If you've been keeping an eye on the crypto space lately, you might have noticed the buzz around $ASTER. But according to a recent tweet from @hmalviya9, missing out on $ASTER isn't the end of the world—it's just the tip of the iceberg in the broader narrative of Perpetual DEXs (Decentralized Exchanges focused on perpetual futures trading). These platforms let users trade perpetual contracts, which are like futures but without expiration dates, all on the blockchain without needing a central authority.

The tweet highlights how Perp DEXs are gaining traction with features like "buyback and burn" mechanisms—where projects use revenue to buy back their tokens and remove them from circulation, potentially driving up value. It's not just about crypto volumes anymore; future winners could pull in major action from onchain equities and commodities perps. Think trading stocks or oil prices directly on the blockchain.

To put things in perspective, here's a snapshot from the tweet's data table sourced from DeFiLlama, showing key metrics for several Perp DEX projects:

Breaking it down: The table lists projects like HYPE with a massive $315B in 30-day volume and a 47x FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) to revenue multiple, down to APEX at $13.17B volume with a 13.2x multiple. FDV is the total value if all tokens were in circulation, and the multiple shows how the market values the project relative to its earnings—lower numbers might indicate undervaluation.

Right now, Perp DEXs only capture about 8% of the volume from Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) like Binance. But the tweet predicts this could jump to at least 20% in the next 18 months, especially as trading shifts through wallets and super apps. These are all-in-one platforms that make DeFi more user-friendly, like mobile apps that handle trading, staking, and more.

What does this mean for meme tokens? Well, many meme projects thrive on hype and community, but tying into Perp DEXs could add real utility. Imagine meme-inspired perps or tokens backed by actual revenue from trading volumes. The tweet emphasizes that tokens with clear value capture—meaning they benefit directly from platform success—plus a strong community or "cult leader" shilling them, will stand out.

Wallets and super apps are poised to benefit big time too. As more users flock to decentralized trading, these tools will see increased demand, potentially boosting their associated tokens.

In the replies, folks are chiming in with their takes. One user points out the narrative might be more about big players like CZ (Changpeng Zhao, Binance founder) than just Perps. Another notes $ASTER dipping below $2, suggesting it's still early to call it a miss. There's caution about fake tokens mimicking ASTER amid the pump season, and reminders to stay vigilant.

Overall, @hmalviya9 sees $ASTER as a "short spark, not the ultimate fire." More winners are likely to emerge in this space. If you're into meme tokens or DeFi, keeping tabs on Perp DEXs could uncover the next big opportunity. For more insights on meme tokens and blockchain trends, stick around at Meme Insider.