The Stellar (XLM) network is experiencing a significant surge in on-chain activity and real-world adoption in December 2025, even as its token price remains under pressure near a crucial long-term support level. This divergence between strengthening fundamentals and fragile price structure is shaping the month's outlook for the cryptocurrency.
Network utility is expanding through several key developments. Payment platform Wirex has activated USDC and EURC card settlement on Stellar for over seven million users, shifting everyday transactions onto the blockchain and increasing stablecoin throughput. In a major institutional move, U.S. Bank has begun testing a programmable stablecoin on the Stellar network. Furthermore, the integration of Space and Time (SxT), which now indexes the full Stellar network to provide cryptographically verified data to institutions, strengthens the chain's underlying infrastructure.
These developments are reflected in record-breaking on-chain metrics. Data from Artemis shows the number of Operations on Stellar, representing desired changes to the ledger, has reached its highest level of the year in December. Chain Transactions are also showing a notable spike, indicating a strong flow of cash and assets. Simultaneously, Stellar's Total Value Locked (TVL) has hit an all-time high of over $179.18 million, suggesting investors are locking more XLM into Stellar-based ecosystems despite the stagnant price.
However, price action tells a different story. XLM has trended downward since November 2024 and is currently trading just above the critical $0.245 horizontal support zone, an area that has repeatedly prevented deeper losses over the past year. Analysts note that weekly technical indicators remain bearish, with RSI below 50 and MACD negative. The immediate upside is capped by significant resistance in the $0.26–$0.27 range, followed by a broader cluster near $0.28–$0.31.
Market observers are divided. Some view the current price level as an accumulation opportunity, with a potential year-end target of $0.31 if momentum strengthens. Others remain cautious, noting that a decisive break below the $0.245 support could open the door to new lows. The overarching narrative for Stellar in December is one of tension between its growing real-world utility as a payments network and a price chart still struggling against persistent technical resistance.
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