Stablecoins: why they may be better than altcoins

Cryptocurrency has become a popular investment option in recent years. Due to their price fluctuations, bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), and other altcoins have made headlines. However, one class of digital currencies, known as stablecoins, has emerged as a more stable and reliable option. In this article, our crypto knowledge base will discuss stablecoins, how they work, and why they may be a better investment option than altcoins.

What are stablecoins?

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are created to maintain a stable value. Unlike bitcoin and other altcoins that are volatile, stablecoins are pegged to a specific currency or asset. This means their value remains relatively constant over time.

There are three types of stablecoins: fiat-collateralized stablecoins, commodity-based stablecoins, and algorithmic stablecoins.

• Fiat-collateralized stablecoins are backed by fiat currencies such as USD, EUR, or JPY. They are issued by a central authority that holds the equivalent amount of the underlying fiat currency as collateral.
• Commodity-backed stablecoins are backed by a physical asset such as gold or silver. They are issued by a central authority that holds the equivalent amount of the underlying asset as collateral.
• Algorithmic stablecoins are backed by an algorithm that controls the supply and demand of the stablecoin. The algorithm ensures that the value of the stablecoin remains stable by increasing or decreasing the supply of the stablecoin in circulation.

How do stablecoins work?

Stablecoins work by maintaining a stable value through various mechanisms. 

• In fiat-collateralized stablecoins, the issuer holds the equivalent amount of the underlying fiat currency as collateral. This ensures that the stablecoin can be redeemed for the underlying fiat currency at any time, thereby maintaining its stable value.
• In commodity-backed stablecoins, the issuer holds the equivalent amount of the underlying asset as collateral. The value of the stablecoin is tied to the underlying asset’s value. This ensures that the stablecoin remains stable even if the underlying asset’s value fluctuates.
• In algorithmic stablecoins, the supply and demand of the stablecoin are controlled by an algorithm. If the price of the stablecoin goes above its pegged value, the algorithm will increase the supply of the stablecoin, reducing the price. If the price of the stablecoin goes below its pegged value, the algorithm will decrease the supply of the stablecoin, increasing the price.

Why stablecoins are better than altcoins?

Stablecoins may be a better investment option than altcoins for several reasons.

• Stability: Stablecoins are designed to retain a stable value, unlike altcoins, known for their volatility, which can result in significant losses for investors.
• Lower risk: Stablecoins can be less risky than altcoins. Since stablecoins are pegged to a specific asset or currency, their value is less likely to be affected by market fluctuations. On the other hand, altcoins are more susceptible to market volatility, which can result in losses.
• Lower transaction fees: Stablecoins typically have lower transaction fees compared to altcoins. Since stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value, there is less volatility in the market, resulting in lower transaction fees.
• Broader adoption: Stablecoins have gained wider adoption compared to altcoins. Many merchants and retailers have started accepting stablecoins as payment, making them a more practical option for everyday transactions.

Examples of stablecoins

• Tether (USDT): Tether is a fiat-collateralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar’s value. Tether is one of the most widely used stablecoins in the world, with a market cap of over $71b as of March 2023.
• USD Coin (USDC): USD Coin is another fiat-collateralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar’s value. Circle, a cryptocurrency financial services company, issues USD Coin. It has a market cap of over $43b as of March 2023.
• Dai (DAI): Dai is an algorithmic stablecoin pegged to the US dollar’s value. Unlike fiat-collateralized stablecoins, Dai does not require a central authority to hold collateral. Instead, Dai uses a decentralized network of collateralized debt positions (CDPs) to maintain its stability. Dai has a market cap of over $5b as of March 2023.

Conclusion

Stablecoins have emerged as a more stable and reliable option than altcoins. Stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value, making them less volatile than altcoins. Stablecoins also have lower transaction fees and wider adoption, making them a more practical option for everyday transactions. Investors looking for a more stable and reliable investment option should consider stablecoins like Tether, USD Coin, or Dai.