- ASTER reclaims a key demand area after a sweep of sell-side liquidity near the $1 zone.
- Mid-supply at $1.15–$1.20 remains the next major test for broader directional movement.
- Derivatives flow shows concentrated open interest and active retail participation across major exchanges.
ASTER continues to trade inside a fragile structure after a fresh pullback placed price near a key demand region. Market flow shows a controlled decline as traders react to shifting liquidity pockets and reduced intraday momentum.
Demand Defense After Sell-Side Sweep
The market recently completed a sharp sweep below the $1 level before recovering back into the reclaimed demand band. ASTER found stability as the move triggered a classic liquidity grab that cleared resting downside orders. This shift aligns with the observation shared by BlockchainBaller (@bl_ockchain), who noted that ASTER returned to a core demand range after sweeping sell-side liquidity.
Price behavior around $1.05 has formed a structural floor across several tests in late November and early December. Each revisit shaped a broader accumulation pocket that now acts as the primary defense for buyers. This reaction supports a slow transition from weakness to short-term stabilization, although structure remains cautious.
Current movements show price pressing toward the lower edge of the mid-supply region. The $1.15–$1.20 band has capped every recent rally attempt, making it the next directional checkpoint. A clean advance above that block could open room toward higher inefficiencies, including the $1.40–$1.50 cluster.
Liquidity Patterns and Derivatives Positioning
The liquidation map shows alternating cycles of long and short liquidations through October and November. Early November saw an intense wave of both sides being cleared as volatility widened around attempts toward the $1.20–$1.30 area. The market then rotated lower as excessive long exposure unwound.
November activity showed steadier liquidations, though long removals remained dominant on pullbacks near mid-range. Heavy long liquidations around November 20–22 lined up with a sharp rejection, shaping another shift in sentiment. These sequences reflect traders adjusting exposure as ASTER continues to compress inside a narrow band.
Open interest is concentrated on Binance with $140.50M, placing it well above Bybit. MEXC holds the largest volume at $249.0M, indicating strong speculative activity. Broader exchange distribution shows balanced participation and a market poised for renewed volatility once price returns to key structural zones.
Intraday Decline and Market Cap Pressure
ASTER as of writing trades at $1.01 after a 2.57% intraday decline. The move comes after repeated failures to sustain levels above $1.04, leading to a steady sequence of lower highs. Sellers gained control late in the session as volume dropped.
Market cap as of writing is at $2.25B, reflecting an 8.96% contraction that matches the price pullback. Trading volume at $265.2M shows reduced appetite during the downturn. These conditions supported a controlled slide, not an impulsive selloff.
Circulating supply of 2.21B ASTER adds sensitivity when activity softens. Holder count near 194.71K remains stable, but many participants appear cautious. For now, ASTER stays range-bound as traders monitor the reaction around demand and the pressure building near mid-supply.
