AAVE borrowing volumes for USDT and USDC plunged 70% from $6.2B to $1.9B, showing sharp DeFi deleveraging.
Nexo credit withdrawals surged 155% to $23M, signaling users choosing borrowing over selling assets.
AAVE’s total outstanding loans stand at $16.3B, while Nexo’s 2025 withdrawals total $817M, highlighting differing investor behaviors.
The volatile world of cryptocurrency, borrowing trends offer a window into investor sentiment. Recent data from CryptoQuant reveals a stark contrast between decentralized finance (DeFi) and centralized platforms during the ongoing market correction. As crypto prices tumbled, leverage in DeFi has significantly diminished, with borrowing on AAVE dropping sharply. Meanwhile, centralized lender Nexo has experienced a surprising uptick, signaling a shift in user behavior toward holding assets rather than liquidating them.
AAVE Borrowing Plummets 70% Amid Lower Appetite for Risk
AAVE, one of the leading DeFi protocols, has seen its weekly USDT and USDC borrowing volumes plummet by approximately 70% since August 2025. Peaking at $6.2 billion in early August, these volumes have since fallen to $1.9 billion by late November. This decline mirrors the broader reduction in risk appetite, as falling prices deterred leveraged positions.
DeFi leverage is fading.
AAVE borrowing is down ~70% since August as risk appetite fell with prices.
But on @Nexo, borrowing rebounded +155% WoW during the drawdown.
Users are choosing to borrow against collateral, not sell. pic.twitter.com/paqjLMeq5L
— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) December 24, 2025
AAVE’s total outstanding borrowings stand at $16.3 billion, with stablecoins like USDT and USDC accounting for half. The protocol’s borrow rates have fluctuated accordingly, reflecting lower demand for leverage in a bearish environment.
Nexo Defies Trend with 155% Rebound in Borrowing Activity
In contrast, Nexo—a centralized platform specializing in crypto-backed loans—has shown resilience. Weekly retail credit withdrawals dipped from $34 million in mid-July to $8.8 million in mid-November, but rebounded dramatically by 155% to $23 million in the following week. This surge occurred amid a market drawdown, suggesting users are opting to borrow against their collateral instead of selling holdings. Nexo’s cumulative credit withdrawals for 2025 have reached $817 million, underscoring its role as a liquidity provider when DeFi falters.
What the Data Says About Investor Psychology
This divergence highlights evolving dynamics in the crypto ecosystem. DeFi’s permissionless nature attracts risk-takers during bull runs, but in corrections, users may prefer the perceived stability and customer support of centralized entities like Nexo. Borrowing against collateral preserves long-term exposure to assets like Bitcoin, which has seen its price correlate with these trends. As the market stabilizes, this could indicate maturing investor strategies, favoring HODLing over panic selling.
Looking ahead, if prices recover, DeFi borrowing might resurgence, but Nexo’s rebound suggests centralized platforms are carving out a niche in risk-averse times. Investors should monitor these metrics closely, as they could signal broader market bottoms or continued caution.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
<p>The post DeFi Borrowing Drops 70% as Nexo Surges 155% in Market Shift first appeared on Coin Crypto Newz.</p>
