This comprehensive guide analyzes USD Coin (USDC), the leading dollar-pegged stablecoin with a $74.34 billion market cap, providing professional price forecasts and investment strategies for 2026-2031. The article examines USDC's historical price movements, current market status ranking 7th globally, and core factors influencing its value including supply dynamics, institutional adoption, macroeconomic conditions, and technological developments like Circle's Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol. With $18.3 trillion in 2025 transaction volume and 99.98% reserve backing, USDC maintains stable $1.00 parity through all forecast periods. The guide addresses supply-demand mechanics, regulatory frameworks including the GENIUS Act, and ecosystem growth across 17+ blockchain networks. It delivers actionable investment strategies for beginners, experienced, and institutional investors, complemented by risk management frameworks covering regulatory, technical, and market risks. Additionally, the article clarifies USDC's compet