Market
Understanding the Dominance of Tether’s USDT
Stablecoins have become an essential part of the blockchain space, offering stability in a highly volatile market. Although there are dozens of stablecoins with different collateral available to investors today, Tether’s USDT remains the to-go choice for most crypto users.
In this article, we explore the importance of stablecoins, focusing on USDT and its unconditional dominance.
The Need for Stability
Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, such as the US dollar, euro, or even commodities like gold. They achieve this stability through various mechanisms, including fiat-collateralized, crypto-collateralized, and algorithmic stablecoins. Fiat-collateralized stablecoins, the most common type, back each token issued with reserves of the corresponding fiat currency, ensuring support by a real-world asset.
While many crypto investors enjoy a bit of volatility, the level seen in most crypto assets can make it difficult to use them for payments or trading. Stablecoins address this issue by offering a stable and reliable alternative, facilitating their use in a wide range of applications, including base trading pairs, remittances, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
This has resulted in substantial growth for stablecoins, now boasting a combined market capitalization of $161 billion. The chart below highlights this significant increase, which began in 2020.
Read more: How to Buy USDT in Three Easy Steps – A Beginner’s Guide
“While some of this growth is due to the rising interest in cryptocurrencies, it is primarily driven by the growing importance of DeFi and the crucial role stablecoins play in DeFi primitives like lending protocols and automated market makers (AMMs),” Vincent Maliepaard, Marketing Director at IntoTheBlock, told BeInCrypto.
USDT: The Undisputed Market Leader
Despite strong competition, Tether (USDT) has established itself as the most important stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market. Launched in 2014, USDT is pegged to the US dollar, with each token purportedly backed by an equivalent amount of fiat currency held in reserve.
Data from IntoTheBlock shows that USDT, with a market cap of $111 billion, accounts for just over 70% of the total stablecoin market capitalization. In contrast, the second largest stablecoin, USDC, accounts for just 21%.
Read more: 9 Best Crypto Wallets to Store Tether (USDT)
Furthermore, there is no sign that this growth is slowing down soon. The number of USDT transactions has significantly increased since the start of the year and is approaching new highs.
Maliepaard notes USDT’s dominance is attributed to several factors:
- Liquidity and Accessibility: USDT boasts the highest trading volume among stablecoins and is available on most centralized and decentralized exchanges as a base trading pair.
- Integration with DeFi: Many DeFi protocols and platforms use USDT for transactions, lending, and borrowing, enabling participation without exposure to price volatility.
- Cross-Border Transactions: USDT facilitates fast and cost-effective cross-border transactions, offering an efficient alternative to traditional banking systems.
- Stable Store of Value: In regions experiencing hyperinflation or economic instability, USDT offers a reliable store of value.
Comparing Usage of USDT Across Different Chains
While USDT activity is booming across all chains, not all are created equal. Data suggests that users utilize stablecoins differently across various networks. By examining their behavior on different chains, we can see how USDT is utilized in diverse ways. Whether it’s for trading, transferring value, or acting as a stable store of value, USDT’s versatility is evident.
TRON Dominates USDT Transactions
TRON leads in transaction volume with a dominant 78% share. The chart below highlights its superiority compared to other blockchain networks.
This prominence is primarily due to TRON’s low transaction costs and high availability for deposits and withdrawals on major centralized exchanges, making it the preferred option for cross-border Tether’s USDT transactions. Surprisingly, the runner-up isn’t Ethereum but Polygon, which has over 8% of the total USDT transactions.
Transaction Volume Comparison
Examining the stablecoin’s volume market share reveals that Ethereum’s transaction volume far exceeds its number of transactions, highlighting its role in facilitating higher-value transfers. In contrast, chains like Polygon, Optimism, and Avalanche have a higher number of transactions but contribute less to the overall volume, indicating their use for smaller, more frequent transactions.
Holding vs. Transacting
The average holding time of USDT on each chain further supports this finding. Data shows that Ethereum users typically keep USDT for 228 days, nearly three times longer than holders on Optimism. TRON addresses also maintain USDT for an extended period, averaging 183 days.
These insights indicate that on Ethereum and TRON, USDT is primarily held to mitigate market volatility, serving as a stable store of value. Conversely, on chains like Optimism and Arbitrum, USDT is frequently used for transactions, likely in DeFi-related applications where quick access to liquidity and transfer speed are crucial.
The Future of USDT
Stablecoins, particularly USDT, play a vital role in the blockchain industry by providing stability and enhancing the utility of digital assets. The recent growth of USDT across various blockchain networks solidifies its position in the cryptocurrency market. As the industry widens, the importance of stablecoins will likely grow, driven by their role in DeFi, trading, and bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Rallies 10% and Targets More Upside
Ethereum price started a fresh increase above the $3,220 zone. ETH is rising and aiming for more gains above the $3,350 resistance.
- Ethereum started a fresh increase above the $3,220 and $3,300 levels.
- The price is trading above $3,250 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
- There is a short-term contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,360 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
- The pair could gain bullish momentum if it clears the $3,385 resistance zone.
Ethereum Price Regains Traction
Ethereum price remained supported above $3,000 and started a fresh increase like Bitcoin. ETH gained pace for a move above the $3,150 and $3,220 resistance levels.
The bulls pumped the price above the $3,300 level. It gained over 10% and traded as high as $3,387. It is now consolidating gains above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent move from the $3,036 swing low to the $3,387 high.
Ethereum price is now trading above $3,220 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level. There is also a short-term contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,360 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD.
The first major resistance is near the $3,385 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,420. A clear move above the $3,420 resistance might send the price toward the $3,550 resistance. An upside break above the $3,550 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,650 resistance zone or even $3,880.
Another Decline In ETH?
If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,350 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,300 level. The first major support sits near the $3,250 zone.
A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward $3,220 or the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent move from the $3,036 swing low to the $3,387 high. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,150 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is gaining momentum in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.
Major Support Level – $3,250
Major Resistance Level – $3,385
Market
Rallies 10% and Targets More Upside
Ethereum price started a fresh increase above the $3,220 zone. ETH is rising and aiming for more gains above the $3,350 resistance.
- Ethereum started a fresh increase above the $3,220 and $3,300 levels.
- The price is trading above $3,250 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
- There is a short-term contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,360 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
- The pair could gain bullish momentum if it clears the $3,385 resistance zone.
Ethereum Price Regains Traction
Ethereum price remained supported above $3,000 and started a fresh increase like Bitcoin. ETH gained pace for a move above the $3,150 and $3,220 resistance levels.
The bulls pumped the price above the $3,300 level. It gained over 10% and traded as high as $3,387. It is now consolidating gains above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent move from the $3,036 swing low to the $3,387 high.
Ethereum price is now trading above $3,220 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level. There is also a short-term contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,360 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD.
The first major resistance is near the $3,385 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,420. A clear move above the $3,420 resistance might send the price toward the $3,550 resistance. An upside break above the $3,550 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,650 resistance zone or even $3,880.
Another Decline In ETH?
If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,350 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,300 level. The first major support sits near the $3,250 zone.
A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward $3,220 or the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent move from the $3,036 swing low to the $3,387 high. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,150 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is gaining momentum in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.
Major Support Level – $3,250
Major Resistance Level – $3,385
Market
GOAT Price Sees Slower Growth After Reaching $1B Market Cap
GOAT price has skyrocketed 214.29% in one month, recently breaking into the $1 billion market cap and securing its place as the 10th largest meme coin. It now stands just ahead of MOG, which closely trails its position in the rankings.
However, recent indicators suggest that GOAT’s uptrend may be weakening, raising questions about whether it can sustain its rally or face a potential correction.
GOAT BBTrend Is Negative For The First Time In 4 Days
GOAT BBTrend has turned negative for the first time since November 17, now sitting at -0.54. This shift suggests that bearish momentum is beginning to take hold, with the asset’s recent upward trajectory starting to weaken potentially.
BBTrend measures the strength and direction of price trends using Bollinger Bands, with positive values indicating an uptrend and negative values signaling a downtrend. A negative BBTrend reflects increased downward pressure, which could indicate the start of a broader market shift.
GOAT has had an impressive November, gaining 61% and reaching a new all-time high on November 17.
However, the current negative BBTrend, if it persists and grows, could signal the potential for further bearish momentum.
GOAT Is In A Neutral Zone
GOAT’s RSI has dropped to 52, down from over 70 a few days ago when it reached its all-time high. This decline indicates that buying momentum has cooled off, and the market has moved out of the overbought zone.
The drop suggests a shift toward a more neutral sentiment as traders consolidate gains and the strong bullish pressure seen earlier subsides.
RSI measures the strength and velocity of price changes, with values above 70 indicating overbought conditions and below 30 signaling oversold levels. At 52, GOAT’s RSI is in a neutral zone, neither signaling strong bullish nor bearish momentum.
This could mean the current uptrend is losing strength, and the price may consolidate or move sideways unless renewed buying pressure reignites upward momentum.
GOAT Price Prediction: A New Surge Until $1.50?
If GOAT current uptrend regains strength, it could retest its all-time high of $1.37, establishing its market cap above $1 billion, a fundamental threshold for being among the biggest meme coins in the market today.
Breaking above this level could pave the way for further gains, potentially reaching the next thresholds at $1.40 or even $1.50, signaling renewed bullish momentum and market confidence.
However, as shown by indicators like RSI and BBTrend, the uptrend may be losing steam. If a downtrend emerges, GOAT price could test its nearest support zones at $0.80 and $0.69.
Should these levels fail to hold, the price could fall further, potentially reaching $0.419, putting its position in the top 10 ranking of biggest meme coins at risk.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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