BTC, USDT and USDC are three core assets with complementary functions in the crypto ecosystem. BTC is a high-risk and high-return "spear" with the goal of wealth growth; while stablecoins are a defensive "shield", the goal is to preserve value and provide liquidity. For investors seeking long-term capital appreciation, BTC is the core option. Stablecoins are an essential tool for users who want to flexibly operate, manage risks or earn stable returns in the crypto market, with USDC being more favored by conservative users because of its robustness.

1. Core definition: speculative assets vs. stability tools

First of all, it is necessary to clarify that these three fall into two completely different categories.

Bitcoin (BTC): It is the first truly decentralized cryptocurrency, known as "digital gold." BTC has no centralized issuers, and its value is entirely determined by market supply and demand, so the price fluctuates violently. Its core value proposition is as a store of value and anti-censorship asset.

USDT and USDC: They both belong to "stable coins" and are a special type of cryptocurrency. Its design goal is to maintain a 1:1 anchor relationship with a specific fiat currency (mainly US dollar). They exist to provide a stable scale of value and medium of trading in a volatile crypto market, rather than investment value-added.

Mainstream stablecoin trading platforms:

Binance Binance:

Ouyi OK:

HTX Huobi:

Gate.io:

2. Multi-dimensional comparison: USDT vs. USDC vs. BTC

To show the differences more clearly, we compare them from the following key dimensions.

1. Value and volatility

BTC: Value does not anchor any fiat currency, and it is extremely volatile. It is normal for prices to rise or fall by more than 10% in one day, which may not only bring huge benefits but also accompany huge risks.

USDT/USDC: Value anchors USD, theoretically 1 USDT/USDC ≈ 1 USD. Their goal is to eliminate volatility and facilitate trading and stored value.

2. Issuer and Transparency

BTC: Uncentralized issuer. Through the generation of "mines", the total supply is capped at 21 million, and the rules are written by the code, which are completely transparent and decentralized.

USDT (Tether): issued by Tether. The company is responsible for maintaining reserves anchored to the US dollar 1:1. Historically, USDT has been controversial for its reserve transparency issues, and although it has strengthened its audit reports in recent years, its reserves contain multiple assets such as commercial paper rather than pure cash.

USDC (USD Coin): issued by Circle (in collaboration with Coinbase). USDC has a better reputation for regulatory compliance and transparency. It regularly publishes reserve certificates issued by top accounting firms such as Deloitte, whose reserves are mainly composed of cash and short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, which are generally considered safer and more reliable by the market.

3. Main uses

BTC: It is mainly used as a tool for long-term value investment (similar to gold), large asset transfers and hedging fiat currency inflation.

USDT/USDC: mainly used for trading pairs on cryptocurrency exchanges (such as buying BTC with USDT), lending and liquidity mines for DeFi (decentralized finance), and as a "safe haven" to avoid market decline risks.

3. Who is more worthy of holding for a long time?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Bitcoin (BTC): Suitable for high-risk, high-return growth investors

If you believe in the future of blockchain technology and decentralized currencies and see BTC as an emerging asset class with huge value-added potential, then holding BTC for a long time is a reasonable strategy. You need to be mentally prepared to withstand severe price fluctuations, and the goal is to achieve long-term capital appreciation of assets.

Stablecoin (USDT/USDC): Not suitable as a value-added investment, but as a configuration tool

Long-term "holding" stablecoins itself does not bring about asset appreciation, because their value always follows the US dollar. As the dollar expands, its purchasing power will actually decline. Therefore, it should not be considered an "investment".

However, it is wise to hold a stablecoin in the following situations:

1. Market hedge: When the crypto market is expected to fall, exchange other crypto assets for stablecoins to lock in profits or avoid losses.

2. Earn interest: deposit stablecoins into DeFi protocols or centralized platforms to obtain annualized returns far higher than traditional banks (usually ranging from 3% to 10%).

3. Wait for the opportunity: Holding a stablecoin in hand and waiting for a good buying point in the market, you can enter the market quickly.

Choose between USDT and USDC: If you hold stablecoins for a long time for security and risk aversion, USDC is usually the more recommended option . Its higher transparency and greater compliance make its risk of decoupling in extreme market conditions considered to be lower than USDT.

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