Token Supply Reduction

Definition ∞ Token supply reduction is the process of permanently decreasing the total number of a cryptocurrency’s tokens in circulation. This can occur through various methods, including token burning, where tokens are sent to an unspendable address, or through token buyback mechanisms. The objective is to create scarcity, which can positively influence the token’s market value if demand remains constant or increases. It is a fundamental aspect of many tokenomics designs.
Context ∞ News often highlights token supply reduction events, such as scheduled burns or deflationary protocol features, as significant catalysts for price movements. A central discussion point involves the long-term economic effects of such reductions on network security and decentralization. Future protocols may experiment with more sophisticated algorithms for dynamic supply adjustments based on network activity and market conditions.