Connect with us

Crypto World

USDC Overtook USDT in Adjusted YTD Volume, Says Mizuho

Published

on

Crypto Breaking News

Analysts at Mizuho say a shift in stablecoin usage is underway, with a Circle-issued dollar-pegged token appearing to surpass its main rival in on-chain transaction volume for the first time since 2019. In a Friday research note, the bank highlighted year-to-date adjusted volumes of about $2.2 trillion for the Circle-backed stablecoin against roughly $1.3 trillion for the Tether-backed option, signaling a move toward routine payments rather than just crypto trading. The report also notes that the Circle-backed coin claims about 64% of the combined turnover between the two, reversing a long-running pattern in which the Tether-backed token led on volume. Circle’s public listing on the NYSE in June 2025 drew attention, though the initial price reaction was muted. By market cap terms, the Tether-backed stablecoin remains dominant, with approximately $184 billion in circulation compared to about $79 billion for its Circle-backed rival.

Key takeaways

  • The Circle-backed stablecoin surpassed the Tether-backed counterpart in on-chain transaction volume for the year to date, underscoring a shift toward stablecoins used for everyday payments rather than speculative activity.
  • Adjusted volumes show Circle’s token at about $2.2 trillion versus roughly $1.3 trillion for Tether’s stablecoin, translating into a 64% market share for Circle’s offering within the two assets’ daily activity.
  • Despite the volume leadership, Tether’s stablecoin remains larger in terms of market capitalization, with around $184 billion in circulating supply versus about $79 billion for Circle’s stablecoin.
  • Circle’s stock began trading on the NYSE in June 2025, and the initial move after the IPO was modest, indicating a separation between on-chain usage dynamics and traditional equity performance.
  • Policy and regulatory hurdles in the United States continue to shape stablecoin discussions, with lawmakers weighing a digital asset market framework even as debates over stablecoin yield and tokenized equities persist.

Tickers mentioned: $USDC, $USDT

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. The report highlights a shift in usage patterns rather than immediate price movements, with market capitalization remaining skewed toward the Tether-backed stablecoin.

Market context: The findings come as the broader crypto market contends with liquidity dynamics and ongoing regulatory discussions in Washington over stablecoins and market structure, illustrating how on-chain activity and regulatory policy can diverge in the near term.

Advertisement

Why it matters

The potential migration of everyday transactions toward a Circle-backed stablecoin could recalibrate how participants fund wallets, settle micro-payments, and bridge assets across networks. If a stablecoin gains traction as the preferred medium for routine exchanges, its on-chain liquidity profile, settlement efficiency, and interoperability across exchanges and wallets could influence funding costs and user experience. Yet the distinction between on-chain transaction volume and market capitalization remains pronounced: even with higher volumes, USDT continues to dominate in overall supply and market depth, which matters for liquidity when markets swing or during large withdrawals.

For builders and exchanges, the volume shift flags a possible reallocation of demand toward a different stability mechanism or settlement rails. Protocols that rely on stablecoin liquidity for cross-chain liquidity provision, automated market makers, and DeFi lending could feel the impact of changing user preferences. Regulators, meantime, watch and weigh how stablecoins interact with yield, compliance, and consumer protection norms as they craft potential standards for a broader digital asset framework.

The data also highlights how headline market capitalizations may diverge from real-world usage metrics. A stablecoin can be widely used for payments and remittances even if its nominal market cap remains smaller than that of a rival. In this case, the Circle-backed token’s stronger daily turnover suggests broader acceptance in payments corridors, merchant integrations, and cross-border settlements, while Tether’s larger capitalization preserves its role as a liquidity backbone. The coming quarters will reveal whether the usage trend persists or whether market forces re-balance these two pillars of the stablecoin ecosystem.

As part of the broader narrative, policymakers continue to weigh a structured framework for digital assets, including debates over stablecoin yield and tokenized equities. The CLARITY Act, which previously moved through parts of Congress, has faced hurdles in the Senate, where leaders indicate a priority on voting requirements rather than immediate market-structure reforms. These political dynamics create a backdrop in which on-chain metrics may diverge from regulatory momentum, making immediate price or allocation signals less predictable than the underlying activity data might suggest.

Advertisement

For readers tracking the big-picture trajectory, the divergence between on-chain activity and market capitalization can be telling. The shift toward a more transaction-focused usage pattern does not necessarily translate into an immediate re-rating of the asset’s value, but it does imply a growing role for a Circle-backed stablecoin in daily payments and merchant settlement. Investors and users should monitor whether this usage trend endures as merchant adoption, cross-border flows, and DeFi integrations evolve in parallel with regulatory developments.

To contextualize these movements, a separate data point underpins the narrative: Circle’s public listing on the NYSE in June 2025. While the IPO event catalyzed attention around the governance and corporate side of the ecosystem, the market reaction to the volume shift remains a separate thread, underscoring how on-chain dynamics can outpace traditional equity performance in this rapidly evolving space. The ongoing conversation around stablecoins—how they yield, how they are regulated, and how tokenized instruments may coexist—will continue to shape liquidity, risk appetites, and product design across the crypto ecosystem.

For a direct look at the discussion around USDC, USDT, and their evolving roles, readers can explore the linked materials, including deep-dive notes and index references that track price and circulation metrics over time. A video discussion related to the topic is available here: Video discussion on stablecoin dynamics.

What to watch next

  • Upcoming quarterly volume disclosures for USDC and USDT to confirm whether the 64% share persists into the next data cycle.
  • Progress on the CLARITY Act or alternative US digital asset market framework bills in Congress and any votes scheduled in the Senate.
  • Shifts in market capitalization versus on-chain usage, including any notable changes in the size of each stablecoin’s circulating supply.
  • Broader regulatory guidance on stablecoin yield, ethics, and tokenized equities and how those will impact issuer strategies.

Sources & verification

  • Mizuho research note comparing transaction volumes between Circle-backed USDC and Tether-backed USDT, including the 64% market-share figure and the $2.2 trillion vs $1.3 trillion volume comparison.
  • Circle stock listing on the NYSE in June 2025 and subsequent price action.
  • Price index references for USDC (CRYPTO: USDC) and USDT (CRYPTO: USDT) as cited in price-tracking discussions.
  • US Senate discussions around the CLARITY Act and related market-structure debates affecting stablecoins, including notes about voting-priority scheduling in the Senate.

Stablecoin usage shifts and the on-chain volume race

The latest data from a major investment bank captures a pivotal moment in stablecoin dynamics. The Circle-issued stablecoin (CRYPTO: USDC) appears to have overtaken its Tether counterpart (CRYPTO: USDT) in on-chain transaction volume for the year to date, marking a departure from a multi-year pattern in which USDT led most volume metrics. The bank’s analysis shows USDC posting about $2.2 trillion in adjusted year-to-date volume, while USDT sits around $1.3 trillion. With these figures, USDC has captured roughly 64% of the combined turnover between the two entities, signaling a shift toward stablecoins as day-to-day payment rails rather than merely a liquidity layer for whales and traders.

The juxtaposition of high transaction activity with market capitalization also tells an important story. While USDC is catching up in usage, USDT retains a commanding head start in global supply, boasting a market capitalization near $184 billion compared with USDC’s roughly $79 billion. This divergence underscores a broader theme in crypto markets: usage and liquidity can outpace capitalization when user adoption and merchant integration expand. The leadership in on-chain volume does not automatically translate into price or market-share dominance, but it does illuminate where real-world activity is concentrated and where demand for stable value storage is coalescing.

Advertisement

The discussion around stablecoins in the policy arena adds another layer of complexity. Lawmakers continue to debate a digital asset market structure that could govern stablecoins, yield-bearing tokens, and tokenized equities. While the CLARITY Act has flowed through various chambers, its path in the Senate remains uncertain, and recent statements from Senate leadership suggested a focus on voting requirements rather than a comprehensive market-structure bill in the near term. In this environment, traders and users may react to on-chain data and market sentiment independently of how quickly lawmakers move on the regulatory front.

From a market perspective, the contrast between volume leadership and market capitalization is not merely a curiosity; it shapes how ecosystem participants allocate capital and design services. Exchanges and wallets perspective that favor stablecoin liquidity for payments could prioritize integration with USDC’s rails if the usage trend endures, while liquidity providers still rely on USDT for broad market depth. The net effect for users could be a more diverse stablecoin landscape where multiple tokens compete on reliability, ease of use, and the breadth of acceptance by merchants and platforms.

In sum, Mizuho’s data points to a period of evolving usage patterns among the stablecoins that anchor much of the crypto economy. The fact that a Circle-backed token is capturing a larger share of on-chain volume signals a potential shift in user preference for stability in routine transactions. As policymakers weigh structural reforms and market participants adjust to new usage realities, the next several quarters will reveal whether this shift solidifies or whether the market rebalances toward a broader mix of stablecoins for settlement and payments. For readers following the crosscurrents of price, volume, and policy, the evolving picture remains a critical lens on how the crypto economy is mutating beyond headline market caps.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crypto World

BPI Eyes August BTC Tax Relief as Deadline Looms

Published

on

Crypto Breaking News

The Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), an industry advocacy group, is eyeing a target window between March and August 2026 to pass a de minimis tax exemption for Bitcoin through Congress, warning that time to pass meaningful legislation is running out.

BPI said it has engaged with 19 Congressional offices in both the House and Senate over the last three months to pitch US lawmakers on a tax exemption for Bitcoin (BTC) transactions below a certain threshold.

Expanding the de minimis tax exemptions beyond dollar-pegged stablecoins has bipartisan support, but the BPI warned that the “window is narrowing” for Bitcoin tax legislation. The BPI said:

“Congress will be increasingly consumed by midterm dynamics as summer approaches, and the bandwidth for complex tax legislation shrinks with every passing week. Senator Lummis, the issue’s most forceful champion, departs the Senate in January 2027.

If a package does not come together in the next few months, the opportunity may not return for years,” the BPI continued. 

Advertisement

Under current US tax rules, using BTC to pay for goods and services triggers a taxable event and tax reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), preventing the use of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange.

A de minimis exemption would allow small crypto transactions, typically below a set dollar threshold, to be excluded from capital gains reporting, allowing users to spend Bitcoin without calculating gains or losses on minor purchases.

Related: Bitcoin advocate group to fight Basel’s ‘toxic’ treatment of cryptocurrency

Tax policy has kept Bitcoin as an investment and out of commerce

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced a bill in July 2025 proposing a de minimis tax exemptionfor cryptocurrency transactions of $300 or less, capped at $5,000 annually.

Advertisement

However, the bill failed to gain traction in the Senate, and a competing bill focused entirely on tax exemptions for stablecoins was introduced to the House of Representatives by Congresspersons Max Miller and Steven Horsford in 2025.

A comparison of the Lummis standalone crypto tax bill and the stablecoin de minimis tax bill.

Bitcoin payments are held back by the digital asset’s current treatment under the US tax code, according to Pierre Rochard, a board member for BTC treasury company Strive. “The number one impediment to Bitcoin payments adoption is tax policy, not scaling technology,” Rochard @said on X.

Magazine: Big questions: Should you sell your Bitcoin for nickels for a 43% profit?

Advertisement

1) Introduction

The Bitcoin Policy Institute is pushing for a de minimis tax exemption for Bitcoin transactions, targeting a window from March to August 2026 to move a measure through Congress. The group highlights that time is running short as lawmakers grapple with competing priorities ahead of midterm dynamics. In the past three months, BPI says it has engaged with 19 offices across the House and Senate to advocate for a carve-out allowing BTC transfers below a defined threshold to avoid capital gains reporting. While there is bipartisan interest in extending de minimis relief beyond dollar-pegged stablecoins, observers warn that the window to legislate could close swiftly, especially with Senator Lummis set to depart the Senate in January 2027. The push centers on changing how small Bitcoin transactions are treated for tax purposes, potentially unlocking greater everyday use without tax accounting for minor expenditures.

2)

Key takeaways

  • The stated legislative window for a Bitcoin de minimis tax exemption runs March through August 2026, a period proponents describe as the last best chance to pass meaningful tax relief before midterms shift congressional priorities.
  • nineteen congressional offices across the House and Senate report engagement by the Bitcoin Policy Institute over a three‑month period, underscoring active lobbying for a BTC-focused exemption and broader expansion beyond stablecoins.
  • Senate sponsor Senator Cynthia Lummis pushed a standalone crypto tax bill in July 2025 proposing a de minimis threshold of $300 per transaction, capped at $5,000 annually, but the measure stalled in the Senate.
  • In parallel, a House-friendly proposal by Max Miller and Steven Horsford in 2025 aimed to deliver de minimis relief specifically for stablecoins, reflecting a split focus within crypto tax policy debates.
  • The central argument stresses that current tax treatment has effectively kept Bitcoin as an investment vehicle rather than a practical medium of exchange, with advocates positioning tax policy as the primary bottleneck to broader adoption.

3)

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Advertisement

4)

Market context: The push for a Bitcoin de minimis exemption sits within a broader regulatory and policy environment where tax treatment shapes crypto payments and consumer spending. If Congress acts, small BTC transactions could flow more freely in everyday commerce, while inaction risks maintaining a framework that treats Bitcoin primarily as an asset rather than an everyday currency.

5)

Why it matters

The ongoing debate over de minimis tax treatment matters because it shapes how readily individuals can use Bitcoin for routine purchases. A successful exemption would reduce the administrative burden for ordinary consumers who transact in small amounts, potentially expanding merchant acceptance and consumer spending in the crypto space. Advocates argue that tax policy, not technology, has been the primary obstacle to widespread BTC payments adoption, a claim echoed by industry voices who emphasize the upside of aligning tax rules with the realities of digital asset use.

Advertisement

Yet lawmakers face a crowded legislative calendar. The BPI’s warning that the window could close as summer approaches reflects a structural challenge: tax policy is entangled with midterm dynamics, budget considerations, and broader regulatory debates. The political calculus is further complicated by aging leadership in the crypto policy arena; Senator Lummis, a leading proponent, will exit the Senate in early 2027, potentially narrowing the coalition that has championed a de minimis approach to crypto taxation.

Supporters argue that a targeted exemption for small BTC transactions would not only ease everyday spending but also set a clearer precedent for how digital assets should be treated when used as currency rather than solely as investments. The tension remains: should policy favor incremental relief that could unlock practical use cases, or push for comprehensive tax reform that addresses all digital assets at once? The next several months are likely to reveal how aggressively Congress will pursue a path forward and which constituencies—consumer advocates, merchants, or financial policy wonks—will shape the outcome.

6)

What to watch next

  • March–August 2026: Legislative activity window for Bitcoin de minimis tax exemption moves through committees and potentially a full vote.
  • Ongoing congressional engagement: The Bitcoin Policy Institute’s continued outreach to 19 offices to secure support and build a bipartisan coalition.
  • Senator Lummis’s departure in January 2027: Assess how the leadership changes might affect the likelihood of enacting any BTC-specific tax relief.
  • Comparison of bills: The trajectory of Miller–Horsford’s stablecoins-focused exemption versus the Lummis standalone crypto tax bill will influence the final framework if a package advances.
  • Public-facing tax policy messaging: Watch for statements from tax authorities and industry groups clarifying how a de minimis exemption would interact with existing reporting requirements for small BTC transactions.

7)

Sources & verification

  • Bitcoin Policy Institute article outlining the de minimis exemption for Bitcoin and the policy window.
  • Cointelegraph reporting on the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s de minimis tax exemption push and related legislative activity.
  • July 2025 Lummis proposal for a standalone crypto tax exemption with a $300 threshold and $5,000 annual cap.
  • 2025 Miller and Horsford House proposal extending de minimis relief to stablecoins.
  • Statements from Pierre Rochard about tax policy as the principal barrier to Bitcoin payments adoption.

7)

Why it matters

This policy debate matters because it could redefine how everyday users interact with Bitcoin, moving it from a speculative asset toward a practical currency for small purchases. If enacted, the de minimis exemption would reduce tax complexity for minor BTC transactions, potentially spurring broader acceptance by merchants and consumers alike. The timing of any agreement is critical, given midterm dynamics and the leadership shift anticipated in early 2027, which could alter legislative momentum for crypto tax reform.

Advertisement

At stake is whether policymakers view Bitcoin as a financial instrument warranting strict capital gains considerations or as a platform for everyday commerce needing pragmatic, policy-aligned rules. The discourse reflects broader questions about how the U.S. tax code should treat digital assets as their use cases evolve—from store of value to medium of exchange—and how to balance investor protection with practical adoption. The coming months will test whether a narrowly tailored exemption can bridge these aims without creating new loopholes or regulatory gaps.

9)

What to watch next

  • March–August 2026: Legislative activity window for Bitcoin de minimis tax exemption moves through committees and potentially a full vote.
  • Ongoing congressional engagement: The Bitcoin Policy Institute’s continued outreach to 19 offices to secure support and build a bipartisan coalition.
  • Senator Lummis’s departure in January 2027: Assess how the leadership changes might affect the likelihood of enacting any BTC-specific tax relief.
  • Comparison of bills: The trajectory of Miller–Horsford’s stablecoins-focused exemption versus the Lummis standalone crypto tax bill will influence the final framework if a package advances.
  • Public-facing tax policy messaging: Watch for statements from tax authorities and industry groups clarifying how a de minimis exemption would interact with existing reporting requirements for small BTC transactions.

9)

Sources & verification

  • Bitcoin Policy Institute article outlining the de minimis exemption for Bitcoin and the policy window.
  • Cointelegraph reporting on the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s de minimis tax exemption push and related legislative activity.
  • July 2025 Lummis proposal for a standalone crypto tax exemption with a $300 threshold and $5,000 annual cap.
  • 2025 Miller and Horsford House proposal extending de minimis relief to stablecoins.
  • Statements from Pierre Rochard about tax policy as the principal barrier to Bitcoin payments adoption.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Crypto World

ETH Bulls Target $2.8K But Data Highlights Many Hurdles

Published

on

Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Financial Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Ether Price

After reaching a monthly high of $2,209 on Friday, Ether (ETH) price fell back below a key monthly resistance, which has been tested five times since February.

While onchain data highlights a large cluster of investors near $2,800, Ether’s futures market data shows traders are scaling back positions after this week’s rally.

Investors’ $2,800 cost basis highlights a major accumulation zone

Data from Glassnode indicated that ETH’s cost-basis distribution heatmap shows a heavy accumulation near $2,800, where more than 3 million ETH were previously purchased.

The cost-basis clusters identify the price zones where large groups of investors established positions, often acting as magnets during upward moves as investors defend entry levels or add exposure.

Advertisement
Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Financial Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Ether Price
ETH cost basis distribution heatmap. Source: Glassnode

The data suggests a potential pathway toward $2,800. Notably, there is a relatively limited historical supply concentration between $2,200 and the $2,800 cost-basis cluster, meaning a break above the current range may allow the price to move more freely into that range.

Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Financial Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Ether Price
Ether one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

From a technical standpoint, the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) also intersects near the $2,800 level on the daily chart, a key indicator ETH has not approached since early January.

However, derivatives data suggest traders remain cautious near the present price range.

Related: Ethereum Foundation publishes mandate clarifying role and goals

Ether futures activity fades after $2,200 test

Ether’s futures market activity expanded during this week’s rally, with open interest rising 21% to $10.9 billion from $9 billion this week as the price pushed toward $2,200. The increase suggests traders were opening new leveraged positions as Ether moved higher.

Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Financial Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Ether Price
Ether price, open interest, aggregated spot volume. Source: velo.data

However, the positioning shifted once ETH tested the upper range. Open interest fell roughly 6% after the $2,200 test, indicating some traders began closing positions rather than adding new exposure.

The pullback suggests long traders likely took profit or reduced risk near the upper boundary of the range, slowing the rally’s momentum.

Advertisement

Spot market activity showed improving demand during the move. Spot volume cumulative delta (CVD), which tracks aggressive buying versus selling, rose sharply to $87 million from -$150 million on March 8, indicating buyers stepped in as Ether rebounded from the $2,000 region.

Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Financial Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Ether Price
Ether price and bid-ask ratio. Source: Hyblock

However, order-flow data reflected a fading bullish sentiment. The bid–ask ratio remained strongly positive while Ether consolidated near $2,000, showing buyers dominated trading during the range phase.

That strength faded as the price approached $2,150, signaling reduced buying pressure near the top of the move.

Hyblock data offered additional clarity in the derivatives markets. The futures positioning remains relatively balanced, with long traders accounting for about 59.4% of Ether futures exposure on Binance.

Such a balanced outlook often leads to choppy price action as the market struggles to decisively break through nearby resistance levels.

Advertisement
Cryptocurrencies, Ethereum, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Financial Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Ether Price
ETH percentage of accounts long on Binance. Source: Hyblock

The data shows a divergence forming, while past ETH accumulation points toward a rally to $2,800. With this in mind, it is clear that Ether futures traders remain cautious near ETH’s current range.

Related: Ethereum accumulation wallets jump 30%: Will ETH price follow?