The Unsteady Terrain of Stablecoins in 2023
In the significant and evolving world of cryptocurrency, a noteworthy event transpired in the year 2023. Stablecoins, the crypto assets designed to echo the steadiness of traditional fiat currency, suffered over 600 significant occurrences of pricing instability, as per the findings from Moody’s Analytics. These dramatic fluctuations, often referred to as ‘depegging’ events, are characterized when a stablecoin’s value swings more than a 3% buffer from its typical $1 mark within a 24-hour window, as detailed in Moody’s Analytics’ recent report.
Keeping Tabs on Shaky Stablecoins
Reacting to the necessity to monitor these fluctuating values of stablecoins, Moody’s Analytics established the Digital Asset Monitor (DAM). Their focal point was on key players, such as tether, usd coin, and binance usd. This observatory tool counted a surprising total of 1,914 depegging instances across a variety of stablecoins throughout the year, with the high-value, fiat-pegged tokens alone taking the heat of 609 such occurrences.
In the previous year, the specialists at Moody’s Analytics documented a total of 707 depegging incidents for stablecoins. These crypto assets are designed to tether their value to a fixed rate, most commonly $1 per unit. The intention is to maintain a steady value, backed by a reserve of fiat currencies or other assets. Regardless of this, several of the most sizeable stablecoins in market value failed to maintain their $1 benchmark, reminiscent of what happened with USDC during the downfall of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).
The stablecoin market expanded into a multibillion-dollar asset class, contributing to about 10 percent of the crypto market and constituting most on-chain activity as observed by Yiannis Giokas, the Senior Director of Product Innovation at Moody’s Analytics. In spite of its growth, due to the continual volatility in this asset class, Moody’s Analytics designed a comprehensive risk assessment tool for digital assets to cater to the needs of their customer base.
The DAM Effect
Moody’s advanced analytics tool, the Digital Asset Monitor, is intently examining the performance, reserves, and transparency of the 25 leading fiat-anchored stablecoins. By combining exclusive data, advanced machine learning techniques, and blockchain examination, this tool also assesses the possibilities of future depegs. Importantly, it must be noted that this digital asset monitor does not possess any links to Moody’s credit ratings business.
Changes in the broader economic circumstances, such as sharp rises in interest rates, often lead to a detachment from the stablecoins’ pegged value. However, the information gathered by Moody’s conveys that stablecoins frequently experience depegging due to a variety of reasons. The aim of this monitoring tool is to highlight the inherent risks associated with stablecoins for entities exploring the realm of decentralized finance (defi).
Moody’s initiative to map stablecoin activity flowering after substantial depegging episodes that shook the crypto economy in 2022. In particular, the terrifying collapse of the algorithmic stablecoin terrausd (UST) and its sister token LUNA in May 2022 erased a significant market capital. Stablecoins are the backbone of cryptocurrency lending and borrowing, and the heightened instability has sent ripples through digital asset values throughout 2023.
Significant fluctuations in tokens like USDC, TUSD, FRAX, DAI, BUSD, LUSD, USDT, MIM, and USDP might be unexpected to many. In late October, Tangibledao’s USDR crashed to around 50 cents and hasn’t revived since. Aave’s GHO stablecoin performed no better as it traded at 96 cents and never reached the dollar mark, despite assurances of a resolution.
Paypal’s PYUSD stablecoin has its value diminished to a distressing low of 97.9769 cents, precariously avoiding a depegging event by the edge of a 3% decrease from its peg. The new stablecoin FDUSD dipped to a record low in August 2023, trading at 94.2129 cents per unit- marking its most significant departure from the 1:1 dollar parity so far.
What is your opinion on the findings from Moody’s Digital Asset Monitor tool and their report on stablecoins? Share your views on this topic in the comments section below.
Frequently asked Questions
1. How many stablecoins lost their peg in 2023?
Answer: Over 600 stablecoins lost their peg in 2023, according to recent data from Moody’s Analytics.
2. What is the significance of stablecoins losing their peg?
Answer: Stablecoins losing their peg means that their value is no longer tied to a specific asset, such as a fiat currency or a commodity, leading to increased volatility and potential risks for users.
3. What is the newly launched monitoring tool by Moody’s Analytics?
Answer: Moody’s Analytics has launched a new monitoring tool designed to track and analyze stablecoin performance, providing insights into the stability and reliability of these digital assets.
4. How does the monitoring tool help in identifying stablecoins losing their peg?
Answer: The monitoring tool developed by Moody’s Analytics uses advanced algorithms and real-time data to identify stablecoins that have deviated from their intended peg, enabling users to assess their risk exposure more effectively.
5. What are the potential consequences of stablecoins losing their peg?
Answer: When stablecoins lose their peg, it can lead to a loss of confidence among users, reduced liquidity, and potential financial losses. It may also raise concerns about the overall stability of the cryptocurrency market.
6. How can the monitoring tool assist investors and regulators?
Answer: The newly launched monitoring tool can assist investors and regulators by providing them with a comprehensive overview of stablecoin performance, enabling them to make informed decisions and implement appropriate regulatory measures.
7. Is there any hope for stabilizing the volatile stablecoin market?
Answer: While the volatile stablecoin market poses challenges, the launch of monitoring tools like the one by Moody’s Analytics can contribute to greater transparency and accountability. By identifying unstable stablecoins, stakeholders can work towards implementing solutions to enhance stability and restore trust in the market.
