Stellar (XLM) Surges 104% Amid Golden Cross and Protocol Upgrade

Stellar (XLM) has experienced a remarkable surge, with its value doubling since early July. This significant price increase has drawn attention to a rare bullish technical pattern known as the golden cross, where the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day moving average. This pattern is often interpreted as a signal of a sustained upward trend and increased investor confidence.

Currently, the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) for Stellar is at approximately $0.297, nearing the 200-day SMA at $0.31. The last time Stellar experienced a golden cross was in December 2024, which preceded a rally to $0.634. Given the current market environment, this technical indicator could mark the beginning of another significant bullish cycle for XLM.

Beyond the technical signals, Stellar’s ecosystem fundamentals are strengthening with the upcoming Protocol 23 upgrade. This upgrade introduces eight new Core Advancement Proposals (CAPs), aimed at enhancing network performance and usability. The mainnet vote is scheduled for August 14, 2025, with testnet deployment beginning June 30, 2025. This upgrade is expected to bolster developer activity and user adoption, providing a fundamental catalyst to complement the technical momentum.

Market analysts emphasize that such protocol enhancements often lead to increased investor interest and can drive sustained price appreciation. The combination of a golden cross and imminent network improvements creates a compelling case for bullish sentiment around XLM.

Technical experts and traders are optimistic about Stellar’s near-term price trajectory. Legendary trader Peter Brandt highlighted XLM’s chart as “potentially the most bullish,” noting that maintaining support above April lows and closing decisively above $1 would confirm a breakout from its current range-bound status.

While no technical indicator guarantees future performance, the convergence of strong price momentum, increased trading volume, and positive network developments suggests that XLM could be poised for a significant rally. Should the golden cross materialize as expected, it may serve as a launchpad for Stellar to test the psychologically important $1 level.

Stellar’s impressive gains align with a broader resurgence in altcoin markets, driven by renewed investor confidence and favorable macroeconomic conditions. The altcoin momentum has been supported by increased liquidity and a shift in market focus towards projects with strong development roadmaps.

Stellar’s unique positioning as a scalable blockchain with real-world use cases enhances its appeal amid this altcoin rally. As investors seek diversified exposure beyond Bitcoin, assets like XLM that combine technical strength with fundamental upgrades are gaining traction.

Stellar’s recent 104% price surge, coupled with the imminent golden cross and the upcoming Protocol 23 upgrade, positions XLM as a compelling asset in the crypto market. While technical patterns like the golden cross are not infallible, they often precede sustained bullish trends, especially when supported by strong fundamentals. Investors should monitor XLM’s ability to maintain key support levels and the outcome of the mainnet vote in August, which could further validate Stellar’s growth potential. Overall, Stellar is well-placed to capitalize on both technical momentum and ecosystem advancements, potentially driving the price toward the $1 milestone in the coming months.