The market is clearly moving towards DeFi and as a result, layer 1s are rethinking how to stay ahead of the curve.
It is therefore not surprising that most strategic partnerships are now centered around stablecoins. By acting as a bridge between TradFi and DeFi, they not only move capital on-chain more efficiently, but also reduce friction and unlock access to key growth areas such as RWAs, AI and NFTs.
In this context, Aster’s (ASTER) partnership with WorldLibertyFinancial (WLFI) fits perfectly. As part of the deal, WLFI’s native stablecoin, USD1, becomes the base layer for ASTER’s perpetual markets and RWA initiatives, further strengthening the broader trend of more closely connecting traditional finance to DeFi via stablecoins.
Unsurprisingly, the market reacted quickly. The most controversial response came from Donald Trump Jr. on X, calling the partnership a major “win” for both networks. That said, when we look at the technical positioning, it is clear that this move goes beyond simply strengthening fundamentals.
On the charts, ASTER and WLFI were affected by the ongoing macro FUD, closing near critical support levels that may soon be tested. At the same time, longer term, these assets still have a long way to go before returning to early October price levels.
Naturally, the key question is: can this partnership actually generate significant price gains? This is especially relevant when considering that other DEX tokens like Hyperliquid (HYPE) have managed to remain relatively bullish despite the same macro headwinds.
ASTER bets on 1 USD to regain ground
When thinking about stablecoins, USDT usually comes to mind first.
That said, its technical setup doesn’t always tell the whole story. So far this year, the USDT market cap has only increased by about 1.6%. Given that this period overlaps with a roughly 20% correction across the entire crypto market, it is clear that USDT flows are still influencing broader price action.
But capital no longer pursues only speculation. The RWA market, for example, has grown 35% this year, showing that money is flowing into more structured real assets. In this context, the 34.3% rise in USD1 market capitalization highlights how well-positioned stablecoins are generating real growth, making the ASTER-WLFI partnership a clearly strategic play.
At the same time, a similar divergence is visible in the perpetual volume, which has cooled overall. Yet, chain by chain, Hyperliquide still dominates, with a trading volume of $620 billion in the first quarter. Oil trading, in particular, has been a key driver, keeping Hyperliquide firmly in the lead, even as market activity slows.
For comparison, ASTER posted $318 billion over the same period. Technically, this represents almost half the volume of Hyperliquide. The impact is also reflected in price action, with HYPE ending the first quarter up 43%, while ASTER slipped 3.32%. That said, the WLFI partnership places ASTER in a position to strengthen its liquidity, potentially improving its competitiveness in the DEX perpetual market.
The main catalyst? 1 USD. Serving as the foundation layer for ASTER’s perpetual markets and RWA initiatives, it could be the lever that helps ASTER close the gap with Hyperliquide, creating a stronger presence in real-world trading and asset markets.
Final summary
- USD1 now serves as the base layer for ASTER’s perpetual markets and RWA initiatives, strengthening liquidity.
- While HYPE dominates trading volume, ASTER’s USD1 integration allows it to close the gap and expand its presence in real-world trading and asset markets.
