Key Takeaways Tucker Carlson argued that the U.S. dollar’s “diminishing purchasing power” makes the case for a new global reserve currency. Carlson and Schiff clash over value creation in crypto and gold. Bitcoin faces mounting skepticism from prominent critics. Media personality Tucker Carlson said Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT) could replace the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, arguing that the dollar’s purchasing power is eroding, during a new interview with economist and gold advoca ...

South Korean crypto exchanges recorded a 62% surge in stablecoin trading volumes as the won fell to multi-year lows against the dollar, prompting platforms to intensify marketing campaigns around dollar-pegged tokens. According to The Korea Times, trading volume in Tether (USDT) across the nation’s five major won-based exchanges climbed to 378.2 billion won ($261 million) when the exchange rate exceeded 1,480 won per dollar last Wednesday, citing CryptoQuant data. The spike follows mounting currency pre ...

Core Insights - A growing number of stablecoins have emerged as conservative alternatives to volatile cryptocurrencies, primarily pegged to the U.S. dollar, facilitating faster and cheaper cross-border transactions, and offering higher yields than traditional savings accounts [1] Group 1: Market Overview - Tether (USDT) is the world's most valuable stablecoin with a market cap of $187 billion, facing competition from smaller stablecoins like Dai (DAI), which has a market cap of $5 billion [2] - Both Tether and Dai trade at $1.00 and are pegged to the U.S. dollar, but they have fundamental differences in their structure and backing [3] Group 2: Token Characteristics - Tether was initially minted on the Omni Layer and later on Ethereum, while Dai is a decentralized token minted via a smart contract on Ethereum, requiring users to deposit approved crypto assets into a Maker Vault [4][5] - Tether is not directly backed by U.S. dollars but uses a mix of cash, commercial paper, and other assets, whereas Dai relies solely on approved crypto assets for its peg [6] Group 3: Risk and Stability - Both Tether and Dai are considered riskier than more conservative stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC), which is directly backed by U.S. dollars and Treasuries, but they are less exposed to government interference [7] - Tether is a centralized token tied to a single company, while Dai is decentralized and relies on a network of "makers" to maintain its stability [8]

Core Viewpoint - Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong raised concerns about the competitiveness of dollar-pegged stablecoins following China's decision to pay interest on its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the Digital Yuan [1][2]. Group 1: Competitive Landscape - Armstrong highlighted that China's move to offer interest on the Digital Yuan provides it with a "competitive advantage" over U.S. stablecoins [2][3]. - He emphasized that rewards or interest payments on stablecoins could benefit ordinary people, similar to community lending, and urged for a market-driven approach [2]. Group 2: Legislative Challenges - The potential for yield payments on stablecoins is a significant barrier to the passage of the cryptocurrency market structure bill, which is supported by industry leaders like Armstrong [4]. - Concerns from Democrats revolve around the possibility that interest on stablecoin balances could divert deposits from traditional banking systems, particularly affecting community banks [4]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Following Armstrong's comments, Coinbase shares experienced a slight increase of 0.19% in after-hours trading, after a regular session decline of 1.85%, closing at $245.93 [5]. - Over the past year, Coinbase's stock has decreased by 5.42% [5].

Core Viewpoint - Rumble Inc. and Tether have launched the Rumble Wallet, a non-custodial crypto wallet integrated into the Rumble platform, allowing users to tip creators in cryptocurrencies like Tether (USDT), Tether Gold (XAUt), and Bitcoin (BTC) [1][2]. Group 1: Rumble Wallet Features - The Rumble Wallet eliminates intermediaries such as ad networks and banks, enabling creators to receive direct and fast payments from their audiences [2]. - Built on the Tether Wallet Development Kit (WDK), the wallet allows users to maintain custody of their assets while connecting to a global video-sharing ecosystem [2][3]. - The wallet represents a combination of free speech and decentralized finance, empowering users and creators to engage financially with content [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - MoonPay will facilitate all crypto on- and off-ramps for Rumble Wallet users, allowing seamless transitions between crypto and traditional payment methods like credit cards and PayPal [4]. - The collaboration aims to promote freedom and decentralization, providing users with more control over their financial interactions [4]. Group 3: Company Backgrounds - Rumble is a high-growth video platform focused on restoring the internet to its free and open roots [5]. - Tether is a leader in stablecoin technology, aiming to revolutionize the global financial landscape and promote financial inclusion [6][7]. - MoonPay, founded in 2019, supports over 30 million customers globally and connects traditional payment systems with blockchain technology [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Binance Futures is launching silver perpetual contracts, allowing crypto traders to leverage bets on silver prices, reflecting a growing interest in precious metals among crypto traders [1][4]. Group 1: Product Details - The silver perpetual contracts will offer up to 50x leverage, allowing traders to control positions significantly larger than their deposited margin [3]. - The contracts will be margined and settled in tether (USDT), with a minimum notional value of 5 USDT, and will incur a funding fee capped at ±2% every four hours [3]. - The launch of silver contracts follows the introduction of gold perpetuals, indicating a trend of diversification into precious metals within the crypto trading space [4][6]. Group 2: Market Performance - Silver experienced a remarkable 147% rally in 2025, reaching a peak price of $83.75 per ounce, while currently trading at $79.84 [5]. - Gold also saw significant gains, increasing by over 64% to $4,317, contrasting with Bitcoin's decline of more than 5% during the same period [5]. - The performance of precious metals has been bolstered by fiscal and inflation concerns, with silver benefiting from rising demand in solar panels and electronics [5]. Group 3: Trading Features - The silver contract will be available for futures copy trading within 24 hours of its launch, enhancing trading flexibility [6]. - A multi-assets mode will allow traders to use cryptocurrencies like BTC as margin collateral, accommodating for price volatility through haircuts [6]. - Binance is the first major exchange to offer perpetual contracts tied to silver, following smaller exchanges like MEXC and BTCC [6].

Core Insights - Stablecoins are gaining significant attention on Wall Street as they intersect with payments infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and government financing, making them crucial for traditional finance to consider [2][30]. Group 1: Payment Infrastructure - Stablecoins eliminate inefficiencies in wire transfers and international payments, which are currently burdened by high fees and long processing times, attracting major corporations [3][4]. - PayPal and Visa are strategically integrating stablecoins into their operations, with stablecoins processing $46 trillion in transaction volume by 2025, doubling from the previous year [4]. - JPMorgan Chase has developed its own internal stablecoin to maintain competitiveness in the payment processing market, reportedly processing over $1 billion daily [5][6]. Group 2: Government Financing - Stablecoins have become significant players in U.S. government financing, with Tether and Circle holding substantial amounts of U.S. Treasuries, positioning them among the largest holders of government debt [8]. - The adoption of stablecoins increases demand for government debt, creating a feedback loop that influences monetary policy [9][10]. - Federal Reserve economists are monitoring stablecoin market cap changes due to their potential impact on Treasury liquidations and government borrowing costs [10][11]. Group 3: Banking Competition - Stablecoins function as synthetic deposits outside the traditional banking system, posing a competitive threat to banks [12]. - The emergence of stablecoins adds another option for short-term savings, operating globally without minimum balances, which could impact banks' deposit-gathering capabilities [13][14]. - Major financial institutions are adapting to the challenge posed by stablecoins, with firms like Bank of New York Mellon and Goldman Sachs exploring blockchain solutions [15]. Group 4: Regulatory Developments - The GENIUS Act, the first federal stablecoin law, is expected to drive stablecoin market capitalization to $2 trillion by 2028, attracting institutional capital [17][18]. - Regulatory clarity will facilitate the integration of stablecoins into traditional financial systems, allowing for broader adoption and investment opportunities [19]. Group 5: Systemic Implications - As stablecoins approach systemic importance, regulators are considering treating large issuers like systemically important payment systems, which could lead to heightened oversight [21][22]. - Institutions that develop robust risk management frameworks for stablecoins can position themselves as trusted partners, capturing revenue from issuers [22]. Group 6: Institutional Adoption - Stablecoins provide a controlled entry point for institutions into digital assets, allowing them to participate without taking on cryptocurrency risk [23]. - The use of stablecoins helps institutions build internal expertise and familiarity with blockchain technology, paving the way for broader adoption [24][25]. Group 7: Market Trends - The stablecoin market surpassed $309 billion in December 2025, reflecting a 50.95% increase year-to-date, indicating significant growth potential [26]. - Future developments may include competition from central bank digital currencies and major retailers launching their own stablecoins, further integrating stablecoins into mainstream commerce [27][28]. - Wall Street's interest in stablecoins stems from recognizing their potential to address real business problems, such as expensive payments and slow settlements [30].

Key Points Tether is the most traded stablecoin on the market, but investors should be mindful of transparency. USD Coin may offer better transparency for those who value that more than liquidity. 10 stocks we like better than Tether › Tether (CRYPTO: USDT) is often in sync with Bitcoin as the largest cryptocurrency by trading volume, offering versatility as a "safe haven" during periods of high liquidity in the crypto market. With each USDT token pegged to a dollar, it's often considered one of the ...

Core Insights - HumidiFi's token WET experienced a significant price surge following its listings on South Korea's leading exchanges, Upbit and Bithumb, indicating strong market interest and potential for growth [1][6]. Group 1: Listing Details - WET will be available for trading against the Korean won (KRW), Bitcoin (BTC), and Tether (USDT) on Upbit, with trading set to begin at 18:30 KST on December 15 [2]. - Bithumb will also list WET on its KRW market, setting the reference price at 282 won, with trading restrictions in place at launch [4]. - Both exchanges will implement temporary trading restrictions during the initial launch period, including limitations on buy orders and the types of orders allowed [3][4]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following Upbit's announcement, WET's price surged from $0.181 to $0.279, marking a 54.2% increase, while the price settled at $0.26 after Bithumb's listing, maintaining a nearly 45% gain [6][7]. - The rapid price increase aligns with historical patterns where tokens listed on exchanges experience significant short-term gains [6]. Group 3: Early Market Activity - The listings occurred shortly after WET's entry into the crypto market, with major exchanges like Coinbase, OKX, and Bybit also listing the token, reflecting strong early interest [7]. - However, WET's initial sale faced challenges, as a single actor reportedly acquired approximately 70% of the total supply using over 1,000 wallets, leading to the sale being voided and a relaunch with a new token [8].

Core Viewpoint - Tether's financial stability is affirmed despite insolvency concerns raised by BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes, with significant reserves and excess equity reported by Tether executives [1][3][5] Financial Position - Tether has over $181 billion in total reserves against approximately $174.45 billion in liabilities, resulting in a surplus of about $6.78 billion [1] - Tether Group's total assets are approximately $215 billion, with around $7 billion in excess equity and an additional $23 billion in retained earnings [3] - Bitcoin and gold constitute only 12.6% of Tether's total reserves, with over 70% held in short-term U.S. Treasuries [3] Profitability - Tether generated more than $10 billion in profit this year from interest income on reserve assets, highlighting its efficiency as a cash-generating business [4] Market Context - The crypto market is experiencing turbulence due to fluctuations in Japanese government bonds and disappointing U.S. employment data [2] - Hayes's claims suggest Tether is exposed to volatility through its $22.8 billion allocation to gold and Bitcoin, which the company disputes [2][3] Regulatory Implications - S&P Global downgraded USDT's peg-stability rating from 4 to 5, citing increased exposure to high-risk assets and disclosure gaps, which could affect Tether's presence in EU exchanges under MiCA regulations [5]