Structural Supply

Definition ∞ Structural Supply refers to the inherent and long-term availability of a digital asset, dictated by its underlying protocol rules. This includes factors such as fixed maximum supply, programmed issuance schedules, and burning mechanisms. It represents the predictable component of an asset’s total quantity over time, independent of short-term market fluctuations. Understanding structural supply is essential for assessing an asset’s scarcity and long-term value proposition.
Context ∞ The analysis of Structural Supply is a core element in evaluating the economic model and potential price trajectory of digital assets. News often discusses how scheduled events, such as Bitcoin’s halving or Ethereum’s supply adjustments, impact the asset’s long-term scarcity and investor expectations. This fundamental aspect helps differentiate assets with deflationary or disinflationary characteristics from those with potentially unlimited issuance.