ApeCoin leads in NFT and Metaverse market share, but are APE’s hefty staking rewards sustainable?

2 years ago

In January, ApeCoin (APE) had an underwhelming show compared to metaverse-based tokens similar Decentraland (MANA) and The Sandbox (SAND). APE token gained 61% compared to the 90% and 150% respective gains seen successful SAND and MANA. The subdued gains tin beryllium attributed to the hefty APE staking rewards that is apt creating immoderate selling pressure.

An upcoming unlock of astir 9% of APE’s circulating proviso successful March 2023, on with not-so-impressive fundamentals, volition adhd further headwinds for the token. The gains successful APE volition beryllium connected the occurrence of the blockchain gaming projects successful the ApeCoin ecosystem and caller partnerships betwixt Yuga Labs and large brands.

Traders instrumentality vantage of oversized APE staking rewards

ApeCoin DAO launched its APE staking mechanics successful December 2022. The APE staking excavation yielded 90% yearly returns successful the archetypal 2 months. Holders of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs and related collections are eligible for doubly the yields of astir 171%, adding important selling unit for the token.

ApeCoin staking yields. Source: Dune

However, these traders are chiefly funny successful capturing risk-free APE gains alternatively of accumulating the token. Thus, they whitethorn yet go a root of changeless selling pressure.

The token has been heavy shorted successful the futures market, particularly aft the motorboat of the staking mechanism. The backing complaint for APE/USD perpetual contracts has been antagonistic since December 2022.

Funding complaint for APE/USD perpetual swaps. Source: Coinglass

Otherside Metaverse and Yuga Lab’s influence

The ApeCoin ecosystem is the astir valued metaverse task ,not lone successful full marketplace capitalization, but besides the full worth of its virtual world. APE volition beryllium the superior currency of the Otherside metaverse. The Otherside metaverse has 100,000 virtual onshore plots which person a level worth of 1.6 ETH. In comparison, the Sandbox has 113,400 onshore plots with a level terms of 0.98 ETH. 

Otherdeeds merchantability price. Source: OpenSea

There volition beryllium a full of 200,000 Otherdeeds and presently 100,000 Otherdeeds are available. The different 100,000 NFTs volition beryllium awarded to radical who clasp Otherdeeds and lend to the improvement of Otherside.

The decentralized enactment has passed galore grants to make the Otherside metaverse’s gaming space. The ApeCoin ecosystem volition besides spot a autochthonal NFT marketplace and a covering brand. According to a study from crypto analytics steadfast Messari, the developments are “helpful, but they are improbable to thrust important structural request connected their own.”

Although ApeCoinDAO is registered arsenic an autarkic entity, Yuga Labs plays a large relation successful its adoption. Recently, the steadfast launched an endless runner crippled (think Temple Run), Dookey Dash, for the holders of BAYC and related NFT collectors.

Reportedly, players spent $2 million playing this game. While efforts similar Dookey Dash are promising, it failed to make sizeable request for the token. Most of the wealth was spent connected the NFTs that gave entree to the game.

Moving forward, the improvement and idiosyncratic engagement of the Otherside metaverse volition find the traction for APE’s usage.

APE volition spot important token dilution successful 2023

Besides the staking reward, the vesting docket of APE adds further dilution hazard from unlocks of tokens allocated toward the squad and investors. These see portions that are unlocked successful 1 spell and monthly releases.

APE token merchandise schedule. Source: CoinGecko

On Mar. 15, 2023, different 25 cardinal tokens volition beryllium unlocked for motorboat contributors. Additionally, 8 cardinal tokens allocated to Yuga Labs and BAYC Founders volition beryllium unlocked too. Around 8.90% of the proviso volition beryllium unlocked instantly with further monthly unlocks.

Related: ApeCoin geo-blocks US stakers, 2 Apes merchantability for $1M each, marketplace launched

In 2023, the circulating proviso of APE volition astir double, which could induce volatility successful the token’s price. Usually, token unlocks mean proviso dilution, which adds selling pressure. However, erstwhile galore traders effort to payment from this plan, the marketplace usually responds by moving to the upside archetypal to hitch retired the liquidity of abbreviated sellers.

The important enactment and absorption levels for APE/USD prevarication astir $3.29 and $7.69, respectively. If either sellers oregon buyers tin flooded these levels, it could amplify a determination successful the absorption of the breakout.

APE/USD regular terms chart. Source: TradingView

Still, fixed the selling unit staking rewards and upcoming token unlocks, with a deficiency of existent output oregon usage of APE, the way of slightest absorption looks to the downside.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed present are the authors’ unsocial and bash not needfully bespeak oregon correspond the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

This nonfiction does not incorporate concern proposal oregon recommendations. Every concern and trading determination involves risk, and readers should behaviour their ain probe erstwhile making a decision.

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