What are rebase tokens? How is its supply adjusted?

Rebase tokens like Ampleforth adjust supply to stabilize price, offering innovative economic models but also posing complexity and regulatory risks.

Apr 16, 2025 at 11:07 am

Rebase tokens are a unique category of cryptocurrencies that automatically adjust their supply to maintain a stable price target or to achieve other specific economic goals. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, where the supply remains constant or follows a predetermined schedule, rebase tokens dynamically change their total supply. This adjustment process is known as "rebasing."

Understanding the Concept of Rebase Tokens

Rebase tokens are designed to minimize the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies. By adjusting their supply, these tokens aim to stabilize their price relative to a target, such as a fiat currency or another cryptocurrency. The mechanism behind this is the rebase function, which periodically modifies the number of tokens each holder owns.

The concept of rebasing was popularized by the introduction of Ampleforth (AMPL), one of the first rebase tokens. Ampleforth adjusts its supply daily to maintain a price target around $1. When the price of AMPL rises above $1, the total supply increases, diluting the value of each token. Conversely, when the price falls below $1, the supply decreases, concentrating the value of each token.

How Rebase Tokens Adjust Their Supply

The supply adjustment of rebase tokens is governed by a set of predefined rules encoded in their smart contracts. Here's a detailed look at how this process works:

• Price Monitoring: The smart contract continuously monitors the market price of the token against its target price.
• Rebase Calculation: Based on the deviation from the target price, the contract calculates the necessary rebase factor. If the token's price is above the target, the rebase factor will be greater than 1, increasing the total supply. If the price is below the target, the rebase factor will be less than 1, decreasing the total supply.
• Supply Adjustment: The smart contract applies the rebase factor to the current supply, effectively multiplying the number of tokens each holder owns. This adjustment happens automatically and simultaneously for all token holders.

For example, if the rebase factor is calculated to be 1.05 and a user holds 100 tokens, after the rebase, they will own 105 tokens. Conversely, if the rebase factor is 0.95, the user's holdings would be reduced to 95 tokens.

Types of Rebase Tokens

Rebase tokens can be categorized based on their specific mechanisms and goals. Here are some common types:

• Positive Rebase Tokens: These tokens increase their supply when their price rises above the target. The goal is to dilute the value and bring the price back to the target.
• Negative Rebase Tokens: These tokens decrease their supply when their price falls below the target. The aim is to concentrate the value and push the price back to the target.
• Elastic Supply Tokens: These tokens can both increase and decrease their supply based on the market conditions. Ampleforth is an example of an elastic supply token.

Advantages of Rebase Tokens

Rebase tokens offer several potential benefits to investors and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem:

• Price Stability: By adjusting their supply, rebase tokens aim to reduce price volatility, making them more attractive for everyday transactions and as a store of value.
• Automatic Adjustment: The supply adjustment is automatic and does not require human intervention, ensuring consistency and fairness in the process.
• Innovative Economic Models: Rebase tokens introduce new economic models that can be used to experiment with different monetary policies and stability mechanisms.

Challenges and Risks of Rebase Tokens

While rebase tokens present innovative solutions, they also come with their own set of challenges and risks:

• Complexity: The mechanics of rebase tokens can be difficult for the average investor to understand, leading to potential confusion and misuse.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: The unique nature of rebase tokens may attract regulatory scrutiny, as they challenge traditional notions of supply and demand.
• Market Manipulation: The automatic supply adjustments can be vulnerable to manipulation if large holders attempt to influence the rebase factor.

Practical Example: Using Ampleforth

To better understand how rebase tokens work in practice, let's walk through the process of using Ampleforth (AMPL):

• Acquiring AMPL: Start by purchasing AMPL from a supported cryptocurrency exchange. Transfer the tokens to a compatible wallet that supports rebase tokens.
• Monitoring the Rebase: Keep an eye on the daily rebase events, which typically occur at a predetermined time, such as midnight UTC. You can use tools or apps that track Ampleforth's rebase events to stay informed.
• Understanding Your Holdings: After each rebase event, check your wallet to see how your AMPL holdings have changed. Remember that the number of tokens you own will either increase or decrease based on the rebase factor.
• Trading and Using AMPL: You can trade AMPL on supported exchanges or use it for transactions where it is accepted. Be aware that the value of your holdings will fluctuate due to the rebase mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I stake rebase tokens to earn rewards?
A: Some rebase tokens offer staking mechanisms where holders can lock up their tokens to earn additional rewards. However, the staking process and rewards vary by token, so it's important to check the specific protocol's documentation.

Q: How do rebase tokens affect tax implications?
A: The tax treatment of rebase tokens can be complex. In many jurisdictions, the increase or decrease in the number of tokens you own due to rebasing may be considered a taxable event. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand the implications in your region.

Q: Are rebase tokens suitable for long-term investment?
A: The suitability of rebase tokens for long-term investment depends on individual risk tolerance and investment goals. While some investors may appreciate the potential for price stability, others may find the automatic supply adjustments too unpredictable. It's essential to conduct thorough research and consider your investment strategy before investing in rebase tokens.