LIT Token Staking Launched by Lighter with USDC Benefits and Fee Discounts

Generated by AI AgentCoinSageReviewed byAInvest News Editorial Team
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 11:50 pm ET2min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Lighter launched LIT token staking with 10

rewards per LIT, fee discounts for ≥100 LIT stakers, and a 2-week grace period for LLP holders.

- A whale deposited $10M USDC for 5x leveraged LIT shorting and spent $2.2M buying LIT, signaling bearish market sentiment and potential price declines.

- Staking and buyback programs (50% fee allocation) boosted LIT to $3.11 (+18.3%) and $36M 24h volume, but low revenue and whale losses raise long-term viability concerns.

- Mixed market reactions persist: incentives attract participation while whale activity and liquidity risks highlight ongoing volatility and uncertain utility.

Lighter has launched a

staking feature that offers immediate liquidity and deposit benefits for users. Stakers receive 10 in the Lighter LLP for every 1 token staked, with fee discounts and zero withdrawal and transfer fees for those staking 100 LIT or more . The initiative is designed to align token holders with liquidity providers and to improve the risk-adjusted returns of the pool. A two-week grace period has been provided for existing LLP holders to adjust their positions before staking becomes mandatory for continued access .

The staking feature will be rolled out to mobile users soon, with returns and annualized rates to be disclosed after the feature becomes active. The platform aims to incentivize long-term participation and engagement by offering tiered incentives based on the amount of LIT staked

. Lighter has also allocated 50% of the LIT token supply to ecosystem growth, including future incentive programs .

A whale deposited $10 million USDC into Lighter for hedging operations, opening a 5x leveraged short position in LIT. The whale also spent $2.2 million to purchase 1.059 million LIT in the spot market at an average price of $2.08. This activity has been interpreted as a bearish signal for the token, with the whale possibly preparing for further price declines

.

What Is the Whale Activity?

A whale deposited 10 million USDC into Lighter for hedging operations, opening a 5x leveraged short position in LIT and spending 2.2 million dollars to buy 1.059 million LIT in the spot market at an average price of 2.08 dollars

. This whale activity has raised questions about the token’s price trajectory and liquidity dynamics, with traders interpreting the move as a bearish signal . The whale currently holds 2.788 million USDC and may continue to buy more LIT .

What Are the Risks?

LIT faces challenges following a whale’s $1.8 million loss and low revenue of $8,450, raising concerns about its utility and long-term viability

. Traders are cautious about the token’s future, with market sentiment trending downward. While liquidity clustering above the $2.7-level may offer support, the price remains fragile and uncertain. A whale’s 1x long position in LIT has turned into a deep loss as the price continues to trend downward .

Lighter also launched a buyback program where 50% of protocol fees are used to repurchase LIT tokens, aiming to reduce the circulating supply by up to 3%. This initiative, combined with staking features, has led to a 18.3% surge in LIT's price to $3.11 and an 89% increase in 24-hour trading volume to $36M

. Whale activity, including a $4.86M WBTC-to-LIT conversion, has supported market confidence in the token .

Market Implications

The LIT token staking program and buyback initiatives have increased the token’s visibility and engagement in the market. The staking feature offers immediate liquidity and deposit benefits, while the buyback program aims to reduce the circulating supply and potentially increase the token’s value

. These initiatives have contributed to a significant increase in LIT's price and trading volume, attracting attention from traders and investors. However, the token’s long-term viability and utility remain under scrutiny, with market sentiment trending downward due to the whale’s loss and low revenue .

The whale activity has also raised concerns about the token’s price trajectory and liquidity dynamics. The whale’s 5x leveraged short position in LIT and spot market purchases suggest a bearish outlook, with traders interpreting the move as a signal of further price declines. The whale currently holds 2.788 million USDC and may continue to buy more LIT, further impacting the token’s price

.

Overall, the LIT token staking program and whale activity have created a mixed market sentiment, with some traders and investors viewing the initiatives as positive developments and others as potential risks. The long-term success of LIT will depend on its ability to maintain engagement, reduce supply, and address concerns about its utility and market viability

.