DeFi TVL Rises for First Time in Months
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector has shown early signs of recovery after a tough first half of 2026. The period was marked by nearly $1 billion in hacks and exploits, as well as a prolonged decline in crypto markets. According to CryptoRank, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols increased by 5.3% in July to $73 billion. This marks the first monthly increase in nearly a year, after TVL had dropped from $154 billion in October 2025 to $70 billion in June 2026.
The rebound is modest, but it suggests that capital may be gradually returning to DeFi protocols. While the sector still has a long way to go, this development could be a positive sign for the industry. However, it's essential to note that the recovery is still fragile and could be affected by various market factors.