DeFi Total Value Locked

Definition ∞ DeFi Total Value Locked is a metric representing the aggregate value of all digital assets currently deposited or staked within decentralized finance protocols. This figure quantifies the total capital committed to various decentralized finance applications, such as lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, and yield aggregators. It serves as a key indicator of the size, adoption, and liquidity within the decentralized finance ecosystem. It reflects user confidence and platform utility.
Context ∞ DeFi Total Value Locked (TVL) is a frequently cited statistic in crypto news, reflecting the health and growth of the decentralized finance sector. Fluctuations in TVL often correlate with market sentiment, protocol updates, and shifts in user activity. Analysts closely monitor TVL to gauge capital inflows, assess market trends, and evaluate the overall confidence in decentralized finance applications. This metric provides a snapshot of the sector’s scale.