XLM Stellar Short-Term Outlook: Price Prediction Driven by Protocol 23 Upgrade

XLM Stellar Latest Market Overview

Chart: https://www.gate.com/trade/XLM_USDT

As of July 25, 2025, XLM Stellar is trading at $0.4160, down about 0.62% over the past 24 hours, with trading volume exceeding $115 million. Although the price has pulled back, it is still more than 60% above the $0.25 level observed at the end of June. XLM reached a local high of $0.52 on July 10 before a technical correction.

This rally is driven mainly by two factors. First, there has been a broad improvement in crypto market sentiment, with Bitcoin rising above $105,000 and sparking an altcoin rally. Second, the upcoming Protocol 23 upgrade from Stellar has become a focal point for the market.

Protocol 23 Upgrade: Key Takeaways

Protocol 23 represents the largest upgrade to the Stellar ecosystem since late 2023. According to the official documentation, the major highlights include:

• Enhanced smart contract capabilities: Soroban, Stellar’s smart contract platform, will adopt a more efficient computational model;
• Higher transaction throughput: Optimizing node communication is projected to increase transactions per second (TPS) by 30%;
• Stronger atomicity: Improved multi-asset atomic swap functionality enables enhanced cross-chain interoperability.

These developments are widely seen as a significant Layer 1 performance upgrade, positioning XLM for long-term growth.

Technical Analysis and Short-Term Price Forecast

Technically, XLM is currently consolidating near the middle of its Bollinger Bands. Both the 20-day and 50-day moving averages are showing a bullish crossover. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 58, suggesting moderately bullish momentum.

• Support: Short-term support is at $0.40; if breached, the next support is at $0.37;
• Resistance: The first resistance level is $0.44. A breakout could set the stage for a move toward the $0.50–$0.52 range;
• Volume watch: Trading volume expands as prices rise and contracts as they fall. This signals ongoing buy-side support.

Leading up to the Protocol 23 upgrade, XLM is expected to trade between $0.40 and $0.50. If positive momentum continues, the price may retest the medium-term high of $0.55.

Beginner Investment Strategy Recommendations

1. Short-term trading: Consider accumulating near $0.40, and gradually take profits as the price approaches $0.50.
2. Stop-loss strategy: If the price dips below $0.39, promptly exit positions to control risk.
3. Event-driven positioning: Establish long positions up to two weeks before the official Protocol 23 launch to capitalize on pre-event volatility.
4. Risk management: Avoid chasing rallies on major announcement days. Remain cognizant of potential “buy the rumor, sell the news” corrections.