Cosmos (ATOM)
Validators
Kiln
Staking mechanics
Stake activation time
Instant
Stake lock-up time
21 days
Re-delegating activation time
Instant
Rewards frequency
First rewards: next block once stake is active (0-7 seconds). Rewards frequency: every block (7 seconds). Last rewards: last rewards earned before unstaking.
Auto-compounding
Self-bond
None
Active set
Slashing
Yes, delegators' staked tokens can be slashed.
Relationship between validator stake balance and rewards
Linear. The more stake balance there is on the validator, the more rewards it will earn.
Staking workflow
How does staking work?
On Cosmos chains such as the Cosmos Hub, token holders choose a validator to delegate a select amount of tokens to. The delegator initiates a delegation transaction, which involves locking their tokens in a smart contract. These tokens are then counted towards the validator's total stake.
What is the staking process?
After the delegation has been initiated, ATOMs are changed to validator shares of the validator you delegate to.
Do funds move out to another wallet?
Staked ATOMs are not part of the balance anymore, but they don’t go to another address.
Can I keep staking/unstaking from/to the same wallet?
Yes, you can increase the staked amount or unstake part of it at anytime.
Can I select how much of my wallet balance I want to stake?
Yes, you select the amount of tokens you want to stake to earn rewards.
How does auto-compounding work?
How do I unstake?
You can unstake by unbonding your funds. After you initiated the process:
• You stop receiving staking rewards
• It will take 21 days for the amount to be liquid
• But you will be able to cancel the unbonding process anytime, as this chain currently supports the function
Can I unstake part of the staked balance?
• Yes, you can select the amount of tokens you want to unstake (this takes 21 days). • Be aware that you can only unbond ATOM seven times with the same validator within a twenty-one day period.
How is my balance computed at epoch N for the rewards distribution?
The balance computed at block N for the rewards distribution is the balance at block N.
What is the slashing risk on the Cosmos Hub?
Downtime: During a block window (10,000 blocks) if a validator signed less than 5% of the blocks, he will get jailed for 10 min and will incur a 0.01% slashing penalty. No rewards can be earned during that jail time. Double signing: When a validator attests to two different blocks, it will face slashing. Stakers who have delegated to the slashed validator will incur a slashing penalty of 5% and the validator won't ever be able to earn rewards again. Delegators will have to redelegate to another validator in order for their stake to earn rewards again.
How is commission paid?
Commissions are paid to the validator at the same frequency than the reward distribution (every block).
Staking links
How can I get testnet tokens?
Staking guide
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