Liquidity Pool

Liquidity Pool ∞ is a collection of cryptocurrency tokens locked in a smart contract, typically used to facilitate decentralized trading. These pools provide the necessary assets for automated market makers (AMMs) to function, allowing users to trade digital assets without traditional order books. Liquidity providers deposit assets into these pools and earn trading fees in return for supplying the capital. The size and composition of a liquidity pool are critical factors for trading depth and price stability.
Context ∞ Liquidity pools are central to the functioning of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and other DeFi applications. Current discussions often focus on the total value locked (TVL) in various pools, the incentives offered to liquidity providers, and the potential risks such as impermanent loss. News may highlight the emergence of new pools, the migration of liquidity between platforms, or the impact of large asset movements on pool stability.