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What is an AMM?

2023.05.04

Definition

Automated Market Makers, also known as AMMs, are a type of decentralized exchange (DEX) that uses mathematical algorithms to determine the price of a particular asset based on the supply and demand of the asset.

 

These algorithms are designed to automatically adjust the price of the asset in real-time, based on the trading activity of buyers and sellers.

 

AMMs have become increasingly popular in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, as they provide a low-cost and efficient way for users to trade cryptocurrencies and other digital assets without relying on centralized intermediaries like banks or exchanges.

How Does an AMM Work?

AMMs work by using a mathematical formula to determine the price of an asset based on the ratio of the asset’s supply and demand. This formula is known as a bonding curve, and it calculates the price of the asset based on the amount of liquidity available in the pool.

 

In order to provide liquidity to an AMM, users must deposit two different assets into a liquidity pool, which is essentially a smart contract that holds the funds. These two assets are typically the token being traded and another cryptocurrency, such as Ether or Bitcoin. The users who provide liquidity to the pool are known as liquidity providers (LPs).

 

Once the liquidity pool has been created, traders can buy and sell the token in the pool. When a trader wants to buy the token, they must pay a certain amount of the other cryptocurrency in the pool, and when they want to sell the token, they receive a certain amount of the other cryptocurrency in return. The price of the token is determined by the amount of liquidity in the pool, with more liquidity resulting in a lower price and less liquidity resulting in a higher price.

 

The bonding curve formula used by AMMs is designed to create an equilibrium point where the price of the token is always balanced with the supply and demand of the asset. This means that as more people buy the token, the price will increase, and as more people sell the token, the price will decrease. The goal is to maintain a stable price for the asset, which is accomplished through the constant adjustment of the bonding curve formula.

Advantages of AMMs

AMMs provide several advantages over traditional centralized exchanges, including:

 

  • Decentralization: AMMs are decentralized, meaning that there is no central authority controlling the exchange. This makes them more secure and resistant to censorship and government intervention.
  • Low fees: Because AMMs are automated and don’t require a central authority, they have lower fees than traditional exchanges. This makes them more accessible to retail traders and small investors.
  • Liquidity: AMMs provide liquidity to the market by allowing anyone to become a liquidity provider. This means that there is always a supply of assets available for trading, which reduces slippage and improves price discovery.
  • Transparency: AMMs are transparent, meaning that all transactions and the formula used to determine prices are public and auditable. This ensures that there is no market manipulation or insider trading.

Conclusion

Automated Market Makers (AMMs) are a type of decentralized exchange that use mathematical algorithms to determine the price of an asset based on the supply and demand of the asset. They provide several advantages over traditional centralized exchanges, including decentralization, low fees, liquidity, and transparency. As the DeFi space continues to grow, AMMs are likely to become even more popular as a way for users to trade cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.