Stellar’s XLM token has been on quite the rollercoaster ride over the past 24 hours, with institutional selling pressure driving significant volatility. The digital asset experienced a 3% dip, dropping from $0.39 to $0.38, as market forces played a tug-of-war with its price. This decline unfolded between September 14 at 15:00 and September 15 at 14:00, during which trading volumes soared to a staggering 101.32 million—nearly triple the typical 24-hour average.
Institutional Pressure and Market Reactions
The heaviest selloff hit during the morning hours of September 15, when XLM plunged from $0.395 to $0.376 in just two hours. This rapid drop established $0.395 as a formidable resistance level, while tentative support emerged around $0.375. The sharp decline in price was largely attributed to institutional investors offloading their holdings, a move that exerted downward pressure on XLM’s market value.
Despite the broader downtrend, there were glimpses of resilience during the intraday action. Between 13:15 and 14:14 on September 15, XLM managed a brief recovery, climbing from $0.378 to a session high of $0.383 before ending the hour at $0.380. Trading volume during this period spiked, with over 10 million units traded and a remarkable 3.45 million changing hands in a single minute. Bulls made an earnest attempt to push past the resistance, but sellers quickly capped the momentum.
A Battle of Support and Resistance
The market dynamics suggest a pattern of distribution consistent with institutional profit-taking. The persistent supply overhead has reinforced the resistance at $0.395, where repeated rally attempts have faltered. Conversely, the emergence of support near $0.375 indicates opportunistic buying during liquidation waves. For traders, the $0.375–$0.395 range has become the key battleground that will determine the near-term direction of XLM.
Technical indicators reveal that XLM’s price range of $0.019 represents a 5% volatility between the peak and trough. Recovery attempts saw the token reach $0.383 by 13:00, but it soon encountered selling pressure. A consolidation pattern has formed around the $0.380-$0.381 zone, suggesting this area could serve as a new support level moving forward.
Perspectives from the Market
From a trader’s point of view, the current volatility presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the rapid shifts in price can lead to substantial gains for those who time their trades well. On the other hand, the risk of further declines remains, especially if institutional selling continues.
Market analysts are divided on the future trajectory of XLM. Some argue that the recent selloff is a temporary setback and that the token will rebound as the broader cryptocurrency market stabilizes. They point to the underlying technology and partnerships of Stellar as factors that could drive long-term growth.
Others, however, caution that the persistent resistance at $0.395 could hinder any significant upward movement. They highlight the need for a substantial catalyst—a new partnership, technological breakthrough, or favorable regulatory development—to propel XLM beyond its current trading range.
Looking Ahead
As the market digests the recent volatility, all eyes will be on whether XLM can establish a firm support level and mount a sustained recovery. The $0.375–$0.395 range will likely remain the focal point for traders in the coming days, with any breakthrough potentially setting the stage for the next phase of price action.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, XLM’s recent performance serves as a reminder of the market’s inherent unpredictability. While institutional selling pressure has weighed on the token’s price, the resilience exhibited during brief recoveries highlights the potential for bullish sentiment to reemerge.
As we navigate these turbulent waters, the interplay between institutional actors, retail investors, and market sentiment will continue to shape the path forward for XLM and the broader crypto market. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newcomer to the space, staying informed and adaptable is key to navigating the ups and downs of this dynamic market.
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
