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
Will an Upside Break Spark a Surge?
Ethereum price is struggling below the $3,500 resistance while Bitcoin gains. ETH is consolidating above $3,150 and might aim for an upside break.
- Ethereum failed to gain pace for a close above $3,400 and $3,450.
- The price is trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
- There is a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
- The pair could start another increase if it clears the $3,400 resistance level.
Ethereum Price Aims Key Upside Break
Ethereum price started a decent upward move from the $3,200 level but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. ETH cleared the $3,250 resistance to move into a short-term bullish zone.
The bulls were able to push the price above the $3,300 resistance zone. Besides, there was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low. However, the bears are still active below $3,400.
Ethereum price is now trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level or the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low.
There is also a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The first major resistance is near the $3,400 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,445.
A clear move above the $3,445 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 $3,720 in the near term.
Another Decline In ETH?
If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,400 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.
A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward the $3,200 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,120 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.
Major Support Level – $3,200
Major Resistance Level – $3,400
Market
What Fueled Its New High
Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has once again captured the spotlight after rallying to a new all-time high of $109,699.
With the $110,000 milestone in sight, Bitcoin’s recent price action is being closely monitored by investors. A combination of sustained market conditions and renewed institutional interest has positioned the crypto king for potentially historic gains.
Bitcoin Investors Are Bullish
Market sentiment has shown a significant shift in recent weeks, particularly through the lens of Coin Days Destroyed (CDD). Late 2024 saw a period of elevated CDD, signaling heavy activity among Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) cashing out during the rally.
However, January has brought a notable cooldown in CDD, indicating reduced selling pressure from these key investors. This trend suggests that most profit-taking among LTHs is complete, paving the way for a more stable price trajectory.
Low CDD is often interpreted as a positive sign for Bitcoin’s recovery. It reflects conviction among long-term investors, who are holding onto their coins rather than selling into the market. Such investor behavior typically builds confidence and supports upward price momentum, providing a favorable backdrop for Bitcoin’s push to $110,000 and beyond.
Bitcoin’s macro momentum has also gained strength, supported by the accumulation activity of smaller investors, often referred to as “Shrimps” and “Crabs.” These holders, who possess less than 10 BTC, collectively added over 25,600 BTC worth approximately $2.71 billion. This surge in accumulation is proof of growing confidence among retail investors.
The Shrimp-to-Crab balance spike indicates a broad base of support for Bitcoin’s price. This demographic’s increasing participation reflects long-term bullish sentiment. Their buying activity often stabilizes the market, acting as a cushion during corrections and amplifying price rallies during bullish phases.
BTC Price Prediction: Onto New High
Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $109,699 was fueled by strong market fundamentals and strong investor sentiment. If momentum continues, the cryptocurrency could breach the $110,000 mark, cementing its position as a high-performing asset in 2025. This milestone would likely attract additional buying interest, reinforcing Bitcoin’s bullish outlook.
To secure its ascent, Bitcoin must establish $105,000 as a strong support level. Currently trading around $105,562, the crypto king appears well-positioned to achieve this. A successful defense of this support zone could propel Bitcoin to new highs, unlocking further upside potential.
However, failure to maintain $105,000 as support could lead to a retracement toward $100,000. Such a decline would negate Bitcoin’s recent gains and dampen short-term bullish sentiment, raising the risk of prolonged consolidation before a renewed rally.
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
XRP Price Sets the Stage for More Gains: Bulls Hold the Momentum
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