Aster Surges 29% Weekly — Can the March Mainnet Push It Past $1?

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

• Aster’s breakout depends on sustained demand above major resistance.
  
• March’s mainnet launch could determine whether momentum turns into adoption.
  
• Bitcoin’s ETF flows and macro narrative continue shaping overall crypto sentiment.

Crypto markets remain uneven, but Aster is emerging as one of the few tokens showing short-term strength. The asset climbed more than 6% in 24 hours and nearly 30% on the week, pushing price action into a decisive technical zone that could determine whether the rally extends or stalls.

At the same time, a separate macro debate around Bitcoin’s role as “digital gold” is reshaping investor expectations, highlighting how narratives and capital flows continue to influence the broader crypto landscape.

Aster Rally Meets Critical Breakout Zone

Aster’s recent surge has brought it into a resistance band between roughly $0.75 and $0.82. A confirmed breakout above this range could open a path toward the next extension target near $1.08. However, failure to hold momentum would expose the structure to downside risk, with $0.641 acting as a key invalidation level.

Derivatives data supports the bullish case for now. Open Interest and trading volume have risen together since early February, suggesting traders are rebuilding positions rather than simply reacting to short-term volatility. Spot inflows turning positive reinforces that interpretation, signaling fresh capital entering the market.

Still, rising leverage also increases liquidation risk. If the breakout fails, crowded long positions could accelerate a reversal.

Mainnet Launch Could Be Aster’s Real Test

The project’s planned March 2026 mainnet launch is shaping up as a major catalyst. The move from BEP-20 tokens on BNB Chain to a native network is intended to improve scalability, privacy, and derivatives trading efficiency.

But execution will matter more than announcements. Mainnet launches quickly shift focus from speculation to actual adoption. If user activity follows the rollout, Aster’s current momentum could gain structural backing. Without real demand, the rally risks fading once hype subsides.

Bitcoin’s “Digital Gold” Narrative Faces Scrutiny

Beyond altcoins, the market is also debating Bitcoin’s macro identity. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas recently defended Bitcoin’s “digital gold” status after criticism from strategists at Deutsche Bank.

The dispute stems from performance. Gold surged strongly in 2025 while Bitcoin closed the year slightly down. However, long-term comparisons still show Bitcoin outperforming the metal in most years since 2012.

ETF flows may be part of the explanation. Weak demand for U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs since late 2025 has weighed on sentiment, while gold funds have attracted renewed inflows. Until Bitcoin ETF demand stabilizes, the divergence could continue shaping price behavior.

Also Read: xMoney Expands Domino’s Partnership to Greece, Powering Faster Checkout Experiences

Aster’s rally shows that selective altcoins can still outperform in a mixed market, but its breakout now hinges on sustained demand and successful execution of its upcoming mainnet. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s ongoing identity debate highlights how macro narratives, ETF flows, and capital rotation remain central forces in crypto pricing.

Both stories underscore the same reality: momentum alone rarely sustains rallies — adoption, liquidity, and investor conviction ultimately decide what comes next.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.