Stellar (XLM) is trading near $0.36 after a one‑year gain of 288%, driven by improved network fundamentals and the upcoming Whisk (Protocol 23) upgrade; validators will vote on Sept. 3, which could boost on‑chain activity and adoption if consensus is reached.
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Stellar (XLM) up 288% year-over-year: outpaces Bitcoin and Ethereum.
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Whisk (Protocol 23) vote on Sept. 3 could introduce eight CAPs and enable broader on‑chain economic data use.
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Immediate resistance at $0.416 (SMA 50) and support at $0.312 (SMA 200); target levels shown in the table below.
Stellar (XLM) price outlook after Whisk upgrade: resistance/support, 1‑yr gains vs BTC/ETH, validator vote on Sept. 3—read full analysis and key takeaways.
Publication: COINOTAG — Published: 2025-09-03 — Updated: 2025-09-03
What is the Stellar Whisk upgrade?
Stellar (XLM) Whisk upgrade (Protocol 23) is a validator-approved network update that introduces eight Core Advancement Proposals (CAPs) and aims to improve developer tooling and on‑chain data capabilities. Validators vote on Sept. 3 to activate the upgrade across the Stellar mainnet.
How has Stellar (XLM) performed vs other major cryptos over one year?
According to CoinGecko data, Stellar (XLM) is up 288% on a one‑year basis. This performance outpaces Bitcoin and Ethereum, which recorded yearly gains of 88% and 73% respectively, indicating stronger relative momentum for XLM over the last 12 months.
| Asset | 1‑Year Return |
|---|---|
| Stellar (XLM) | +288% |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | +88% |
| Ethereum (ETH) | +73% |
How is the current price action shaping short‑term levels?
At the time of writing, Stellar was trading about 0.3% higher at $0.36 as price momentum eased in late August. Immediate resistance aligns with the daily SMA 50 at $0.416, followed by $0.433, $0.49 and $0.52.
Support is envisaged at the daily SMA 200 around $0.312. If the SMA 50 and subsequent hurdles are cleared, Stellar could target $1.00, representing approximately a 177% upside from current levels.
Why does the Whisk upgrade matter for adoption and on‑chain data?
Whisk (Protocol 23) is the 23rd major protocol release for Stellar and includes enhancements aimed at decentralized exchange capability and data handling on‑chain. The upgrade is notable because the U.S. Department of Commerce has begun placing quarterly GDP data on various blockchains, including the Stellar network, marking the first time such official economic data is recorded on crypto ledgers (source: Department of Commerce, plain text).
These developments improve Stellar’s narrative as an interoperable settlement and data layer, which can increase institutional and developer interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will validators vote on the Whisk upgrade?
Validators on the Stellar public network will vote on Sept. 3 at 17:00 GMT to determine whether Protocol 23 (Whisk) is accepted and applied to the mainnet.
Could the Whisk upgrade cause immediate price volatility?
Network upgrades often trigger short‑term volatility as traders price in adoption and technical changes; however, fundamental changes that drive sustained price moves depend on real‑world adoption and developer activity following successful activation.
Key Takeaways
- Market momentum: Stellar (XLM) shows strong 1‑year performance at +288% versus BTC and ETH.
- Technical levels: Resistance at $0.416 (SMA 50) and support at $0.312 (SMA 200) define the near‑term range.
- Upgrade catalyst: Whisk (Protocol 23) vote on Sept. 3 can enhance on‑chain data capabilities and developer utility.
How to prepare for the Whisk upgrade (brief action steps)
- Monitor validator vote outcome on Sept. 3 and official Stellar network announcements.
- Assess on‑chain activity and DEX volumes post‑activation for adoption signals.
- Set risk limits around SMA 50 and SMA 200 levels and consider phased entries if volatility rises.
Conclusion
Stellar (XLM) combines strong year‑to‑date performance with a timely protocol upgrade. The Whisk (Protocol 23) vote on Sept. 3 is a clear near‑term catalyst that could amplify on‑chain use cases and institutional interest. Traders should monitor validator outcomes, on‑chain adoption metrics, and the key SMA levels outlined above as they evaluate risk and opportunity.
Sources (plain text): CoinGecko data; U.S. Department of Commerce statements; Stellar network upgrade documentation (validator release notes).
