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Liquid Staking Tokens in Automated Market Makers: Theoretical and Empirical Study


Core Concepts
LST liquidity on AMMs is not always profitable compared to fully staking, raising sustainability concerns.
Abstract
This paper examines the theoretical and empirical aspects of liquid staking tokens (LSTs) on automated market makers (AMMs). It delves into the profitability of providing LSTs as liquidity on AMMs, considering metrics like impermanent loss and loss-versus-staking. The study finds that while trading fees often compensate for impermanent loss, fully staking remains more profitable for many pools. The sustainability of current LST allocation to AMMs is questioned due to these findings. The research also highlights the impact of CRV rewards on LP profitability in certain pools. Different types of AMMs are analyzed for their suitability with different LST types, shedding light on the complexities of LP returns in various scenarios.
Stats
Liquid staking constitutes over a third of total staked ETH. DeFi has experienced remarkable growth with over 5 million private wallet addresses interacting with DeFi protocols. Liquid staking tokens have transformed decentralized lending. Impermanent loss was sufficiently compensated for most analyzed liquidity pools. LPs earn trading fees but face losses compared to fully staking their capital.
Quotes
"Liquid staking tokens have become the dominant collateral in decentralized lending." "LPs often find holding LSTs more profitable than allocating them to AMM liquidity pools."

Key Insights Distilled From

by Krzysztof Go... at arxiv.org 03-18-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.10226.pdf
Liquid Staking Tokens in Automated Market Makers

Deeper Inquiries

How can AMM pools be optimized to better compensate LPs for providing LST liquidity?

To optimize AMM pools for better compensation of Liquidity Providers (LPs) offering Liquid Staking Tokens (LST) liquidity, several strategies can be implemented: Fee Structure: Adjusting the fee structure within the AMM pool can help increase returns for LPs. By increasing trading fees or introducing additional incentives, such as yield farming rewards, LPs can earn more from providing liquidity. Dynamic Pricing Models: Implementing dynamic pricing models that take into account factors like volatility and staking rates can help ensure that LPs are adequately compensated for their risk exposure. Automated Rebalancing: Setting up automated rebalancing mechanisms within the pool can help maintain optimal asset ratios and reduce impermanent loss, ultimately leading to higher returns for LPs. Incentive Programs: Introducing incentive programs or bonuses based on performance metrics like total volume traded or length of time providing liquidity can encourage more participation from LPs and improve overall profitability. Integration with Yield-Generating Protocols: Integrating AMM pools with other DeFi protocols that offer yield-generating opportunities, such as lending platforms or synthetic asset creation, can create additional revenue streams for LPs. By implementing these strategies and continuously monitoring performance metrics, AMM pools can be optimized to better compensate LPs providing LST liquidity.

What implications could a decrease in CRV rewards have on LP profitability in Curve pools?

A decrease in CRV rewards distributed to Liquidity Providers (LPs) in Curve pools could have significant implications on their profitability: Reduced Earnings: A decrease in CRV rewards would directly impact the earnings of LPs participating in Curve pools, leading to lower overall profitability from providing liquidity. Competitive Disadvantage: If other platforms continue offering higher rewards or incentives compared to Curve due to decreased CRV distributions, it may lead to a migration of liquidity away from Curve pools towards more lucrative options. Risk Exposure: Lower earnings from CRV rewards could expose LP portfolios to increased risk without adequate compensation, potentially impacting their willingness to continue providing liquidity in Curve pools. Impact on Participation: Decreased CRV rewards may deter new participants from joining Curve pools as they seek higher-yielding opportunities elsewhere, resulting in reduced overall participation levels and potentially affecting market depth and efficiency. Overall, a decrease in CRV rewards could negatively impact the profitability of LPs in Curve pools and influence their decision-making regarding continued participation.

How might the emergence of new pools with lower trading fees impact LP returns?

The emergence of new Automated Market Maker (AMM) pools with lower trading fees could have several implications on Liquidity Provider (LP) returns: 1.Increased Competition: New low-fee AMM pools may attract existing users away from current high-fee options by offering cost-effective alternatives. 2Lower Revenue Generation: Lower trading fees mean less revenue generated per trade which translates into reduced earnings potential for providers who rely on transaction fees as part of their income stream. 3Shift Incentives: With lower trading fees being offered by new entrants into the market space; this shift might incentivize existing players also look at reducing charges levied thereby creating an environment where all parties benefit equally 4Market Fragmentation: The proliferation of numerous low-fee AMMs may fragment market activity across multiple platforms making it challenging for individual providers' assets under management grow significantly In conclusion; while competition is healthy; it's important not only focus solely upon lowering costs but also ensuring quality service delivery remains paramount so customers feel valued irrespective if they're paying less than before
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