 million, indicating sustained trading activity.

Market Environment Provides Support

It’s important to note that ASTER’s rise is not an isolated event. According to the latest news, the entire crypto market is trending upward, with the AI sector leading gains of over 6%, and BTC breaking through $93,000. In such a market environment, perpetual contract DEX projects tend to attract more attention, as derivatives trading demand increases during heightened market volatility.

Summary

ASTER’s 3.47% increase in 24 hours may seem modest, but it reflects the platform’s solid fundamentals and recent positive developments. Managed assets surpass $300 million, user numbers approach 2 million, and market share is increasing—all supporting the token’s value. The launch of the Burndrop deflation mechanism provides a new catalyst for future performance. Short-term fluctuations are normal, but the 13.73% rise over 7 days indicates a noteworthy medium-term upward trend. For investors optimistic about the perpetual contract sector and the Aster platform, now may be a good time to continue observing.