RUNE is the native token of the THORChain network, which is built on the Tendermint consensus algorithm and the Cosmos SDK. THORChain is a decentralized cross-chain liquidity protocol that allows users to swap cryptocurrencies across different blockchains without relying on a centralized exchange.
The RUNE token serves as the medium of exchange on the THORChain network, and is used to pay transaction fees and secure the network. RUNE can be staked by network participants to earn rewards in the form of additional RUNE tokens.
The maximum supply of RUNE is capped at 500 million tokens, with a current circulating supply of around 250 million. RUNE is traded on a variety of cryptocurrency exchanges and has seen significant price fluctuations since its launch in 2019.
While the THORChain network offers a number of benefits, such as low fees and increased security through its decentralized architecture, it also carries certain risks. The primary risk associated with using the THORChain protocol is the possibility of smart contract bugs or exploits, which could result in the loss of user funds. As with any decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol, users should carefully consider the potential risks before participating in the THORChain network.