USDT supply hits $190B: Investors fleeing to Bitcoin or hoarding for safety?

• USDT often presents conflicting demand and supply signals, making it crucial to keep a close eye on.
• With the market in the red, stablecoins might be becoming an increasingly attractive alternative.

If Bitcoin [BTC] is digital gold, Tether [USDT] is the digital dollar, firmly holding its $1 peg.

Once a niche asset, USDT has seen a massive surge in demand, becoming the go-to tool for seamless transactions – whether for everyday purchases or huge cross-border transfers.

This surge is evident, with the global stablecoin supply hitting a record $190 billion, adding over $60 billion since the start of 2024. 

However, in the crypto world, the demand/supply dynamic takes on a whole new meaning.

Exploring the two sides of the coin

USDT, the most widely used stablecoin in the crypto market, has long acted as a safety net during times of shaky market sentiment. Right now, we’re seeing that trend again.

December kicked off strong, with Bitcoin not only surpassing $100K but also hitting a new all-time high of $104K within the first five days. As a result, USDT dominance slipped to a 6-month low of 3.80%.

However, with Bitcoin’s next market top still uncertain, volatility is ramping up. If this trend holds, more investors could flock to the stability of USDT, especially with a bearish MACD crossover further supporting this shift.

Additionally, from an economic standpoint, supply increases to meet rising demand. 

With the stablecoin supply reaching $190 billion – $60 billion of which came this year – it’s clear that demand for USDT is growing rapidly, particularly among the big players.

Source : IntoTheBlock

In November alone, whales ramped up their USDT accumulation, scooping up over $2 billion across four separate time periods, further solidifying the stablecoin’s growing role as a hedge against higher-risk assets.

However, this may only represent one side of the coin. Rising USDT demand doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the market. In fact, it could mean the opposite. 

Just like after the election results, when big whales snatched up over $2.5 billion in USDT, positioning themselves to swap for Bitcoin, this trend could be the precursor to a major rally. 

So, does high USDT demand signal correction or rally?

Clearly, two dynamics are at play. Either market participants are unloading USDT in anticipation of a massive bull run, driving its supply to new highs, or fear of a correction is sparking a rush to hoard USDT as a safe haven. 

Looking at the chart above, whales have significantly reduced their USDT holdings in the past two days—from over $2 billion to a -$240 million position—showing strong conviction in upcoming gains.

However, the retail sector appears to be taking a different route. Since the start of December, there have been consecutive red bars, indicating an increasing withdrawal of USDT from exchanges.

Source : Glassnode

Unlike before, when USDT accumulation signaled Bitcoin’s bullish outlook, investors may now be turning to stablecoins for safety. Why?

Read Bitcoin’s [BTC] Price Prediction 2024-25

Bitcoin’s four failed attempts to break $100K, concern over its overvaluation, and a lack of FOMO are making investors more cautious.

So, with volatility spiking, traders are either chasing quick, big gains in mid and low-cap tokens or seeking stablecoins as a safer bet.