A new era has dawned for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector as stablecoin yields have plummeted to historic lows, dropping to an average of just 5.8% according to data from Neutrl. This marks a significant shift from the double-digit returns that once defined the DeFi boom post-2022 bear market recovery. While most protocols now offer subdued interest rates, Pendle’s Level USD IY product stands out with its impressive 12.4% yield, attracting investors who are willing to accept time-locked conditions for potentially higher rewards. Conversely, Aave V3’s USDC deposit rate sits at a modest 3.4%, reflecting its focus on liquidity and stability over riskier lending strategies.