𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐥 ($𝐑𝐏𝐋) 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠?
The recent surge in Rocket Pool’s native token, $RPL, is driven by a fundamental shift in its economic model through the Saturn One upgrade. This move transforms $RPL from a simple "insurance" utility token into a yield-bearing asset with direct claims on protocol revenue.
1. Fee Switch: Real Protocol Revenue
Historically, RPL was primarily used as collateral by node operators. With the Saturn One upgrade (launching February 17, 2026), Rocket Pool has activated an explicit fee switch for stakers.
ETH Rewards for RPL: Staked $RPL will now earn a share of the protocol’s ETH revenue generated from fees.
"Real Yield" Asset: This shifts RPL toward a "real yield" model. Instead of just earning more $RPL (which can be inflationary), holders now earn the network's underlying asset, Ethereum.
Market Repricing: Markets typically value tokens higher when they gain a direct claim on protocol cash flows. This move provides RPL with a clearer "intrinsic value" based on protocol usage.
2. Emission Cuts: Improving Token Inflation
Alongside the new revenue stream, Rocket Pool is implementing significant emission cuts to the RPL token.
Lower Inflation: Reduced emissions mean fewer new RPL tokens are entering the market.
Supply & Demand Rebalance: By combining a lower supply (reduced emissions) with higher demand (new ETH yield), the structural "sell pressure" on the token is greatly diminished.
Structural Re-rating: This "fee on, emissions down" combo is a classic catalyst in crypto. It changes $RPL’s profile from an inflationary incentive token to a scarcer, yield-bearing asset.