Are Stablecoins a Good Hedge Against Inflation?

The Arguments For Using Stablecoins 

Let’s start with the core argument in favor of using stablecoins to counter inflation. In countries plagued by runaway inflation, such as Venezuela, Zimbabwe, or more recently, Argentina, local currencies can lose value at dizzying speeds. In these scenarios, converting savings into a dollar-pegged stablecoin can offer significant relief. If the U.S. dollar maintains relatively low inflation, holding USDT or USDC instead of bolívars or pesos provides a quick and accessible form of financial self-defense. In places where access to traditional dollar-denominated bank accounts is limited, stablecoins can serve as a digital lifeline.

Moreover, stablecoins are not just a store of value. They are also usable in practical ways. With growing adoption of crypto-based remittances and decentralized finance (DeFi) services, users can transact, save, or earn yield directly within digital ecosystems. For unbanked populations, this makes stablecoins both a hedge and a payment tool, potentially allowing users to leapfrog traditional financial systems.

The Counterarguments 

However, there are valid concerns about stablecoins as a long-term inflation hedge. They are only as effective as the fiat currencies they are pegged to. In the case of USDT and USDC, that means the U.S. dollar, which, while relatively stable, is still subject to its own inflationary pressures. Between 2021 and 2023, for example, U.S. inflation reached levels not seen in decades. During that period, holding stablecoins pegged to the dollar did not protect users from inflation. It simply meant they were exposed to a different version of it.

There are also risks associated with the centralized nature of most stablecoins. Issuers like Tether and Circle must hold sufficient reserves to back the tokens they issue. If confidence in those reserves falters, the value of the stablecoin can fall below its intended peg. We have seen this happen in the past.

USDi: A New Approach? 

This is where a new approach comes into play. USDi, a recently launched stablecoin, aims to offer an alternative model. Rather than maintaining a fixed 1:1 peg to the dollar, USDi is designed to increase in value over time, tracking inflation through a yield mechanism tied to inflation metrics like the consumer price index. This makes USDi more like a digital version of inflation-protected bonds than a traditional stablecoin.

If it works as intended, USDi could be a powerful tool. Someone in a high-inflation country could use it not only to avoid the collapse of their local currency, but also to maintain or even grow their purchasing power in real terms. At the same time, they could send payments, earn interest, or access decentralized financial services—all within a crypto-native environment. Of course, much will depend on USDi’s ability to deliver on its promises and build trust within the market.