Aptos Sees 26% Surge in DEX Volumes Amid Stagnant Prices

Aptos (APT) has been experiencing a surge in developer activity and decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes, yet its price remains stagnant near critical support levels. This divergence between on-chain momentum and market valuation has left many market participants cautious, awaiting stronger catalysts to drive a breakout.

The Aptos network has seen a notable increase in spot taker cumulative volume delta (CVD), indicating that buyers are dominating the order books despite the token’s price languishing near multi-month lows. This persistent buying pressure suggests that market participants are accumulating APT in anticipation of a potential breakout. However, the price has yet to reflect this demand, revealing a critical divergence between spot market sentiment and price action. Should this buying momentum sustain, it could either trigger a breakout rally or lead to a premature exhaustion of bullish interest.

Technical indicators show that APT’s price action remains confined within a well-established trading range between $4.2 and $7, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) recently dipping to 38.46. This level indicates oversold conditions, which historically precede short-term rebounds. However, repeated tests of this support zone without a decisive bounce increase the risk of a breakdown below critical levels. Traders should watch for a firm defense of this range, as a failure to hold could prompt a retest of lower liquidity areas below $4, potentially intensifying selling pressure.

The derivatives segment of Aptos has experienced a resurgence, with Open Interest increasing by 11.78% to $181.92 million and trading volumes climbing 5.26% to $305.97 million. This uptick indicates that traders are actively re-engaging with leveraged positions, anticipating potential volatility or directional moves. The rising leverage exposure often precedes significant price action, suggesting that market participants are positioning themselves for a possible breakout or breakdown in the near term.

On-chain metrics reveal a nuanced picture: while Total Value Locked (TVL) on Aptos-based protocols has declined by 5.98% to $1.443 billion, decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes have surged. The 24-hour DEX trading volume reached $165.7 million, with weekly volumes increasing by over 26%. This divergence indicates a shift from long-term capital commitments to heightened short-term trading activity. The robust DEX liquidity and volume provide a foundation for potential price recovery, contingent on renewed market confidence and broader bullish sentiment.

Developer engagement on the Aptos network has accelerated, with daily smart contract deployments surpassing 450 — the highest level in six months. This surge reflects increasing confidence in the platform’s ecosystem and potential for future application growth. However, this positive fundamental development has yet to translate into price appreciation, underscoring the market’s cautious stance. The growing developer momentum may serve as a catalyst for medium-term upside if accompanied by sustained trader interest and improved market conditions.

Aptos is currently navigating a complex phase where rising developer activity, increased DEX volumes, and growing spot demand contrast with stagnant price movement near critical support. The market exhibits signs of cautious optimism, but a decisive reclaiming of the $5 to $5.5 range is essential for a meaningful breakout. Until then, traders should monitor leverage exposure and on-chain metrics closely, as these will provide early signals of a potential directional shift. Maintaining vigilance on these key indicators will be crucial for capitalizing on Aptos’ evolving market dynamics.