DeFi

Ethereum’s lowered yield might signal a paradigmatic shift in the ecosystem

Published

2 months ago

October 5, 2024

Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of crypto.news’ editorial.

In mid-August 2024, Ethereum (ETH) gas fees dipped to 0.6 gwei—a record low since 2019. While some see this as a concerning drop, it is symptomatic of broader, healthier shifts within the ecosystem.

Lower gas fees reflect decreased mainnet transaction volume, which has, in turn, led to reduced staking yields for validators. Simultaneously, the slow adoption of Ethereum exchange-traded funds in the US adds to the market’s uncertainty. These recent events have prompted some to question Ethereum’s viability and long-term future. But rather than signaling a crisis, these developments point to a new chapter in Ethereum’s evolution—one that marks a transition to a more mature and sustainable ecosystem.

The reduced yields should not be viewed as a sign of diminished activity or liquidity but as a result of Ethereum’s success in scaling and distributing its load across layer-2 solutions. This shift, alongside new investment vehicles like spot ETH ETFs, is creating a more efficient and accessible market, bringing long-term benefits to Ethereum and decentralized finance as a whole.

Ethereum’s paradoxical growth

Ethereum is currently experiencing what can best be described as paradoxical growth. On the one hand, its mainnet is seeing reduced transaction activity and lower yields. On the other hand, L2 solutions—designed to reduce transaction congestion—are flourishing. Daily transactions across L2 ecosystems surged to an all-time high of 12.42 million in mid-August, coinciding with the lowest gas fees seen on the Ethereum mainnet in years. These dynamics reveal that rather than a slowdown in the ecosystem, Ethereum is shifting its activity to more scalable, efficient layers.

The lowered staking yields for validators, which many are concerned about, are a natural consequence of this migration of activity from the mainnet to L2s. Over time, Ethereum’s mainnet may evolve into a settlement layer reserved for high-value transactions, allowing the bulk of lower-value activity to be handled by L2s. This isn’t a sign of decline but of a maturing market capable of meeting the demands of a growing user base while optimizing costs and efficiency.

Instead of focusing narrowly on the mainnet’s yield, stakeholders would do well to consider Ethereum’s ecosystem as a whole. Attracting more users to the protocol, enhancing accessibility, and rolling out initiatives like incentivized airdrops and points systems could help Ethereum further solidify its position as the go-to platform for decentralized applications and DeFi innovations.

The expanding influence of DeFi

Ethereum’s role as the foundational layer of DeFi continues to shape the broader blockchain space. Despite current concerns, Ethereum’s growth remains a powerful driver of innovation, and this evolution is crucial for the future of decentralized finance.

On the protocol level, Ethereum’s continued development and expansion create a more competitive and accessible network for users and developers alike. As Ethereum scales, its capability to support new dApps and financial products increases, further contributing to DeFi’s success. This, in turn, drives network effects, where increased participation enhances security, utility, and, ultimately, adoption.

Ethereum’s influence is also spreading to traditional finance, most notably through the introduction of spot ETH ETFs, which provide a more familiar and regulated entry point for institutional and retail investors alike. These ETFs lower the entry barrier for those unfamiliar with blockchain technology but eager to invest in the space. By offering a regulated framework and a product perceived as safer than direct token purchases, spot ETH ETFs are attracting traditional investors to the Ethereum ecosystem. This not only expands Ethereum’s reach but also positions ETH as more than just a tech-driven asset—transforming it into a recognized store of value.

As this trend continues, we can expect further integration between Ethereum and real-world assets, enhancing the network’s utility and long-term potential.

Supporting ecosystem transitions

As Ethereum navigates this paradigm shift, it’s important to recognize that these changes are a natural part of the ecosystem’s evolution. Lowered staking yields and gas fees are not indications of failure but reflections of Ethereum’s capacity to adapt and scale. Supporting this transition is crucial for the network’s long-term success, and this can be achieved through initiatives that prioritize user engagement and developer incentives.

For instance, platforms like Base—an L2 solution—handled over 109 million transactions in the past 30 days compared to Ethereum’s 33 million. This is a clear sign that L2s play a critical role in the network’s growth. However, acknowledging this shift isn’t enough; the ecosystem must prioritize collaboration among DeFi protocols to build dApps that maximize Ethereum’s potential. This is the only way for Ethereum to achieve its actual goal of serving the masses with decentralized technology.

A new dawn for Ethereum

The Ethereum mainnet’s lower yields and gas fees may appear to signal a slowdown, but they are, in fact, signs of Ethereum’s growing scalability and efficiency. As L2 networks take on more transaction activity and new financial products like spot ETH ETFs open the door for traditional investors, Ethereum is evolving into a more robust and versatile platform.

The ebbs and flows of market dynamics—like the recent yield reductions—are part of a larger shift that strengthens Ethereum’s role as the backbone of DeFi. The future of Ethereum lies in its ability to scale, integrate real-world assets, and foster a thriving community across its ecosystem. Far from being a calamity, the lower yields signal a new dawn in which Ethereum continues to lead the way in decentralized innovation.

Danny Chong

Danny Chong is the co-founder of Tranchess, a multi-staking protocol, and co-founder of Digital Assets Association Singapore, a non-profit organization pushing the convergence of TradFi and DeFi. With over 17 years of experience in investment banks, Danny has previously held leading roles in trading, sales, and management at prominent French banks, including BNP Paribas and Société Générale for the APAC region.

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cryptocurrency

BONK hits new all-time high following Upbit listing

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

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BONK has emerged as the top gainer among the leading 100 assets following a major announcement from the South Korean crypto exchange Upbit.

Bonk (BONK), the first Solana-based meme coin, surged 18% on Wednesday to hit a new all-time high of $0.000058. Its market cap soared to over $4.1 billion when writing, flipping Dogwifhat’s (WIF) $3.2 billion market cap to reclaim its position as the largest meme coin on the Solana blockchain.

Why is BONK going up?

The altcoin’s price uptick coincided with a jump in the meme coin’s futures open interest. According to data from CoinGlass, OI for BONK’s futures market rose to an all-time high of $53.5 million, more than 7 times its monthly low of $6.3 million, suggesting a growing demand from investors.

Bonk’s recent rally followed its listing on South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, Upbit. BONK’s daily trading volume shot up 95% amid the listing, hovering over $3.5 billion when writing.

Another key factor driving the altcoin’s gains is Bonk DAO’s announcement of a massive 1 trillion token burn scheduled for Christmas Day, which is set to reduce the total number of tokens in circulation, thereby increasing scarcity.

Whales have also been interested in the meme coin lately. According to data shared by Lookonchain, a whale with a history of profitable meme coin investments has spent 3.4 million USDC to buy 65.4 billion BONK tokens. Last week, another whale was seen picking up 29.32 billion BONK at $0.0000387.

Whale buying typically boosts retail investor confidence in an asset, potentially driving FOMO (fear of missing out) among those seeking quick gains.

Bullish momentum to continue

BONK’s rally hasn’t lost strength despite surging over 72% in the past week alone. On the 1-day BONK/USDT price chart, BONK’s EMA lines show a strong bullish trend, with the short-term 50-day EMA above the long-term 200-day EMA and the price staying above both lines.

BONK hits new all-time high following Upbit listing - 1 — BONK price, 50-day EMA and 200-day EMA — Nov. 20 | Source: crypto.news

Based on this setup, the bullish trend is expected to continue in the short term as the buyers remain in control. However, the Relative Strength Index showed a reading of 82, which confirms the bullish momentum but puts the meme coin at overbought levels.

BONK hits new all-time high following Upbit listing - 2 — BONK RSI chart — Nov. 20 | Source: crypto.news

Despite the overbought status, an analyst suggests that BONK is undergoing a ‘Blue Sky breakout,’ which could sustain its upward trajectory in the coming days.

This speculation is supported by strong catalysts driving the uptrend and the current hype around meme coins. Separately, Bitcoin’s recent rally to new highs has amplified market-wide sentiment, further boosting interest in the meme coin sector, which gained 2.3% over the past day.

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DeFi

Ethena Sees $1B Inflows as Crypto Rally Brings Back Double-Digit Yields

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

admin

The protocol’s rejuvenation is driven by elevated perpetual funding rates, with more catalysts ahead for growth.

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crypto

Uncertainty Looms For Crypto As SEC And CFTC Leadership Transitions Unfold Under Trump

Published

4 days ago

November 17, 2024

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Este artículo también está disponible en español.

As Donald Trump prepares to take office for another term, speculation is intensifying regarding the future of crypto regulation, particularly concerning the leadership of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Recent social media posts by FOX journalist Eleanor Terret suggest that SEC Chairman Gary Gensler may be on the verge of resigning, possibly before Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

Pro-Crypto Candidates In The Running To Succeed Gensler

According to sources close to the situation, Terret says Gensler’s resignation, which would leave his term, set to expire in 2026, uncompleted, is expected to be announced after Thanksgiving.

However, while Gensler has faced heavy criticism during his tenure for his strict regulatory approach to the crypto industry, the identity of his successor remains uncertain.

Former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Christopher Giancarlo has dismissed rumors regarding his nomination, while several other candidates are being considered.

Among the names in the mix are Dan Gallagher, Chief Legal Officer at crypto exchange Robinhood; Bob Stebbins, a partner at Willkie Farr; former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins; and Paul Hastings lawyer Brad Bondi.

Terret suggests that Gallagher, while initially reluctant to leave Robinhood, may reconsider as the dynamics of the administration’s appointments shift.

Stebbins, who has close ties to Jay Clayton, a former SEC chairman, is rumored to be a favored candidate, though he lacks a crypto background. Still, sources suggest he would follow the Trump administration’s lead on digital assets.

Atkins and Bondi are both known for their pro-crypto stance, advocating for a “lighter regulatory touch.” Atkins serves on the board of the Digital Chamber of Commerce and co-chairs its Token Alliance, focusing on token issuance growth. Bondi has been involved in advising decentralized finance (DeFi) projects, indicating a commitment to fostering innovation in the crypto space.

Trump Plans Resource Allocation For CFTC

Other names circulating in crypto circles include former CFTC Chair Heath Tarbert, former Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks, and former SEC Investment Management Director Norm Champ. Champ recently expressed his willingness to serve if asked, signaling his interest in a potential role in the upcoming administration.

In addition, pro-crypto SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda is reportedly open to taking the chairmanship, possibly as acting chair, while fellow Commissioner Hester Peirce, dubbed the “crypto mom” of the agency, has privately indicated her disinterest in the role.

With these leadership changes on the horizon, Terret anticipates that the new SEC chair will be pro-crypto, while also being equipped to handle the broader responsibilities of the agency, which include oversight of public companies, the stock market, the bond market, private funds, and the consolidated audit trail (CAT).

Compounding the speculation is the expectation that the Trump administration may also increase the CFTC’s role in cryptocurrency regulation. Terret asserts that the administration is considering allocating more resources to the CFTC, although the specifics of how this will be implemented remain unclear and would likely require additional funding.