$USDC , or USD Coin, is another major stablecoin that’s pegged to the US dollar, just like $USDT. When you trade a pair like ETH/USDC or SOL/USDC, you're essentially buying or selling a crypto asset in exchange for a digital dollar equivalent. What sets $USDC apart is its strong emphasis on transparency—its reserves are regularly audited and held in regulated financial institutions, which makes it a go-to choice for users prioritizing regulatory trust and clarity.

In a trading context, $USDC pairs are favored for their smooth on-ramp from fiat, reliable pricing benchmarks, and low-volatility exits. Unlike more speculative coin pairs, using USDC allows traders to remain in crypto markets while minimizing exposure to price swings. It's also widely integrated across DeFi protocols, making it a powerful tool not just for trading, but for liquidity provision, lending, and yield farming.