$USDC

**USDC (USD Coin)** is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, launched in 2018 by Circle and Coinbase. As an ERC-20 token on Ethereum (and other blockchains), it enables fast, low-cost transactions while maintaining dollar stability. USDC is fully backed by cash and short-term Treasuries, audited monthly for transparency. It's widely used in DeFi, trading, and remittances due to its reliability and regulatory compliance. Unlike algorithmic stablecoins, USDC’s reserves ensure minimal volatility. However, its centralized issuance and regulatory risks (like the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank incident) pose concerns. Overall, USDC remains a trusted dollar-backed digital asset.