1. What is staking?
Staking involves locking coins in a proof-of-stake blockchain and receiving rewards in exchange for contributing to network security.
2. Staking yields
📊 Expected annual yields quoted in the original 2026 guide
Ethereum, ETH: 3–5%.
Solana, SOL: 6–8%.
Cosmos, ATOM: 15–20%.
Cardano, ADA: 3–5%.
Polkadot, DOT: 10–14%.
3. Liquid staking
These services make staked assets liquid through tokens such as Lido's stETH or Rocket Pool's rETH, which can be used in DeFi to seek additional returns.
4. Staking risks
⚠️ Cautions
• Slashing: Validator misconduct can result in a deduction from staked assets.
• Unbonding periods: Withdrawals require a wait; the source quotes several days for Ethereum and 21 days for Cosmos.
• Protocol risk: Liquid-staking smart contracts can be hacked.