The price of AAVE, the native token of the decentralized lending platform Aave, has surged dramatically, climbing 45% to $135 in the past four weeks. This impressive gain has outpaced all other top 100 cryptocurrencies, including heavyweights like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Despite this surge, AAVE’s total value locked (TVL) remains below its peak of over $32 billion from October 2021. This recent uptick in activity is part of a broader trend in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector.

Catalysts Behind AAVE’s Price Surge

Several key developments have driven AAVE’s recent rally. A major factor is the proposal by Marc Zeller, founder of the Aave-Chan Initiative. Zeller’s plan to introduce a fee switch mechanism, redistributing excess platform revenue to critical ecosystem players, has been a significant driver of the price increase. This proposal has ignited renewed interest among investors, as it promises to enhance the overall value of the token.

Additionally, Web3 agency Deelabs has a plan to buy back AAVE tokens from the secondary market. This move has created a positive feedback loop, further boosting the token’s value. Joshua de Vos, a research lead at CC Data, has pointed out that speculation around the fee switch mechanism has significantly improved market sentiment. Investors are optimistic about new incentives for holding and staking AAVE, which has contributed to the token’s rising appeal.

The “Umbrella” Proposal and Market Stability

Another critical factor in AAVE’s recent price surge is the “Umbrella” proposal. This initiative aims to enhance the platform’s approach to managing risky loans. Instead of selling off AAVE tokens when loans go bad, the plan proposes burning the tokens, thus reducing the overall supply. Katie Talati, head of research at Arca, has highlighted that this approach could reduce the need to sell AAVE tokens during market downturns, helping to stabilize the token’s price amid market fluctuations.

Institutional Interest and Market Dynamics

The recent proposals have not only attracted retail investors but have also drawn significant interest from institutional players. Algorithmic trading firm Winter mute has observed increased demand from large funds and institutional investors, as evidenced by a rise in over-the-counter (OTC) trades. This growing institutional interest has bolstered AAVE’s position in the market, reinforcing its status as a leading DeFi asset.

Moreover, Aave has recently emerged as one of the top revenue-generating protocols, with over $27 million in fees reported. This strong financial performance has solidified AAVE’s reputation as a “blue chip” DeFi asset, making it a key player in the crypto space.

Is AAVE Still Undervalued?

Given AAVE’s recent price surge, strong performance metrics, and rising institutional interest, many in the crypto community believe that the token is still undervalued. The ongoing improvements to the Aave protocol suggest that AAVE may continue to perform well in the coming months. Currently, the price of AAVE is approaching an interim resistance level at $145.

In summary, AAVE’s recent rally can be attributed to several factors, including innovative proposals like the fee switch and “Umbrella” plans, heightened institutional interest, and robust revenue generation. As the DeFi space continues to evolve, AAVE’s role as a leading asset remains strong, with potential for continued growth.