Aster (ASTER) is consolidating near $0.71 as the Aster DEX platform expands its trading infrastructure with three new USDC-denominated perpetual markets, marking another step in the exchange's ecosystem development. At press time, ASTER is trading at $0.7109, an increase of 1.53% over the past 24 hours, and the token's next direction hinges on whether buyers can break through nearby resistance and convert weeks of sideways movement into a lasting recovery.

Aster DEX Launches USDC Perpetual Markets Through Arc and Circle Partnership

Through its partnership with Arc and Circle, Aster DEX announced the introduction of USDC-denominated perpetual markets for BTC, ETH, and SOL. The expansion gives traders additional ways to access perpetual contracts using USDC, although its effect on ASTER demand remains uncertain.

USDC is the dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Circle. Perpetual futures offer leveraged long and short exposure without an expiry date and are among the most actively traded instruments in crypto derivatives; denominating contracts in a stablecoin prices them against a dollar-linked asset rather than a volatile cryptocurrency.

The announcement was shared on X:

BTCUSDC, ETHUSDC, and SOLUSDC perpetuals are now live on Aster. Another step forward with @arc and @circle in expanding @USDC 's role in onchain trading.

— Aster 🥷 (@Aster_DEX) October 23, 2026

Source: Aster on X

Aster's announcement also highlights the availability of USDe, the synthetic dollar issued by Ethena, on X Layer and OKX Wallet, with the X Layer integration involving the Aave v3 instance. The post states that "USDe is now live on X Layer and OKX Wallet." That announcement concerns USDe, while the three USDC-denominated perpetual markets represent a separate development.

In the TradingView snapshot, ASTER was trading at $0.7109, with the displayed daily candle showing a 2.48% gain. Its open, high, low, and close prices were $0.6937, $0.7133, $0.6930, and $0.7109, respectively.

Can ASTER Move Above $0.7563?

After its sharp rally in early September, ASTER has moved sideways over the past several weeks. The chart identifies $0.7563 as nearby resistance, while the 200-day moving average at $0.7208, a widely watched gauge of long-term trend, remains above the current price and may serve as the first obstacle.
A sustained rise above $0.7208 would strengthen the short-term recovery outlook, making $0.7563 the next important resistance level to monitor. If ASTER fails to reclaim the moving average, the token may remain within its existing consolidation range.

What the Aster Price Chart Reveals

The chart places ASTER above its 50-day moving average of $0.6686 but below its 200-day moving average of $0.7208. This mixed technical position indicates that the price remains above the shorter-term average but has yet to reclaim the longer-term average, leaving the broader recovery unconfirmed.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 50.08, marginally higher than its moving average of 47.78. This reading points to slightly improving momentum around the neutral 50 level, but it does not yet indicate strong buying pressure.

What CoinGlass Data Shows

CoinGlass, an aggregator of crypto derivatives data, shows open interest remaining elevated compared with late July. It fluctuates around $330 million–$370 million during much of the displayed October period, while ASTER trades near $0.70. This combination suggests that substantial derivatives positions remain open even as the price consolidates. Nevertheless, open interest alone does not reveal whether traders are predominantly bullish or bearish.

The liquidation chart also shows intermittent spikes, but it does not establish the current liquidation total or provide a precise funding-rate reading.

What Traders Should Monitor Next

ASTER's near-term direction will depend on whether buyers can reclaim $0.7208 and challenge resistance at $0.7563. A sustained move above $0.7563 could strengthen the recovery outlook, whereas a decline below $0.6930 would put the recent daily low in focus as an initial downside reference.

The introduction of three USDC-denominated perpetual markets provides a fresh ecosystem development, although its effect on ASTER demand remains uncertain. Traders will need confirmation from price action and derivatives positioning before determining whether the market is entering a sustained recovery.

Disclaimer: This article contains market analysis and price predictions. These are not guarantees. Crypto markets are volatile. Always DYOR. This is not financial advice.