Types of Stablecoins Explained (2025): Fiat, Crypto, Algorithmic & More

Crypto Basics

Types of Stablecoins: A Complete Guide for 2025

Discover the types of stablecoins—fiat-backed, crypto-backed, algorithmic, and commodity-based. Learn how they work, their pros and cons, and which is best for your crypto strategy in 2025.

Token Metrics Team

8 min

MIN

Index

Overview of Solana Blockchain

The cryptocurrency market is famous for volatility—Bitcoin can swing by thousands of dollars in a day, and altcoins can rise or crash in hours. But what if you need price stability? That’s where stablecoins come in.

Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, gold, or even algorithmically maintained price levels. They bridge the gap between the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology and the reliability of traditional money.

As of 2025, stablecoins account for over $140 billion in circulating supply, making them essential for traders, investors, and decentralized finance (DeFi) users. But not all stablecoins are the same—different types use different mechanisms to maintain their stability, each with unique pros and cons.

In this guide, we’ll break down the types of stablecoins, how they work, their risks, and which might be best for your needs.

What Are Stablecoins?

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by pegging its price to a reference asset. Most stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar (e.g., 1 USDT ≈ $1), but some track commodities (like gold) or are algorithmically balanced to hold value.

They are widely used for:

Trading: Moving quickly in and out of volatile assets.
DeFi: Providing liquidity, borrowing, and earning yields.
Remittances: Sending low-cost, fast cross-border payments.
Hedging: Protecting against crypto market volatility.

Types of Stablecoins

There are four main types of stablecoins:

Fiat‑Collateralized Stablecoins
Crypto‑Collateralized Stablecoins
Algorithmic (Non‑Collateralized) Stablecoins
Commodity‑Backed Stablecoins

Each has a different method of maintaining its peg. Let’s break them down.

1. Fiat‑Collateralized Stablecoins

Definition:
These are backed 1:1 by traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar, euro, or yen. For every stablecoin issued, an equivalent amount of fiat is held in reserve by a trusted custodian.

How They Work:
If you buy 1 USDC, Circle (its issuer) holds $1 in a regulated bank account or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. When you redeem that stablecoin, the issuer sends you the equivalent amount in fiat and burns the coin.

Examples:

Tether (USDT) – Largest stablecoin by market cap; widely used on exchanges.
USD Coin (USDC) – Issued by Circle, fully regulated and audited.
TrueUSD (TUSD) – Offers real-time attestation of reserves.
PayPal USD (PYUSD) – Launched by PayPal for payments and DeFi.

Pros:

High stability – Pegged directly to fiat.
Transparent – Many provide audits and attestations.
Easy adoption – Ideal for traders, merchants, and payment platforms.

Cons:

Centralization – Custodians control reserves and can freeze accounts.
Regulatory risks – Subject to government oversight.
Less transparency for some issuers – (e.g., Tether faced scrutiny over its reserves).

2. Crypto‑Collateralized Stablecoins

Definition:
These are backed by cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Bitcoin instead of fiat. Because crypto is volatile, these stablecoins are overcollateralized (e.g., $150 in ETH backs $100 in stablecoins).

How They Work:
When you mint a crypto-backed stablecoin like DAI, you deposit collateral (e.g., ETH) into a smart contract. If the collateral value drops too much, the contract automatically liquidates some assets to maintain the peg.

Examples:

DAI – Issued by MakerDAO, backed by ETH, USDC, and other assets.

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sUSD – A synthetic USD issued by Synthetix.
MIM (Magic Internet Money) – Collateralized by multiple crypto assets.

Pros:

Decentralized – No single company controls reserves.
Transparent – All collateral balances are viewable on-chain.
Resistant to censorship – Issuers can’t freeze accounts.

Cons:

Volatility risk – Collateral can lose value quickly, requiring liquidations.
Overcollateralization – Ties up more capital than fiat-backed options.
Complexity – Requires understanding of DeFi mechanics.

3. Algorithmic (Non‑Collateralized) Stablecoins

Definition:
These don’t use physical reserves. Instead, they maintain their peg via algorithmic supply adjustments—minting or burning tokens to balance price around $1.

How They Work:
If demand increases and the price rises above $1, the protocol mints more coins. If it falls below $1, the protocol burns coins or incentivizes users to buy them back.

Examples:

Ampleforth (AMPL) – Elastic supply adjusts daily.
UST (TerraUSD) – Infamously collapsed in 2022 after its peg broke.
Frax (FRAX) – Uses a hybrid model: partly collateralized, partly algorithmic.

Pros:

Highly capital-efficient – Doesn’t require large reserves.
Decentralized – Often governed by smart contracts and DAOs.

Cons:

Peg instability – Prone to “death spirals” when market confidence drops.
Complex mechanisms – Harder for average users to understand.
History of failures – UST/LUNA crash eroded trust in algorithmic coins.

4. Commodity‑Backed Stablecoins

Definition:
These stablecoins are pegged to commodities like gold, silver, or oil, giving them intrinsic value beyond fiat.

How They Work:
For every coin issued, an equivalent amount of the commodity is held in a secure vault. For example, owning 1 PAX Gold (PAXG) means you own 1 troy ounce of physical gold stored by the issuer.

Examples:

PAX Gold (PAXG) – Backed by physical gold.

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Tether Gold (XAUT) – Gold-backed token from Tether.
Digix Gold (DGX) – Pegged to gold bars in Singapore vaults.

Pros:

Hedge against inflation – Commodities like gold retain value during economic uncertainty.
Diversification – Offers exposure to both crypto and commodities.

Cons:

Low liquidity – Less widely used than fiat-backed stablecoins.
Storage & audit challenges – Requires trust in the issuer to maintain reserves.

Why Do Stablecoins Matter?

Stablecoins are the backbone of DeFi and crypto trading.

Trading & arbitrage: They provide a quick way to exit volatile positions without converting back to fiat.
Cross-border payments: Cheaper and faster than SWIFT or remittance services.
DeFi participation: Essential for lending, borrowing, yield farming, and liquidity pools.
On-ramp/off-ramp: They simplify converting between traditional finance and blockchain.

Which Type of Stablecoin Should You Use?

If you want simplicity & security: Go with fiat-backed coins like USDC or PYUSD.

If you value decentralization: Choose crypto-collateralized options like DAI.

If you’re comfortable with high risk: Explore algorithmic models like FRAX (but beware of peg risks).

If you want inflation protection: Consider commodity-backed coins like PAXG.

Key Risks of Stablecoins

Regulation: Governments are increasing oversight of fiat-backed coins.
Centralization: Some issuers can freeze funds or blacklist wallets.
Smart contract risks: DeFi-based stablecoins can suffer from bugs or exploits.
Peg breaks: Algorithmic models are especially vulnerable to confidence loss.

The Future of Stablecoins

In 2025, stablecoins are evolving to meet regulatory and market demands:

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Governments are issuing digital dollars and euros, potentially competing with stablecoins.
Regulated issuers: Projects like USDC are working closely with regulators to ensure compliance.
Hybrid models: Combining fiat and algorithmic elements (e.g., Frax) to enhance stability.

As DeFi expands and global adoption grows, stablecoins will remain at the heart of crypto finance.

Final Thoughts

Stablecoins are more than just “digital dollars.” They’re a critical bridge between traditional finance and blockchain innovation.

Fiat-backed stablecoins bring stability and ease of use.
Crypto-collateralized ones offer transparency and decentralization.
Algorithmic models push innovation but carry higher risks.
Commodity-backed coins provide a hedge against inflation and diversify exposure.

Choosing the right type depends on your risk tolerance, use case, and trust level. Whether for trading, saving, or participating in DeFi, understanding the types of stablecoins can help you navigate the crypto ecosystem with confidence.

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What Is ETF Investing? A Complete Guide for Beginners in 2025

Token Metrics Team

6 min

MIN

ETF investing is one of the smartest and most accessible ways to grow your wealth in 2025. With over $12 trillion in assets globally, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a go-to strategy for investors seeking low-cost, diversified, and flexible exposure to a wide range of markets — including stocks, bonds, commodities, and even cryptocurrencies.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

What is ETF investing?
How ETFs work
Different types of ETFs
Benefits and risks of ETF investing
How to use platforms like Token Metrics to make better investment decisions, especially with crypto ETFs

📌 What Is ETF Investing?

ETF investing refers to buying and holding shares of an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) — a marketable security that tracks a collection of assets such as stocks, bonds, or digital currencies. ETFs are traded on public exchanges just like individual stocks, meaning you can buy or sell them anytime during market hours.

Unlike mutual funds, ETFs are passively managed and aim to replicate the performance of a particular index or sector. For example, the SPY ETF tracks the S&P 500, giving you exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies with a single investment.

🔍 How Does an ETF Work?

An ETF is managed by an investment company that holds the actual basket of assets. This company issues shares that represent fractional ownership of the entire portfolio.

Here’s how ETF investing works in practice:

You buy ETF shares on a stock exchange through a broker (just like buying a stock).
The ETF provider holds the underlying assets (e.g., stocks, bonds, crypto).
You gain exposure to all assets in the fund with one transaction.
ETF price moves with the market value of its underlying assets.

This model provides instant diversification, reducing risk and simplifying portfolio construction.

🔍 What Are the Types of ETFs?

In 2025, ETF investing is more versatile than ever. Investors can choose from a variety of ETFs depending on their risk appetite, market outlook, and investment goals.

1. Equity ETFs

Track a group of stocks, either broadly (e.g., S&P 500, Nasdaq) or thematically (e.g., AI, electric vehicles, cybersecurity).

2. Bond ETFs

Offer exposure to government or corporate bonds, ideal for income investors seeking lower volatility.

3. Commodity ETFs

Provide access to raw materials like gold, silver, oil, or agricultural goods — useful as inflation hedges.

4. Thematic ETFs

Focus on emerging trends like blockchain, green energy, Web3, or metaverse industries.

5. Crypto ETFs

New in 2025, these ETFs give regulated exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins without managing wallets or private keys.

✅ Benefits of ETF Investing

ETF investing offers many benefits for both beginners and experienced investors:

1. Diversification

One ETF share exposes you to dozens or even hundreds of assets, reducing portfolio risk.

2. Low Fees

ETFs typically have lower expense ratios (0.03%–0.75%) compared to mutual funds (1%+), allowing you to keep more of your returns.

3. Liquidity

ETFs are traded on public exchanges, so you can buy and sell throughout the day, unlike mutual funds that settle once daily.

4. Transparency

Most ETFs disclose holdings daily, so you know exactly what you own.

5. Tax Efficiency

Due to their structure, ETFs are often more tax-friendly than other pooled investment vehicles.

⚠️ Risks of ETF Investing

While ETF investing has many advantages, there are a few risks to consider:

1. Market Risk

Your ETF will rise or fall with the market it tracks. If the S&P 500 drops, so does the SPY ETF.

2. Tracking Error

An ETF may not perfectly match the index it tracks due to fees or poor asset replication.

3. Over-Concentration

Some ETFs are heavily weighted in a few assets, which can increase volatility.

4. Liquidity Risk

Smaller or niche ETFs may have lower trading volume, making it harder to exit positions quickly.

📈 What Is Crypto ETF Investing?

In 2025, crypto ETF investing has gained significant traction. Thanks to regulatory clarity in major markets like the U.S., investors can now access:

Bitcoin spot ETFs (e.g., IBIT by BlackRock)
Ethereum ETFs
Altcoin basket ETFs
Thematic ETFs focused on DeFi, NFTs, or AI crypto

These ETFs make it easier to gain exposure to crypto assets through traditional brokerages and tax-advantaged accounts — without handling the complexity of wallets or exchanges.

🤖 How Token Metrics Enhances ETF Investing

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics and research platform that can be used alongside ETF investing, especially when evaluating or managing crypto ETF exposure.

1. AI Price Predictions

Token Metrics uses machine learning models to forecast future prices of top cryptocurrencies — helping investors anticipate ETF performance tied to those assets.

2. Trader and Investor Grades

Each token tracked by Token Metrics receives a Trader Grade (short-term signal) and Investor Grade (long-term strength), allowing users to compare underlying assets of ETFs.

3. Real-Time Market Signals

If a crypto asset in your ETF becomes bullish or bearish, Token Metrics alerts you in real time — helping you decide whether to hold or rotate exposure.

4. Portfolio Tracking

You can sync your wallet or exchange accounts and use Token Metrics to monitor how ETF-related tokens are performing in your overall crypto portfolio.

💬 ETF Investing vs. Mutual Funds vs. Crypto

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For most retail investors in 2025, ETF investing offers the best balance between simplicity, diversification, and risk management — especially when paired with tools like Token Metrics.

🧠 Final Thoughts

ETF investing is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth in today’s fast-moving markets. It provides instant access to diversified portfolios across traditional and emerging sectors — including cryptocurrency.

By combining ETF investing with AI-powered insights from Token Metrics, you gain an edge in identifying opportunities, managing risk, and adapting your strategy as markets evolve.

Whether you're buying your first ETF or exploring the future of finance through crypto ETFs, now is the perfect time to put ETF investing at the core of your portfolio strategy.

Crypto Basics

What Is an ETF Fund? A Beginner’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Token Metrics Team

6 min

MIN

ETF funds, or Exchange-Traded Funds, have revolutionized investing for both retail and institutional investors. In 2025, ETF funds are more popular than ever—offering a simple, low-cost, and diversified way to invest in everything from tech stocks to cryptocurrencies. But what exactly is an ETF fund, and why is it such a powerful investment tool?

In this article, we’ll explain:

What is an ETF fund?
How ETF funds work
Types of ETFs (including crypto ETFs)
Key benefits and risks
How Token Metrics, an AI-powered platform, helps you make better ETF investment decisions

Let’s dive in.

📌 What Is an ETF Fund?

An ETF fund (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a type of investment fund that holds a basket of securities—such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or cryptocurrencies—and is traded on a stock exchange, just like individual stocks.

When you buy a share of an ETF fund, you are buying partial ownership of that entire portfolio of assets. This gives you instant diversification without having to purchase each asset individually.

For example, an ETF fund that tracks the S&P 500 allows you to invest in 500 of the largest U.S. companies with just one purchase.

🔍 How Does an ETF Fund Work?

ETF funds are created by financial institutions called fund sponsors (like BlackRock, Fidelity, or Vanguard). These sponsors select and manage a portfolio of underlying assets and list the ETF shares on stock exchanges.

Here's how it works:

Creation – The sponsor assembles a portfolio and forms an ETF.
Listing – Shares of the ETF are listed and traded on exchanges like NYSE or Nasdaq.
Buying/Selling – Investors buy and sell ETF shares throughout the day at market prices.
Price Movement – The price of an ETF share fluctuates based on the value of its underlying assets and market demand.

ETF prices are influenced by a combination of Net Asset Value (NAV) and real-time market supply/demand.

🧩 Types of ETF Funds

In 2025, investors have access to a wide variety of ETF funds based on asset classes, strategies, and markets.