Ethena’s $1B Growth Poses Challenges for AAVE as Borrowing Demand Declines

Ethena’s recent spike in collateralized supply raises significant questions about Aave’s borrowing demand and the potential impact on AAVE’s future performance.

• Ethena PT’s appeal is drawing DeFi capital due to its remarkable yields, directly challenging Aave’s traditional lending model.

• Signs of weakness in AAVE prices indicate a fading bullish momentum amidst rising competition.

Ethena [ENA] Principal Tokens (PT), part of Ethena Labs’ innovative yield-bearing stablecoin system, have surpassed $1 billion in collateralized supply in just one month. This impressive growth aligns with their recent approval as collateral on Aave, effectively enhancing Ethena’s utility within the DeFi lending landscape.

For those unfamiliar, PTs capitalize on delta-neutral strategies yielding substantial real returns, usually between 15–25% on sUSDe. In a climate where conventional DeFi lending rates remain low, these offerings have emerged as highly attractive options for yield-seeking investors.

Aave’s Declining Borrowing Rates: A Concerning Trend

In stark contrast, Aave has experienced a consistent decline in its borrowing interest rates. Currently, stablecoin borrowing rates hover between 2–4%, which is less appealing for lenders aiming for higher returns.

This downturn might signify a broader trend: dwindling demand for on-chain leverage and saturation of capital in the market. Interestingly, Ethena’s rapid growth could be accelerating this trend, as the capital is increasingly redirected towards sUSDe rather than resting within Aave’s lending pools.

Source: X

Evaluating Ethena’s Impact on Aave’s Liquidity

The recent shifts in capital allocation point to a significant realignment within the DeFi sector.

As Ethena PT supply rockets past $1 billion shortly after listing, Aave’s metrics indicate stagnation. A decline in borrowing demand suggests reduced protocol revenue and value accrual for the AAVE token.

This emerging divergence poses a threat as Ethena’s high yields siphon DeFi liquidity away from established platforms like Aave, potentially jeopardizing Aave’s market share unless they innovate or enhance borrowing utilities.

AAVE Price Under Pressure: A Consolidation Phase

AAVE currently consolidates below the $270 resistance level on its daily chart. Previously bullish trends have plateaued, with price action now forming within a distinct supply zone.

This situation may reflect a temporary state of indecision; however, it could also signal deteriorating fundamentals linked to Aave’s diminishing borrow activity.

Source: TradingView

Unless borrowing metrics show signs of recovery, investor sentiment surrounding AAVE is likely to remain cautious. With rising competition for yields in the DeFi space, Aave may require more than its established reputation—it may need a new innovation to sustain its competitive edge.

Conclusion

The unfolding dynamics between Ethena and Aave highlight the ever-evolving landscape of decentralized finance. As lenders and investors assess their options, Aave must adapt to maintain its relevance in a market increasingly favoring high-yield alternatives. The next steps for Aave could determine its future market positioning amidst intensifying competition.