$USDC as the most prudent stablecoin for transparent, regulated, and multi-chain use. It’s a solid choice for risk-averse participants, though its centralized nature may not align with the ethos of decentralization.

If you're using $USDC in a coin pair (e.g., ETH/USDC, SOL/USDC), you're often aiming for a more stable, lower-slippage trade or parking capital in a less volatile asset.