How to safely hold ETH and obtain stable returns? Master the key points of yield strategies and platform selection.

In the Web3 world, ETH is not only a value storage tool but also the core carrier of income-generating assets. However, in the first half of 2023, losses in the Web3 sector due to hacking attacks and phishing scams reached as high as $655 million, making the balance between security and yield a necessary lesson for every token holder.

##The Basics of ETH Staking: Staking Mechanism and Yield Logic After Ethereum transitioned to the PoS (Proof of Stake) consensus mechanism, users can participate in network validation and earn rewards by staking ETH. This model transforms static assets held in wallets into dynamic sources of income, with annualized returns typically ranging between 3% - 5%. Its core advantages include:

• On-chain native yield: Participate directly through smart contracts without relying on centralized institutions.
• Compound Growth: Earnings can be automatically reinvested to enhance long-term asset appreciation efficiency.
• Support decentralization: Enhance the security and stability of the Ethereum network.

##Comparison of Mainstream Yield Generation Methods: Balancing Safety and Efficiency The current ETH yield is mainly divided into three categories, each with its applicable scenarios:

1. Self-staking (maximum control): Users independently run nodes (e.g., through Rocket Pool), with a threshold of 32 ETH. The returns are higher but the technical requirements are strict, making it suitable for professional users.
2. DeFi Staking Protocols (Balanced Options): Stake any amount of ETH through platforms like Lido and Aave to obtain yield-bearing tokens such as stETH or aETH. The annualized return is approximately 3.5% - 6%, but one must bear the risk of smart contracts (for example, Curve lost 60 million USD in 2023 due to a vulnerability).
3. Exchange Integration Solutions (Beginner Friendly): A typical example is the Gate on-chain earning product, where users can stake ETH with one click to earn an annualized return of 2.93% in coin terms. The total staking amount on the platform has reached 150,100 ETH. The advantages include: no Gas fees for staking and reinvestment; institutional-grade cold wallet custody and smart contract auditing; real-time visibility of earnings, supporting flexible redemption.

##Gate Staking Example: Three Steps to Unlock Steady Returns The path to participate in ETH interest operations through Gate:

1. Log in to the Gate App and enter the "Finance" section.
2. Choose the ETH flexible staking product, confirm the 2.93% annualized return.
3. Authorized pledge quantity (minimum 0.001 ETH), sign secure contract

Key tips: Earnings are distributed daily, and the principal is credited immediately upon redemption, with no lock-up period restrictions.

##Conclusion Holding ETH for interest requires finding a balance between "risk control" and "yield optimization." For most users, staking through compliant platforms like Gate not only allows for a stable return of 2.93%, but also leverages their multi-layer defense system (including address whitelisting, behavioral risk control, etc.) to mitigate on-chain risks. With the number of weekly active users of Ethereum stablecoins surpassing 750,000, the demand for interest will continue to grow—only by prioritizing security can one achieve steady appreciation in the wave.

Author: Blog Team *This content does not constitute any offer, solicitation, or advice. You should always seek independent professional advice before making any investment decisions. *Please note that Gate may restrict or prohibit all or part of the services from restricted areas. Please read the user agreement for more information, link: