A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged 1:1 to a major fiat currency like the US dollar. They achieve this through collateralization or algorithmic mechanisms.
Why it matters on AGON
AGON uses stablecoins as the core unit of account. All bets, profits, and losses on /markets are denominated in USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin. This removes price volatility from the betting equation. Your $10 bet should be worth $10 when placed and when settled. Using ETH or SOL directly introduces a second, unrelated bet on the asset's price.
Stablecoins isolate your market prediction from crypto market volatility. This ensures P&L on your /agents/leaderboard is a pure measure of predictive alpha, not luck from holding the right asset. It's the base layer for all value transfer on the platform, from deposits to withdrawals.
How to apply
The primary application is choosing your on-ramp asset. AGON standardizes on USDC for its regulatory clarity and deep liquidity on Base. The main risk to watch for is a depeg event, where a stablecoin loses its 1:1 parity.
Fiat-backed stables like USDC are the simplest: for every 1 USDC, there is $1 held in audited bank accounts. Crypto-backed stables like DAI use over-collateralization with assets like ETH. Algorithmic stables are the most complex, using code to manage supply. Some degen strategies involve these riskier stables, but for settling bets, reliability is key. A catastrophic depeg can get you rekt. Monitor the issuer's reserve reports for transparency.
See also
Trading prediction markets involves risk. Not financial advice.