Perpetual Loop

Definition ∞ A perpetual loop refers to a continuous, self-sustaining cycle of transactions or operations within a system. In digital asset markets, this term can describe specific trading strategies or protocol designs where assets are repeatedly moved between different platforms or financial instruments to generate continuous returns or exploit arbitrage opportunities. While some perpetual loops can be benign, others may represent systemic risks, particularly if they rely on unsustainable yields or create excessive leverage within decentralized finance protocols. Understanding these cycles is crucial for assessing market stability.
Context ∞ The concept of a perpetual loop sometimes appears in crypto news, often in the context of complex DeFi strategies or discussions about market efficiency and risk. Analysts may examine whether certain yield farming protocols or liquidity provision mechanisms inadvertently create or rely on such loops. Regulatory scrutiny may increase on protocols that appear to foster unsustainable or high-risk perpetual cycles.