Question

Is astute a positive or negative connotation

Answer 1

Since astute means someone is very sharp and perceptive, I would say astute has a positive connotation.

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

"Astute" is a postive connotation. It means to be perseptive, sharp, clever, etc. I have never heard it used with a negative meaning. However, with sarcasm, nearly anything can take on a negative tone. But that doesn't mean that the word has a negative connotation on its own. 
Hope this helps!