Staking
Locking coins to secure a Proof-of-Stake network in exchange for yield — real rewards with real conditions attached.
Staking locks a PoS network’s coins to back validators, earning a share of issuance and fees — typically ~2–8% APY on majors in 2026. Routes differ in trust: solo validation (32 ETH, full control), delegation, exchange staking (custodial convenience), or liquid staking tokens that keep staked value tradable.
The yield is payment for risks: slashing for validator misbehavior, unbonding delays that lock you through volatility, counterparty risk in custodial routes, and depeg risk in liquid staking derivatives. One more honest subtraction: staking yield paid from issuance partly offsets your own dilution. Sustainable yield comes from fee revenue — always ask which kind you’re earning.