Crypto Basics

How to Stake MATIC? - A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Explore the step-by-step process of staking MATIC tokens, and start earning rewards in the Polygon network with the help of this detailed guide.
Marcus K
6 Minutes
MIN

The world of cryptocurrencies can seem overwhelming, especially when diving into the specifics of staking, farming, or liquidity pooling.Ā 

Today, we’ll focus on one popular token: MATIC, the native currency of the Polygon network. Our goal is to demystify the process, bringing you a clear and actionable guide to staking MATIC. Let’s get started!

What is Polygon MATIC?

MATIC, now referred to as Polygon, represents a promising solution in the crypto space. Designed as a multi-chain scaling solution, Polygon seeks to provide faster and cheaper transactions. This positions it as a valuable asset for Ethereum-based applications and beyond.

Step-by-Step Guide to Staking MATIC

Acquire MATIC: Purchase MATIC from popular exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Huobi.

Transfer MATIC to Your Wallet: Send your MATIC tokens from the exchange to your secure wallet.

Choose a Staking Platform/Validator: Some popular choices are the official Polygon wallet or third-party platforms like Stakefish or Staked and then connect your wallet.

Staking MATIC with MetaMask

Here are the steps to stake MATIC on MetaMask -

1. Set Up MetaMask: Download and install MetaMask as a browser extension from their official site. Choose the right version for your device.

2. Link to Polygon: Navigate to ā€œNetworksā€ in MetaMask. Click ā€œAdd Networkā€ and input Polygon's details.

3. Transfer MATIC: Copy your MetaMask address. From your exchange or other wallets, set this as the destination and transfer your MATIC tokens.

4. Connect to Polygon's Wallet: Use this link to integrate: Polygon Wallet. Click the ā€œMetaMaskā€ option there.

5. Start Staking: With the link established, you're set to stake.

6. Choose a Validator: In the dashboard, tap ā€œAppsā€ then ā€œStakingā€. Search for a validator and opt for ā€œDelegateā€. Input the MATIC amount you wish to stake and hit ā€œContinueā€.

7. Finalize Transaction: A pop-up will prompt you to verify. Click ā€œConfirmā€.Ā 

Remember, for the process to go through, you'll need to purchase a voucher and cater for gas fees. After all is set, your delegation is active, and you can further stake or collect rewards as you see fit.

Staking MATIC with Coinbase Wallet

Here are the steps leading to staking MATIC on Coinbase Wallet -

Setting Up Coinbase Wallet:

  • Download the Coinbase Wallet app from the App Store or Play Store.
  • Follow on-screen instructions: agree to terms, select a username, adjust privacy settings, set a passcode, and note down the recovery phrase.

Transferring MATIC to Your Wallet:

  • Open the wallet, tap the bottom right and find "Connect to Coinbase". Authorize the connection.
  • Choose ā€œBuy or transferā€, pick ā€œMATIC walletā€, specify the amount, and confirm with the verification code. Remember, MATIC tokens on Coinbase operate on the Ethereum network.

Staking Your MATIC:

  • Navigate to the Polygon website.
  • Click ā€œUse Polygonā€, then ā€œStakingā€, and finally ā€œBecome a delegatorā€.
  • Browse through the list of validators. Check details like MATIC staked, commission, and performance.
  • Choose a validator, view their specific details, then log in at the top-right. If new, register on Polygon.
  • Click ā€œBecome a Delegatorā€, specify how much MATIC you'd like to stake, and hit ā€œContinueā€. Confirm the action in the pop-up by pressing ā€œDelegateā€.

Note: There might be a ā€œcool-downā€ period where your tokens are locked before you start earning rewards.

Claim Your Rewards: Depending on the platform, rewards may be distributed daily, weekly, or monthly. Check the platform’s policy and claim or reinvest your rewards accordingly.

Benefits of Staking MATIC

Passive Income: Just like earning interest in a traditional bank account, staking MATIC provides holders with a reward for supporting the network.

Network Security: By staking your tokens, you help maintain the integrity and safety of the Polygon network.

Staking Incentives: Often, projects built on Polygon might offer additional rewards to MATIC stakers, multiplying potential returns.

Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them?

Staking, like any investment, comes with risks. Here are a few, along with mitigation strategies:

Slashing: If the validator you choose acts maliciously, a portion of your staked MATIC could be forfeited.Ā 

Solution: Choose reputable validators.

Price Volatility: The value of MATIC can go up or down. While you earn staking rewards, the token’s price might drop.Ā 

Solution: Stay informed and diversify investments.

Liquidity Concerns: Some staking platforms might have a lock-in period, making it hard to access your tokens immediately.Ā 

Solution: Always read the staking terms before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the minimum amount of MATIC required to start staking?

The minimum amount varies depending on the platform and validator, but many platforms set a relatively low threshold to encourage broader participation.

Q2. How frequently will I receive staking rewards?

Reward distribution can vary. Some platforms distribute rewards daily, while others might do so weekly or monthly. It's essential to check the specific terms of your chosen validator.

Q3. Are there any fees associated with staking MATIC?

Yes, some fees might be deducted by validators for their services. Always ensure you're clear about any associated fees before delegating your tokens.

Q4. How secure is staking MATIC on Coinbase Wallet?

Coinbase Wallet is known for its emphasis on security, but it's always vital to ensure you keep app updates regular, use strong, unique passwords, and avoid sharing sensitive information.

Q5. Can I unstake my MATIC tokens anytime I want?

There's typically a "bonding" or "unbonding" period in which your tokens are locked after you decide to unstake. The duration can vary, so be sure to understand these terms when staking.

Q6. How does staking MATIC affect its liquidity?

Once you stake MATIC, those tokens are locked and cannot be traded or sold until they are unstaked, affecting their immediate liquidity.

Q7. Is there a risk of losing my staked MATIC tokens?

While staking platforms aim for maximum security, the crypto realm always carries risks. It's rare, but factors like validator misbehavior (slashing) can affect your staked amount.

Q8. Do I maintain ownership of my MATIC tokens while they are staked?

Yes, staking only delegates your tokens to support network operations. You still own them, but they're temporarily locked until you decide to unstake.

Conclusion

Staking MATIC isn’t just about passive income. It's a vote of confidence in the future of the Polygon network. By staking, you’re playing a role in ensuring the system remains robust and decentralized.Ā 

Always remember: with potential rewards come potential risks. Stay informed, choose wisely, and may your staking journey be a prosperous one!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Crypto Basics

What Is an ETF Stock? A Beginner’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
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In today’s fast-moving financial markets, Exchange-Traded Funds, or ETF stocks, have emerged as one of the most popular investment vehicles for beginners and professionals alike. But what exactly is an ETF stock, how does it work, and why is it considered a smart way to invest?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ETF stocks in 2025—including how they work, their benefits and risks, and how AI platforms like Token Metrics are changing the way people research and trade ETFs in both traditional and crypto markets.

šŸ“Œ What Is an ETF Stock?

An ETF stock refers to a share of an Exchange-Traded Fund—a type of investment fund that trades on stock exchanges, much like individual company stocks. Each ETF holds a basket of underlying assets such as:

  • Stocks (e.g., S&P 500 companies)
  • Bonds
  • Commodities (like gold or oil)
  • Currencies
  • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

When you buy an ETF stock, you’re buying a fractional share of the entire portfolio of assets held by that ETF.

šŸ” How Does an ETF Stock Work?

ETF stocks work like this:

  1. Creation: An asset management company (like BlackRock, Vanguard, or Fidelity) creates an ETF that tracks a specific index, sector, or asset type.
  2. Listing: The ETF is listed on a stock exchange such as the NYSE or Nasdaq.
  3. Trading: Investors can buy and sell ETF shares throughout the trading day, just like they would a stock like Apple or Tesla.
  4. Price Movement: The price of an ETF stock fluctuates during the day based on the Net Asset Value (NAV) of its holdings and supply-demand dynamics in the market.

This model provides a liquid, transparent, and low-cost way for investors to gain diversified exposure to entire markets or sectors.

šŸ“Š Example of an ETF Stock

A good example is the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index. When you buy a share of SPY, you gain exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies—without needing to buy each stock individually.

āœ… Benefits of ETF Stocks

ETF stocks offer numerous advantages for investors in 2025:

1. Diversification

Instead of buying individual assets, ETF stocks offer instant diversification by holding dozens or hundreds of securities in a single share.

2. Liquidity

ETFs are traded on exchanges, making them highly liquid. You can buy or sell them at market prices during normal trading hours.

3. Lower Costs

ETFs typically have low expense ratios (as low as 0.03%), especially compared to mutual funds or actively managed portfolios.

4. Transparency

Most ETFs disclose their holdings daily, giving investors a clear view into what they’re buying.

5. Flexibility

You can use ETFs for long-term investing, short-term trading, hedging, or generating income through dividends.

āš ļø Risks of ETF Stocks

Despite their many benefits, ETF stocks do come with some risks:

1. Market Risk

ETF stocks are still subject to market volatility. If the underlying assets decline in value, so will the ETF.

2. Tracking Error

Some ETFs may not perfectly replicate the performance of their index due to fees, slippage, or illiquid assets.

3. Overexposure

Because ETFs make it easy to invest, some investors may unknowingly become overexposed to a particular sector or strategy.

4. Liquidity Risk

Not all ETFs are created equal. Low-volume ETFs may have wider bid-ask spreads, increasing trading costs.

šŸŖ™ Crypto ETFs: The New Frontier

In 2025, crypto ETF stocks have become a hot trend. These funds allow investors to gain exposure to digital assets without managing private keys, wallets, or blockchain protocols.

Types of crypto ETFs include:

  • Spot ETFs: Hold actual crypto assets (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  • Futures ETFs: Track the price of crypto futures contracts.

Popular examples in 2025 include:

  • IBIT (BlackRock Bitcoin ETF)
  • FBTC (Fidelity Bitcoin ETF)
  • ETHX (Ethereum Spot ETF)

Crypto ETFs have opened the door for institutional and traditional investors to gain exposure to the crypto market in a regulated and simplified manner.

šŸ¤– How Token Metrics Helps You Trade ETF Stocks Smarter

Whether you're interested in traditional ETF stocks or crypto ETFs, Token Metrics provides the AI-powered insights you need to make better investment decisions.

šŸ”Ž 1. AI-Powered Ratings

Token Metrics assigns each token or ETF a Trader Grade and Investor Grade based on price trends, volume, volatility, and technical strength—making it easy to spot outperformers.

šŸ“ˆ 2. Bullish and Bearish Signals

AI-driven signals show when it’s time to buy or sell based on real-time metrics like ETF inflows, exchange balances, and market sentiment.

šŸ“Š 3. Price Forecasts

Get access to predictive models that estimate where Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major crypto ETFs are headed—based on 80+ factors.

šŸ”” 4. Smart Alerts

Set custom alerts for ETF stock signals, price movements, or grade changes so you never miss an opportunity.

By combining ETF investing with Token Metrics’ AI analytics, you gain an informational edge in markets that move faster than ever.

šŸ“ˆ Popular ETF Stocks in 2025

Here’s a list of top-performing ETF stocks across traditional and crypto sectors:

🧠 Final Thoughts

ETF stocks are a powerful investment tool in 2025, offering instant diversification, low fees, and easy access to traditional and crypto markets. Whether you're looking to build a retirement portfolio or ride the next Bitcoin rally, ETF stocks make it easier than ever to invest with confidence.

And with platforms like Token Metrics, you don’t need to guess your way through ETF trading. Use AI-driven insights, price predictions, and real-time data to get ahead of the curve—no matter what markets you trade.

Crypto Basics

What Is an ETF in Crypto? A Complete Guide for Crypto Investors in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
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The world of crypto investing is expanding at lightning speed. With growing institutional adoption and mainstream interest, new financial instruments are emerging to make crypto more accessible to everyday investors. One of the most impactful of these tools is the Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) — and in 2025, crypto ETFs are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of digital asset investing.

šŸ“Š What Is an ETF?

An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a type of investment fund traded on traditional stock exchanges, just like individual stocks. ETFs hold a basket of assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities—or, in this case, cryptocurrencies.

When you buy shares of an ETF, you’re investing in a diversified portfolio managed by an institution. Instead of buying each asset individually, ETFs let you gain exposure to a group of assets through a single security.

šŸŖ™ What Is a Crypto ETF?

A crypto ETF is a special type of ETF that tracks the price of one or more cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or a basket of altcoins. These ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to crypto markets without needing to buy, store, or manage digital assets directly.

Crypto ETFs are listed on traditional financial exchanges (like Nasdaq or NYSE) and can be purchased via brokerage accounts—making them ideal for both institutional investors and crypto-curious retail traders.

šŸ” Types of Crypto ETFs

There are two main categories of crypto ETFs:

1. Spot Crypto ETFs

  • Directly hold the underlying cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  • Track the real-time price of the asset.
  • Considered the most accurate and direct method of gaining crypto exposure.
  • Example: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust.

2. Futures-Based Crypto ETFs

  • Do not hold actual cryptocurrency.
  • Invest in futures contracts that speculate on the asset’s future price.
  • Prone to ā€œtracking errorsā€ and additional management fees.
  • Example: ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO).

In 2025, spot ETFs have become more popular, especially after multiple approvals in major markets like the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong.

āœ… Benefits of Crypto ETFs

Crypto ETFs offer a range of advantages for investors seeking exposure to digital assets without managing crypto wallets or private keys.

1. Accessibility

  • Trade crypto exposure from a traditional brokerage account.
  • No need for crypto exchanges, wallets, or DeFi protocols.

2. Regulation and Security

  • Managed by licensed institutions and regulated by bodies like the SEC.
  • Custody solutions are handled by professionals (e.g., Coinbase Custody, Fidelity Digital).

3. Diversification

  • Some ETFs offer exposure to a basket of cryptocurrencies, reducing risk.
  • Others may focus on specific sectors like DeFi or metaverse tokens.

4. Tax and Retirement Account Eligibility

  • Can be included in IRAs, 401(k)s, and tax-advantaged portfolios in some jurisdictions.

āš ļø Risks of Crypto ETFs

While crypto ETFs simplify access, they are not risk-free.

1. Management Fees

  • ETFs charge annual fees (0.20%–1.00%), which can affect long-term gains.

2. Lack of Full Ownership

  • You don’t hold the actual coins, so you can’t use them for staking, yield farming, or DeFi.

3. Volatility

  • Crypto markets are still highly volatile. ETF prices can fluctuate rapidly.

4. Tracking Errors (Futures ETFs)

  • Futures-based ETFs often lag behind the spot price of the cryptocurrency.

šŸ’” Why Crypto ETFs Matter in 2025

The launch and adoption of crypto ETFs signal mainstream validation of the crypto market.

  • Over $60 billion has poured into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs since early 2024.
  • Institutional players like BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest are leading issuers.
  • Spot Bitcoin ETFs helped propel BTC above $118,000 in July 2025.
  • Regulatory green lights from the SEC, MAS, and other regulators mark a shift in global crypto policy.

Crypto ETFs reduce barriers to entry and give traditional investors a safe, regulated way to participate in the digital economy.

šŸ¤– How Token Metrics Helps You Analyze Crypto ETF Trends

As ETFs drive price action, tools like Token Metrics give you an edge by turning market noise into actionable intelligence.

šŸ”¹ Real-Time Bullish/Bearish Signals

Token Metrics' AI algorithm scans exchange inflows, ETF data, and sentiment to issue buy/sell signals for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and more.

šŸ”¹ Institutional Flow Tracking

Track ETF fund flows to understand where institutions are allocating capital—key for timing your own entries and exits.

šŸ”¹ Price Predictions and Trend Grades

AI-generated price predictions, trader grades, and investor scores help you assess risk before investing in ETF-driven rallies.

šŸ”¹ Portfolio Tracking

Token Metrics syncs with your wallet or brokerage to track crypto ETF exposure alongside your on-chain tokens.

By using Token Metrics, you’re not just following ETF trends—you’re staying ahead of them.

šŸ”„ Popular Crypto ETFs in 2025

Here are some of the top-performing crypto ETFs currently available:

These ETFs are helping investors tap into the gains of crypto markets—without the complexity.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Crypto ETFs represent a pivotal shift in how digital assets are being embraced in traditional finance. They offer accessibility, regulatory clarity, and simplified crypto exposure for everyone from hedge funds to retail investors.

But smart investing goes beyond headlines. Platforms like Token Metrics help you:

  • Time entries and exits with AI-powered signals

  • Track ETF fund flows to gauge institutional momentum

  • Build conviction using on-chain data and predictive analytics

In 2025 and beyond, the winning strategy is clear: combine the safety of ETFs with the intelligence of Token Metrics.

Crypto Basics

What Is ETF Trading? A Beginner’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
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In today’s fast-paced financial markets, ETF trading has become one of the most popular and accessible investment strategies. Whether you're a traditional investor or a crypto enthusiast, understanding how ETF trading works can help you make smarter, more diversified investment decisions.

šŸ“ˆ What Is an ETF?

An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is an investment fund that trades on stock exchanges, similar to individual stocks. Each ETF holds a collection of assets, such as:

  • Stocks (like the S&P 500)
  • Bonds
  • Commodities (like gold or oil)
  • Currencies
  • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)

When you buy a share of an ETF, you're buying a fractional interest in the entire basket of assets. This makes ETFs a powerful tool for diversification, even for beginners.

šŸ’¹ What Is ETF Trading?

ETF trading refers to the buying and selling of ETF shares on an exchange—just like you would with Apple or Tesla stock. The value of an ETF changes throughout the trading day, based on the underlying value of its assets.

ETF trading is commonly used for:

  • Portfolio diversification
  • Hedging strategies
  • Thematic investing (e.g., AI, clean energy, DeFi)
  • Speculating on short-term price movements

You can trade ETFs via your online brokerage, investment app, or even through certain retirement accounts (like IRAs).

šŸ”„ How Does ETF Trading Work?

Here’s a simplified version of how ETF trading works:

  1. ETF Provider Creates the Fund
    A company like BlackRock or Fidelity creates an ETF that holds a specific basket of assets.

  2. ETF Listed on an Exchange
    The ETF is listed on public stock exchanges such as the NYSE or Nasdaq.

  3. Investors Buy and Sell Shares
    Investors trade ETF shares just like stocks—prices fluctuate throughout the day.

  4. Market Makers Maintain Liquidity
    Authorized participants ensure ETF prices closely match the value of the underlying assets (called the Net Asset Value or NAV).

šŸŖ™ What About Crypto ETFs?

In 2025, crypto ETFs have emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the ETF market.

Crypto ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without owning the actual coins. These ETFs are regulated, secure, and accessible through traditional finance platforms.

There are two types:

  • Spot Crypto ETFs (hold actual crypto assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum)
  • Futures Crypto ETFs (track the price of crypto futures contracts)

Example: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is a spot Bitcoin ETF with billions in assets under management (AUM) in 2025.

āœ… Benefits of ETF Trading

ETF trading offers unique advantages for both retail and institutional investors:

1. Diversification

Instead of buying dozens of individual stocks, ETFs offer broad exposure to sectors, themes, or markets in a single trade.

2. Liquidity

ETFs trade like stocks—buy or sell at any time during market hours. This makes them more flexible than traditional mutual funds.

3. Cost Efficiency

Many ETFs have low expense ratios, often under 0.25%. You avoid the high fees associated with actively managed funds.

4. Accessibility

Trade ETFs using any brokerage account. You don’t need to be an accredited investor or a crypto expert.

5. Tax Advantages

ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds due to the in-kind creation/redemption process.

āš ļø Risks of ETF Trading

ETF trading, like all investing, carries risks:

1. Market Risk

ETF prices can go up or down depending on market conditions.

2. Liquidity Risk

Not all ETFs are highly traded. Low volume can lead to wide bid/ask spreads and slippage.

3. Tracking Error

Some ETFs fail to perfectly mirror their benchmark, especially futures-based crypto ETFs.

4. Sector Risk

Thematic ETFs (e.g., blockchain, AI) can be highly concentrated and volatile.

🧠 How Token Metrics Enhances ETF Trading with AI

Whether you're trading traditional ETFs or crypto-focused ones, Token Metrics provides AI-powered tools to help you trade with confidence.

šŸ” 1. Real-Time Signals

Token Metrics offers AI-generated bullish/bearish signals for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets—helping you identify the best time to enter or exit.

šŸ“Š 2. Price Predictions

The platform generates short- and long-term price forecasts, using 80+ data points. This can help you anticipate ETF price movements, especially for crypto ETFs.

šŸ“ˆ 3. On-Chain Data + ETF Flows

Token Metrics tracks exchange reserves, ETF inflows, and blockchain metrics—giving traders a unique edge not available on traditional brokerage platforms.

šŸ“£ 4. Alerts and Custom Grades

Set up alerts based on trader grades, investor grades, and signal changes to react to market moves instantly.

šŸ”„ Example: Trading Bitcoin ETFs Using Token Metrics

Let’s say you want to trade the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF in July 2025. Here’s how Token Metrics can help:

  • AI signaled bullish BTC trend on June 28
  • Price surged from $106,000 to $118,000
  • ETF inflows increase as institutional demand grows
  • You receive a buy alert from Token Metrics
  • You enter the ETF early and ride the momentum

This combination of real-time AI alerts + institutional trend analysis gives you a significant advantage over traditional investors.

🧭 Final Thoughts

ETF trading has changed the game for investors. Whether you're looking to diversify your portfolio, gain exposure to crypto, or automate your trading strategy—ETFs provide a flexible, affordable, and efficient solution.

And in 2025, combining ETF trading with Token Metrics' AI-powered platform is one of the smartest ways to stay ahead.

With features like real-time signals, crypto ETF tracking, price predictions, and custom alerts, Token Metrics transforms how you approach modern ETF markets.

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