High-frequency traders, or whales, have profited significantly from their short positions in the ASTER cryptocurrency. According to recent data, two prominent whales, 0x9ee and 0xBAD, have accumulated a combined unrealized profit of $11.9 million by betting against ASTER’s price. This activity follows Changpeng Zhao, Binance founder, publicly disclosing his purchase of ASTER, which may have influenced the whales’ short positions. The impact of this action has been significant, causing ASTER’s prices to fall below $1 and triggering a cascading effect on other related assets. The combined short position size of $71 million leverages decentralized exchanges with funding primarily coming from private sources, not institutions. This activity highlights the increasing power and influence of whales in digital asset markets, prompting questions about market volatility and regulation.