What Is Yield?

Yield is the income an investment generates, expressed as a percentage of its value, such as interest, dividends, or crypto staking rewards.

Definition

Yield is the return an asset produces in the form of income, usually expressed as an annual percentage of the amount invested or the asset value.

In traditional finance, yield comes from sources like bond interest or stock dividends. In crypto, yield can come from staking rewards, lending, or providing liquidity in DeFi protocols.

A higher yield can be attractive, but it almost always comes with higher risk. Unusually high advertised yields in crypto are a common warning sign of unsustainable or risky schemes.

When comparing yields, look at the source of the income, whether it is sustainable, and the risks to your principal. A modest, reliable yield often beats a flashy one that could collapse.

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