The ASTER token price fell over 12% to a record low following the activation of Aster protocol's Stage 5 Buyback Program, which allocates a portion of daily platform fees for automatic and strategic token repurchases to reduce circulating supply. This tokenomics approach aims to stabilize prices and build long-term value despite current market pressures on smaller DEX tokens. The program combines predictable daily buybacks and flexible reserves that respond dynamically to market conditions, mirroring strategies adopted by similar projects such as Lighter DEX.