Stellar (XLM) is approaching its first major golden cross of 2026, a technical pattern that could confirm sustained upward momentum. The 50-day moving average is closing in on the 200-day moving average on the daily chart, a setup that has drawn trader attention after XLM surged 47.3% over the past 30 days—outpacing many larger cryptocurrencies.
The potential crossover would mirror a similar golden cross from July 2025, which preceded a rally to near $0.52 before profit-taking set in. Currently, XLM tested approximately $0.297 in late May and has since retreated, but buyers have consistently defended key support levels. Holding above both moving averages would strengthen bullish sentiment and increase the likelihood of a move back toward the $0.30 resistance.
Adding to the optimism, Binance is expanding XLM trading options by launching XLM/U and XLM/USD1 spot pairs on July 23, along with Trading Bots services for Spot Algo Orders on both pairs. Meanwhile, Stellar’s Protocol 27 (Zipper) upgrade—introducing authentication delegation for custom accounts and address-bound Soroban credentials—has successfully progressed through testnet preparations, with mainnet validators set to vote on activation on July 8. The confluence of improving technicals and concrete ecosystem developments is fueling expectations of a near-term breakout.
