Aster News Today: Whales Bet Big on ASTER's Breakout as Sustainability Doubts Linger

ASTER's Price Volatility Intensifies Amid Whale Accumulation and Technical Breakouts

Aster (ASTER) has surged over 8% in recent trading sessions, with bulls eyeing a critical $1.21 resistance level as on-chain data reveals mixed signals about the token's sustainability. The Binance-backed decentralized exchange (DEX) has achieved a trading volume exceeding $3.1 trillion, though user adoption remains stagnant, with protocol fees hovering below $20 million since mid-October. Open interest (OI) has also declined to $2.669 billion, down from $5.011 billion in early October, signaling risk-off sentiment among traders.

Despite these challenges, whale activity has intensified, with major investors accumulating ASTER amid uncertainty about its long-term trajectory. A prominent whale, known for a $36 million profit from PEPE, has purchased 8.41 million ASTER tokens, valued at $8.14 million, while another top externally owned address (EOA) now holds 42.17 million ASTER, worth $47.12 million.

Derivatives markets have also heated up, with 24-hour trading volume jumping 34.47% to $1.89 billion and open interest rising 8.83% to $550.87 million.

Technical analysts remain divided, but some see potential for a breakout. ASTER is approaching a key ascending triangle pattern on the 4-hour chart, with a close above $1.2106 needed to confirm a bullish reversal. Meanwhile, the token's recent unlock delay-pushing major supply releases to 2026 and beyond has alleviated short-term dilution fears, sparking a 10% price surge and stabilizing market sentiment. Open interest and liquidity clusters around the $1.20 level suggest this could be a near-term target for traders according to analysis.

Market participants are cautiously optimistic. "ASTER is getting ready for a strong breakout," tweeted analyst CryptoBull_360, noting rising volume and momentum as key indicators. However, risks persist. Liquidations in the past 24 hours totaled $2.14 million, with longs accounting for $1.56 million, underscoring the high leverage and volatility in the asset class according to market data.

For now, ASTER remains a high-stakes bet, with whale accumulation and derivatives speculation driving short-term momentum. Whether it can sustain gains beyond $1.20 will depend on broader market conditions and the resolution of lingering adoption challenges.