$USDC "Cryptocurrency stocks" refer to shares of publicly traded companies that have significant involvement in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. This is different from investing directly in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

These companies may include:

* Cryptocurrency exchanges: Platforms where users buy and sell digital assets (e.g., Coinbase).

* Cryptocurrency mining companies: Businesses that generate revenue from creating new cryptocurrencies and managing blockchains (e.g., Riot Platforms).

* Mining equipment manufacturers: Companies that produce specialized equipment necessary for mining cryptocurrencies (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD).

* Companies that own significant crypto assets: Traditional businesses that have added large amounts of cryptocurrency to their balance sheets.

Investing in crypto stocks provides indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency market, often with greater regulatory scrutiny than direct investments in cryptocurrency. While they are still volatile, they may be less so than individual cryptocurrencies, making them an option for those seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies in a traditional stock portfolio.