Hey Edge readers,
Crypto markets hit a speed bump this week, with Bitcoin and Ethereum pulling back after the Federal Reserve signaled a cautious approach to rate cuts in 2025. Broader equities markets also declined as investors reassessed risks. While the pullback highlights the short-term volatility of crypto, long-term momentum remains strong. Institutional adoption is growing, and DeFi continues to mature.
Here’s what we got for you this week:
- Solana staking just got easierđź’ˇ
Start earning with two new Solana pools—live on Exponential.fi.
- Hyperliquid’s record-breaking airdrop 🪂
Babylon reaches top 10 DeFi protocol, tokenized real-world assets are booming, and Kraken’s Ink chain launches.
Stay sharp. 🫡
-The Exponential team
Solana staking just got better
We’re thrilled to announce that Solana DeFi is now live on Exponential.fi! You can grow your SOL seamlessly in a fully multi-chain experience—offering higher yields, more flexibility, and a simpler way to get started.
Why stake your SOL with us? Take a look at how our yields stack up against centralized exchanges. 👀
What are the yield opportunities?
We’re kicking off with two high-yield Solana pools: Jupiter SOL and Kuma SOL. Both are powered by the Sanctum protocol, the leading provider of liquid staking infrastructure, with each pool offering unique benefits for SOL holders:
Earn higher SOL staking rewards and MEV kickbacks while supporting an independent, zero-fee node operator.
Stake SOL with one of Solana’s largest and most battle-tested node operators for consistent performance.
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Deposit SOL or USDC and start earning up to 12% yield from Solana DeFi.
Pro Tip: You can also invest in SOL pools using your existing USDC balance or even transfer from your bank account to get started easily. 🌉
In the news
- Crypto markets stumble after Fed caution. Crypto prices dropped this week after the Federal Reserve signaled a cautious approach to interest rate cuts in 2024. The announcement sparked a sell-off across major cryptocurrencies, as investors brace for the possibility of tighter monetary policy affecting growth in digital assets.
- Hyperliquid airdrop makes waves. Hyperliquid’s HYPE token airdrop has set a new record as the largest in crypto history, with a market cap now nearing $9 billion. The token has tripled in value since launch, as Hyperliquid’s total value locked (TVL) surged to $3.2 billion, making it a major player in the DeFi space.
- Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon hits $3.5B. Babylon, a protocol for staking Bitcoin, has reached $3.5 billion in TVL, propelling it into the top 10 DeFi protocols. With over 57,000 BTC staked, Babylon is helping expand Bitcoin’s role in DeFi and showcasing the potential of BTC-backed innovation.
- Real-world assets (RWAs) surpass $14B. Tokenized real-world assets are booming, with the sector now valued at $14 billion. Private credit and tokenized Treasuries lead the way, while major players like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton are bringing traditional finance onto the blockchain.