Stablecoin market capitalization has surged roughly 100% since its 2021 peak, yet daily DEX trading volumes remain below their 2021 highs. An interesting paradox emerges here. If we look purely at asset growth, the leading stablecoin issuers appear to have outperformed DEX platforms significantly. But does this straightforward comparison tell the whole story for investment decisions?

The disparity could reflect several dynamics: stablecoins serve as essential infrastructure across multiple chains and use cases, while DEX trading volumes are more sensitive to market cycles and liquidity conditions. One asset class provides foundational utility; the other depends heavily on trading sentiment.

The question becomes nuanced: are stablecoin issuers genuinely better investment targets, or does this comparison overlook what each platform actually offers? Growth metrics alone don't capture network effects, fee dynamics, or competitive pressures ahead.

What's your take—is this data meaningful for comparing these two sectors?