Altcoins

Aerodrome and Velodrome DEXs Merge to Form Aero, Targeting 50% of EVM Spot Volume

Leading decentralized exchanges Aerodrome and Velodrome are merging into Aero on October 21, 2026, to unify liquidity across seven EVM chains. The goal is to triple their current 17% share of EVM spot trading volume, targeting nearly 50% of the total.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026AERO
Issue cover: Biturai Daily Market Brief: Mixed Signals and Regulatory Developments Shape Crypto Market
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Aerodrome and Velodrome are merging into Aero on October 21, 2026.

The merger aims to unify liquidity across seven EVM chains.

Aero targets achieving 50% of all EVM spot trading volume.

The AERO token rallied in anticipation of the merger.

Story

The decentralized exchanges Aerodrome and Velodrome, leading on Base and OP Mainnet respectively, are merging into a single exchange called Aero on October 21, 2026. This consolidation aims to create a unified liquidity layer for Ethereum, unifying liquidity across seven EVM chains: Base, Ethereum Mainnet, OP Mainnet, Arc, Ink, Robinhood Chain, and Arbitrum. The project states its goal to triple its current 17% share of EVM spot trading volume, targeting nearly 50% of all EVM spot volume. If achieved, this would make Aero the single largest venue in on-chain spot trading. The AERO token has already seen a rally in anticipation of the merger, indicating market recognition of the potential impact of this event. This development highlights the ongoing evolution and consolidation within the DeFi sector and could lead to increased liquidity and efficiency.

Issue context

The crypto market presents a mixed picture on October 21, 2026. Bitcoin has stabilized above the $82,000 mark, although trading activity remains subdued. While on-chain data indicates accumulation by wallets holding between 1 and 100,000 BTC, spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded net withdrawals. This divergence suggests differing strategies among market participants. Macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly inflation fears and upcoming Federal Reserve decisions, contribute to caution. A sustained move above $83,000 is considered necessary for buyers to regain control. Simultaneously, significant developments in the altcoin sector and the regulatory environment continue to shape the market landscape.

The market is showing conflicting signals. While some large addresses are accumulating Bitcoin, institutional ETF investors are withdrawing capital. This indicates heightened uncertainty. Pay attention to macroeconomic factors and technical resistance levels. Your risk tolerance should reflect these complex dynamics.

Market pulse

Fear & Greed

63

Greed

BTC Funding

+0.0059%

20 perp markets · Open Interest $52.3B

BTC Open Interest

$52.3B

24h volume $66.2B · basis +0.036%

ETH Funding

+0.0039%

20 perp markets · Open Interest $35.9B

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This story is part of the Biturai Market Brief and is for informational purposes only. No investment advice.