Liquidity Pools

Definition ∞ Liquidity pools are pools of digital assets locked in smart contracts, used to facilitate decentralized trading. These pools enable automated market makers (AMMs) to provide liquidity for token swaps without relying on traditional order books. Users can deposit pairs of assets into a pool and earn trading fees as compensation for providing this liquidity. The size and composition of these pools are vital for trading efficiency.
Context ∞ Liquidity pools are a cornerstone of decentralized finance (DeFi), powering many decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and lending protocols. News coverage often focuses on the total value locked in major liquidity pools, the yields available to liquidity providers, and the risks associated with impermanent loss. Discussions also arise regarding the security of smart contracts governing these pools and the potential for manipulation or arbitrage opportunities. Their functioning is central to the operational dynamics of DeFi.