USDT Market Cap Surpasses $120B, Emphasizing Stablecoin's Indispensable Role in Volatile Crypto Market

Rising above a market cap of $120 billion, Tether's USDT, the biggest stablecoin in the world, marks a major turning point.

The world’s largest stablecoin, Tether (USDT), has achieved a major milestone by surpassing a market cap of $120 billion, highlighting its pivotal role in the volatile cryptocurrency landscape. This phenomenal growth underscores USDT’s dominance in the stablecoin market and its increasing significance in the broader crypto market.

According to data from Lookonchain, Tron and Ethereum are the leading networks among the multiple blockchains that contribute to the stablecoin’s vast circulation. On Tron, over 61.49 billion USDT, or 51.17%, is currently circulating, while on Ethereum, 54.48 billion USDT, or 45.34%, is circulating.

The market cap of $USDT now exceeds $120 billion!

The total circulating supply of $USDT is 120.17B $USDT, of which 61.49B $USDT(51.17%) is circulating on #TronNetwork and 54.48B $USDT(45.34%) is circulating on #Ethereum.https://t.co/5Mzl43My0S pic.twitter.com/UUpm8FM4vC

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) October 20, 2024

USDT’s Rising Demand Highlights Stablecoin’s Crucial Role in Volatile Markets

The increasing market cap of USDT points to the growing demand for stablecoins as a safe haven amid the volatility of cryptocurrencies. As a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, USDT provides stability and liquidity for traders and investors who wish to store their assets in a less volatile asset while remaining within the crypto ecosystem. This has made USDT highly appealing, especially during market downturns, contributing to its exponential growth.

Recent figures indicate that USDT’s daily trading volume on Tron has surpassed Visa’s average daily volume of $42 billion, reaching an impressive $53 billion. This remarkable achievement highlights the shifting financial landscape and the increasing adoption of digital currencies for large-scale transactions.

Tron’s low transaction fees and efficient network have made it the preferred blockchain for USDT transfers, solidifying its leadership as the primary platform for Tether. In contrast, Ethereum, which was once the most widely used chain for USDT, has seen less activity due to slower transaction speeds and higher gas fees.

Stablecoin Market Expansion Fuels Increased Liquidity and Trading Activity

As the market cap of USDT continues to rise, its impact on the broader crypto market is undeniable. More USDT in circulation typically translates to an increase in liquidity, which can lead to more trading activity and potentially influence price movements for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Historically, rising stablecoin supplies have been linked to increasing buying pressure, as investors often hold stablecoins like USDT before moving them into riskier assets. This influx of資金 can drive market rallies, especially during periods of bullish sentiment towards cryptocurrencies.

Furthermore, Tether’s واسعة application across multiple blockchains supports its dominance in the stablecoin sector. With Tether maintaining over 70% of the stablecoin market share, the total market cap of stablecoins has also seen a significant rise.

This level of control raises important questions about Tether’s influence on market liquidity and its role in maintaining the stability of the crypto ecosystem. However, it also presents opportunities for expanding financial inclusion and improving access to capital.

But it also comes with some risks, as Tether’s ability to maintain its peg to the US dollar becomes increasingly crucial for the stablecoin market. Any disruptions in Tether’s operations could have far-reaching consequences on the market.

New Lending Initiative Could Provide Financing Lifeline for Small Commodity Traders

USDT’s continuous expansion is not limited to blockchain applications alone. As we covered previously, Tether has begun exploring other avenues of growth, including the possibility of providing dollar-based loans for smaller commodities traders.

Due to their limited exposure to large-scale financial networks, many smaller traders, especially in developing countries, face immense challenges in accessing conventional financing options. Tether’s entry into this market could provide these traders with faster and more flexible financing solutions, facilitating world trade and financial activities.

While USDT’s growth presents a promising outlook for stablecoins, questions about Tether’s financial transparency continue to linger. Critics have long raised concerns over whether Tether fully backs its stablecoin printing with reserves, despite recent audits painting a brighter picture.

As we covered on CNF, a Q2 2024 audit report shows Tether having $118.4 billion in reserves, which are more than offset by liabilities amounting to $5.3 billion. Currently ranking 18th globally among holders of U.S. Treasury bills, Tether has $97.6 billion in these bills.

Besides maintaining a strong reserve, Tether’s potential involvement in providing dollar-based loans for small commodity traders could have a major impact on world trade