So, you're curious about diving into the whole DeFi thing but maybe a bit hesitant about where to start or worried about the risks? Well, ShapeShift, together with THORChain, has cooked up something that might just be what you're looking for: Saver Vaults. Let's break it down into bite-sized pieces so you can see why this could be a cool way to dip your toes into the DeFi without getting overwhelmed.
First Up: Synthetic Assets
Imagine you want to start earning some yield in DeFi. The first step with THORChain Savers Vaults is creating something called a Synthetic asset. Think of these as digital doppelgängers of regular crypto assets, but they're set up to follow the original asset's market moves closely. Once you lock this Synthetic into a vault, you get back what's called Saver Units. These units are pretty much your proof of how much you own in the vault and the earnings you're gathering over time.
The great thing here is the system’s got your back, always checking on how much yield your Synthetics are making and automatically boosting your vault with these earnings. So, when you feel like it, you can take back what you put in plus any extra profits you've made.
Lower Risk, Nice Returns
One of the big deals with THORChain Savers Vaults is they're designed to be a safer bet. By choosing Synthetics, you're stepping into a less risky side of DeFi. In return for playing it safe, you pocket 50% of the yield your Synthetics pull in. The other half? That goes to the folks taking on a bit more risk by providing liquidity directly.
This yield isn’t magic — it comes from the swap fees and rewards from all the activity happening in the background. Every transaction pumps a little more into the vault, steadily increasing your share.
Pulling Out Made Simple
Ready to see your earnings? Withdrawing what you’ve earned is straightforward. You can pull out your original investment and the earnings anytime, swapping your Synthetic back to the standard asset, all neat and tidy with a 1:1 value match.
Yep, there are some fees involved when you jump in or out of these vaults. But they’re there for a good reason, helping keep the whole system running smoothly and securely.
DeFi Earning Without the Headache
ShapeShift and THORChain’s Savers Vaults are all about opening up DeFi to everyone, making it easier to start earning without getting caught up in the usual complexities. It’s a pretty sweet option for anyone new to the game or looking for a low-stress way to get more out of their crypto.
Learn More
https://medium.com/@ShapeShift.com