Research Summary
The article discusses the impact of financialization on the non-fungible token (NFT) market, particularly the profile picture (PFP) sector. The author, TylerD, a former financial consultant and semi-retired high-volume NFT trader, argues that the financialization of NFTs, while initially seen as a sign of market maturity, has led to a decrease in the non-fungible aspect of NFTs. This has resulted in a negative impact on collectors’ desire to hold these assets, reflected in the market downturn. The author examines various aspects of NFT financialization, including advanced trading features, token incentives, lending, and futures/perps/options, and concludes that most of these have had a negative impact on the market.
Actionable Insights
- Advanced Trading Features: While these features improved the trading experience, they transformed NFTs from unique digital collectibles into mere numbers on a screen, leading to a negative impact on the market.
- Token Incentives: The introduction of token incentives, particularly through Blur’s airdrop and farming season, led to a decline in PFP prices as NFTs became tokens to be traded for $BLUR tokens.
- NFT Lending: This aspect of financialization is seen as a net positive as it provides liquidity and allows for longer holding of NFTs. However, it’s worth noting that this is a relatively new and less mature market.
- NFT Perps, Options and Futures: These financial instruments have led to a further reduction in the non-fungible aspect of NFTs, as all bets are tied to floor price movement. This has resulted in a negative impact on the market.
