On January 9, Usual announced a major update to its USD0++ protocol, introducing a dual exit mechanism.
Introduction of the dual exit mechanism
Usual introduced a dual exit mechanism to improve the long-term sustainability of the USD0++ token. The new mechanism offers two options: a conditional exit, allowing 1:1 redemption but with forfeiting some accrued rewards, and an unconditional exit, which provides an immediate cash-out at a lower price with gradual increase to $1 over four years.
Market reaction
The updates to the exit mechanism led to sharp market fluctuations, with USD0++ falling to $0.89 before stabilizing at $0.92. The changes also resulted in sudden shifts in liquidity on platforms like Curve Finance and Pendle, potentially triggering multimillion-dollar liquidations.
Comparison of USD0 and USD0++
USD0++ is the staked version of USD0, a stablecoin designed for stability and liquidity. Unlike USD0, USD0++ functions as a bond-like financial instrument. Users lock USD0 into USD0++ and earn yield in USUAL tokens, but this comes with a mandatory four-year lock-up period.
The use of a dual exit mechanism is aimed at improving the long-term prospects of USD0++, although current changes have led to market volatility.