On-Chain Liquidity

Definition ∞ On-chain liquidity refers to the availability of digital assets for trading directly on a blockchain network. This encompasses the depth of order books and the ease with which large transactions can be executed without significantly impacting asset prices. It is a key indicator of market depth and trading activity within decentralized exchanges and protocols.
Context ∞ On-chain liquidity is a central metric discussed in relation to decentralized finance (DeFi) markets and their ability to compete with centralized exchanges. Debates persist regarding the concentration of liquidity, the impact of automated market makers (AMMs), and the potential for impermanent loss for liquidity providers. Future developments are expected to focus on mechanisms that attract and retain greater on-chain liquidity, thereby enhancing market stability and trading efficiency.