The Stellar network logged record on-chain activity in December, even as its native token trades near critical support levels. Operations on the network reached the highest level of 2025. Total Value Locked surpassed $179.18 million for the first time.
What Happened: Network Activity Surges
Operations on Stellar represent desired changes on the ledger, submitted as grouped components within transactions.
In December, these operations hit the highest level of the year, according to data from Artemis. Payment-related operations indicate stronger cash flow and asset transfers.
Chain transactions also showed steady growth with signs of a breakout. These transactions include asset transfers and smart-contract interactions.
The data maintained an upward trend throughout the year, with a notable spike in December.
US Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in the United States, began actively testing stablecoin issuance on the Stellar network. The institutional involvement coincides with rising network metrics. Total Value Locked reached its all-time high in December, surpassing $179.18 million, even as XLM's price stagnated.
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Why It Matters: Critical Support Testing
The token currently sits at a critical support zone between $0.24 and $0.195. CryptoPulse, an analyst, commented on the price action: "XLM/USDT is sitting right at its weekly support — a level that held multiple times in previous market cycles." Analysts view this as an accumulation opportunity for those expecting a broader crypto recovery in late 2025 and early 2026.
The next target remains at $0.40 to $0.49. But fundamental strength does not always align with price action.
Even XRP, an altcoin closely correlated with XLM, has refused to rally despite major developments from Ripple.
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