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DeFi Protocols

Deep dive into major DeFi protocols, including Aave, Compound, Uniswap, etc.

Protocol Overview

There are many excellent protocols in the DeFi ecosystem, each with unique features and advantages. This guide will详细介绍 mainstream DeFi protocols' functions, features, and usage methods.

Lending Protocols

1. Aave

Introduction:

  • One of the largest decentralized lending protocols
  • Supports multiple assets
  • Innovative features

Main Functions:

  • Deposit to earn interest
  • Collateralized borrowing
  • Flash loans

Supported Assets:

  • Stablecoins (USDC, USDT, DAI)
  • Major coins (ETH, BTC)
  • Various tokens

Features:

  • Flexible interest rate model
  • Multiple collateral types
  • Innovative features (e.g., aTokens)

Yield:

  • USDC: 3-10% annualized
  • ETH: 1-5% annualized
  • Varies with market

Risks:

  • Smart contract risk
  • Liquidation risk
  • Interest rate risk

Suitable for:

  • Want stable returns
  • Need borrowing function
  • Have some experience

2. Compound

Introduction:

  • Established lending protocol
  • Algorithmic interest rate model
  • Community governance

Main Functions:

  • Deposit to earn interest
  • Collateralized borrowing
  • Governance token (COMP)

Supported Assets:

  • Major stablecoins
  • ETH, WBTC
  • Other tokens

Features:

  • Algorithmic interest rates
  • Auto-compounding
  • Governance token rewards

Yield:

  • USDC: 2-8% annualized
  • Varies with market

Risks:

  • Smart contract risk
  • Liquidation risk

Suitable for:

  • Seek stable returns
  • Believe in algorithmic model
  • Long-term holding

3. MakerDAO

Introduction:

  • DAI stablecoin issuer
  • Over-collateralization mechanism
  • Decentralized governance

Main Functions:

  • Mint DAI
  • Collateralized borrowing
  • Stablecoin issuance

Supported Assets:

  • ETH
  • WBTC
  • Other collateral

Features:

  • Over-collateralization
  • Stablecoin mechanism
  • Decentralized

Yield:

  • DAI deposits: 1-5% annualized
  • Relatively stable

Risks:

  • Liquidation risk
  • Stablecoin depegging risk

Suitable for:

  • Need stablecoins
  • Long-term ETH holders
  • Believe in decentralization

DEX Protocols

1. Uniswap

Introduction:

  • Largest decentralized exchange
  • AMM model
  • Multiple version iterations

Main Functions:

  • Token swapping
  • Liquidity provision
  • NFT trading (V3)

Versions:

  • V2: Classic AMM
  • V3: Concentrated liquidity
  • Latest version has richest features

Features:

  • Best liquidity
  • Supports multiple tokens
  • Innovative features

Fees:

  • 0.05% - 1% (depends on pool)
  • Distributed to liquidity providers

Suitable for:

  • Need to trade tokens
  • Provide liquidity
  • All DeFi users

2. Curve

Introduction:

  • Designed for stablecoins
  • Low slippage
  • Yield optimization

Main Functions:

  • Stablecoin swapping
  • Liquidity provision
  • Yield optimization

Features:

  • Extremely low slippage
  • Suitable for large transactions
  • Multiple stablecoin pools

Fees:

  • 0.04% - 0.4%
  • Relatively low

Suitable for:

  • Stablecoin trading
  • Large swaps
  • Seek low slippage

3. PancakeSwap

Introduction:

  • Largest DEX on BSC
  • Low gas fees
  • Rich yield farms

Main Functions:

  • Token swapping
  • Liquidity provision
  • Yield farming

Features:

  • Very low gas fees
  • Fast trading
  • Many yield farms

Fees:

  • 0.25%
  • Relatively fixed

Suitable for:

  • BSC ecosystem users
  • Seek low fees
  • Yield farming

Yield Optimization Protocols

1. Yearn Finance

Introduction:

  • Automatic yield optimization
  • Multiple strategies
  • Professional management

Main Functions:

  • Automatically find highest yields
  • Strategy execution
  • Yield optimization

Features:

  • Fully automated
  • Multiple strategies
  • Professional team

Yield:

  • 5-20%+ annualized
  • Depends on strategy

Suitable for:

  • Seek automation
  • Don't want frequent operations
  • Trust professional management

2. Convex Finance

Introduction:

  • Curve yield optimization
  • High yield rates
  • Professional strategies

Main Functions:

  • Curve yield optimization
  • Auto-compounding
  • Strategy execution

Features:

  • Focused on Curve
  • High yield rates
  • Professional optimization

Yield:

  • 10-30%+ annualized
  • Relatively high

Suitable for:

  • Curve users
  • Seek high returns
  • Experienced users

How to Choose Protocols

1. Choose Based on Needs

Need Lending:

  • Aave: Rich features
  • Compound: Stable and reliable
  • MakerDAO: Need DAI

Need Trading:

  • Uniswap: Best liquidity
  • Curve: Stablecoin-specific
  • PancakeSwap: Low fees

Need Yield Optimization:

  • Yearn Finance: Automation
  • Convex Finance: High returns

2. Considerations

Security:

  • Audit reports
  • Historical record
  • Community trust

Yield:

  • Current yield rate
  • Historical performance
  • Sustainability

Liquidity:

  • TVL size
  • Trading volume
  • Depth

User Experience:

  • Friendly interface
  • Simple operations
  • Complete documentation

Protocol Usage Recommendations

1. Start Small

Recommendations:

  • Test with small amounts first
  • Familiarize with operations
  • Understand risks

2. Diversify Investments

Strategy:

  • Don't use only one protocol
  • Diversify across multiple protocols
  • Reduce single risk

3. Continuous Learning

Recommendations:

  • Follow protocol updates
  • Learn new features
  • Participate in community

4. Risk Management

Recommendations:

  • Understand various risks
  • Set stop-loss
  • Regular checks

Summary

DeFi protocols provide rich functions and services:

  1. Lending Protocols: Deposit to earn interest, collateralized borrowing
  2. DEX Protocols: Token swapping, liquidity provision
  3. Yield Optimization: Automatic optimization, maximize returns

When Using Protocols:

  • Choose based on needs
  • Consider security
  • Diversify investments
  • Manage risks properly
  • Continuous learning

Remember: Each protocol has its features and risks. Understanding protocols and managing them properly is essential for safe usage.


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