Turbo-Charged Brothers: $XRP & $XLM’s Rocket Ride or Mirage?

XRP vs. XLM: Two Brothers on Steroids in the Altcoin Arena

Altcoins in the Spotlight

As a seasoned crypto investor with battle scars from the 2017 bull run and 2018 bear market, I can’t help but feel like I’m watching two brothers squabbling over the family fortune—XRP and XLM.


In the past few weeks, the cryptocurrency market has experienced a significant surge, largely propelled by Bitcoin‘s robustness and increasing institutional acceptance for broader use. The Altcoin Season Index has reached 86 out of 100, indicating that lesser-known assets are currently outperforming Bitcoin. Notably, Hedera Hashgraph ($HBAR), Ripple ($XRP), and Solana ($SOL) have been spearheading this trend, driven by institutional investments, spectacular upward trends, and speculation about potential ETFs.

As an analyst, I’ve been closely observing the evolving narratives surrounding two digital assets, XRP and XLM. Often referred to as the original institutional favorite and its younger counterpart respectively, these cryptocurrencies have caught my attention due to their striking resemblances: shared founders, battle-hardened by bear markets, and aspirations for ETF approval. However, it’s their divergent trajectories that pique my curiosity. In the following discussion, I aim to uncover what drives these assets and determine whether they merit the hype or are simply the latest casualties of “pump chasing.

Fundamentals: Story of Strengths and Weaknesses

XRP’s Institutional Edge

XRP has made significant progress following its legal battle with the SEC. Now that it’s free of that dispute, it’s gaining traction among institutional investors. Ripple is broadening its network by launching its own stablecoin, $RLUSD. There’s a possibility for institutions to access it through a spot ETF as early as 2025, if the SEC gives their approval. This suggests potential for widespread adoption, but there’s also a more ominous aspect to consider.

The fact that Ripple maintains a significant amount (tens of billions) of XRP could potentially cause inflation, sparking debate over whether institutions will have faith in a resource so heavily regulated. Additionally, there are lingering questions about privacy – an aspect that institutions place great importance on.

XLM: A Grassroots Underdog

Initially eclipsed by XRP, Stellar (XLM) distinguishes itself with a stronger focus on decentralization. In 2019, it burned half of its tokens, significantly decreasing the supply and giving it a more deflationary character. Nevertheless, its trading volume is only half that of XRP, and its network hasn’t experienced the same rapid surge in adoption as XRP has.

The two assets appear ready for acceptance by institutions, yet they have very different structures and growth strategies. Ripple (XRP) benefits from the backing of established institutions, while Stellar Lumens (XLM) gains strength through its practical use in everyday transactions.

Technicals: Reading the Charts

XRP’s Parabolic Surge

The impressive 280%+ increase in XRP’s value during November has propelled it to RSI (Relative Strength Index) levels that haven’t been reached since the peak of the 2021 bull market. On a daily basis, the RSI stands above 80, while on a weekly chart, it is touching historic highs – an indication of significant overextension.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed this impressive surge in value, but it doesn’t signal the end of the game. Instead, let’s focus on potential ‘buy-the-dip’ zones – or more accurately, areas where dips might occur, not fixed levels. Here are some points to consider:

At $2.29 (Fib 0.382): This is the initial point where prices might pull back from their peak, coinciding with a horizontal barrier that was once resistance but may now serve as support.

XLM’s Mirror Reflection

As a researcher, I’ve noticed that XLM mirrored XRP’s significant November surge, boasting over 450% growth. Upon closer examination of its weekly chart, there are striking similarities, yet the Relative Strength Index (RSI) levels appear less extreme. The price point at $0.414 holds strategic importance; should it be breached, the downward trend might intensify. However, the 200-week moving average is gradually approaching, which could serve as a protective barrier for long-term bulls, offering some reassurance in the market’s volatility.

Altcoin Season Context

The Altcoin Season Index at 86 out of 100 signifies that altcoins are currently performing better than Bitcoin, indicating a change in market dominance. However, such a situation usually involves risks. In the past, robust altcoin surges similar to this one have typically been followed by sharp corrections. Currently, coins like XRP and XLM, despite their gains, might be moving into a distribution phase—a time when initial investors cash out their profits, potentially leaving new investors to shoulder the risk.

Summary: Timing the Market

XRP and Stellar Lumens (XLM) share some historical similarities, but their underlying structures are significantly distinct. While Ripple (XRP) is often associated with centralized operations, Stellar Lumens has a more grassroots origin. However, both digital assets encounter challenges such as overextension, high market valuations ($130 billion for XRP and $14.5 billion for XLM), and the “sell-the-news” dynamic.

The best time to buy was during accumulation at $0.30 or $0.55, not after 300%-400% gains. The second best strategy? Patience. Don’t chase pumps; wait for discounts. As the saying goes:

“Bulls make money, bears make money, but pigs get slaughtered.”

Investing during periods of overbought RSI levels carries an element of risk, particularly when broader market conditions are unclear. As the DXY strengthens somewhat and stock markets like Nasdaq and S&P500 show little growth, the upcoming month of December might provide the insights we’re seeking.

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2024-12-06 04:48