$CRCL fell 20% yesterday after the Clarity Act draft targeted passive stablecoin yield. Same day, Tether signed a Big Four audit.
> USDT holds 62% of stablecoin market cap ($185.7B) but only 19% of monthly transfer volume ($1.54T). Where as, USDC holds 25% of market cap ($75.7B) but 81% of volume ($6T). → Capital efficiency: USDC 107x/month vs USDT 10x.
> Coinbase 's ~4% USDC reward has likely contributed to this volume gap. The Clarity Act bans passive yield but permits "activity-based rewards," with final definitions due in 12 months. Tether meanwhile unveiled USAT (US-focused stablecoin), plans to hire 150 staff, and has Commerce Secretary Lutnick's support for US expansion.
> If USDC rewards get restricted, the 4x volume advantage over USDT could narrow. Whether Coinbase's program qualifies as "activity-based" under the final rules remains the main issue.
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