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ASTER’s native token, ASTER, is gaining momentum as anticipation builds for the project’s dedicated layer 1 mainnet launch in March. The token recently traded at $0.0745 after rising more than 9% in 24 hours, supported by renewed activity across the decentralized exchange and growing interest in the network’s infrastructure roadmap.
The team confirmed that the mainnet rollout will shift Aster Chain from testing into full production following multiple testnet phases that began in late 2025 and expanded to more than 50,000 participants by early February 2026.
The upcoming mainnet deployment is central to the DEX’s 2026 strategy, including integrating fiat on- and off-ramps and offering tools for developers building on its application-specific blockchain. The team also reiterated its commitment to community-driven upgrades, governance features powered by the ASTER token, and expanded staking mechanisms.
In addition, the DEX plans to broaden its synthetic markets by introducing perpetual contracts tied to real-world assets such as stocks, aiming to extend its reach beyond crypto-native derivatives.
Aster’s perpetual DEX has benefited from a broader shift toward non-custodial trading. Perpetual DEX volume nearly tripled last year, rising from about $4 trillion to more than $12 trillion, with roughly $7.9 trillion generated in 2025 alone.
Monthly volumes surpassed $1 trillion in October and November and remained just below that level in December, surpassing competitors like Hyperliquid. The growth has coincided with increased regulatory scrutiny on centralized exchanges, encouraging traders to seek platforms that offer leveraged exposure without surrendering asset control.
On February 10, ASTER climbed more than 10% to around $0.66 after the exchange processed over $3 billion in 24-hour volume. Trading volume for the token rose 27%, reflecting heightened participation.
High on-chain activity has historically aligned with stronger token demand. However, traders are monitoring a scheduled February 17 token unlock that could introduce short-term supply pressure.
The token recently broke above a five-month descending trendline after holding support near $0.59. Rising volume and open interest supported the move, with the next technical level cited near $0.72.
Analysts said sustained trading above the breakout region is needed to validate the shift; otherwise, the price could revisit support zones. For now, ASTER trades near local highs as the market weighs whether the mainnet launch and derivatives activity can support a longer-term recovery.
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