- Stellar (XLM) has overtaken Shiba Inu (SHIB) to become the 15th largest cryptocurrency by market cap, driven by strong network activity and growing DeFi adoption.
- Despite this shift, Shiba Inu’s loyal long-term holders and recent whale activity keep its future competitive, making it unclear if Stellar’s lead will last.
Stellar (XLM) has overtaken Shiba Inu (SHIB) in market capitalization, sparking speculation about the sustainability of this shift. According to CoinMarketCap, Stellar now ranks as the 15th largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of $9 billion, narrowly surpassing Shiba Inu, which holds the 16th position with $8.55 billion.
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Stellar XLM Recent Surge: What’s Behind the Rise?
Stellar’s advancement is backed by strong network fundamentals. Recent data released by Stellar’s official Twitter account revealed impressive statistics for the first quarter of 2025, including 471.2 million total operations and 147 million transactions. Stellar’s network has demonstrated remarkable stability, boasting over 2,182 days without disruption. These factors suggest growing adoption and confidence in the Stellar platform, especially within the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
Stellar’s steady rise contrasts with Shiba Inu’s fluctuating fortunes, but it’s important to note that SHIB still shows strength in community support. According to IntoTheBlock data, 78% of Shiba Inu’s addresses are held by long-term investors. Additionally, a recent surge in large transactions, often linked to whale activity, has increased by more than 60% in just 24 hours, indicating significant movements or preparations for future trends.
Market Price Movements: Mixed Signals
Despite the shakeup in rankings, price action remains relatively calm. At the time of reporting, XLM was up slightly by 0.16% to $0.2888, while SHIB dipped marginally by 0.01% to $0.0000145. This modest volatility indicates that traders may be pausing to reassess the broader market conditions before making decisive moves.
Macro Factors and Market Outlook
Investors are closely watching upcoming economic data that could influence market direction. This Friday’s Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) reading—a key inflation gauge for the Federal Reserve—will provide insight into the Fed’s monetary policy stance. The Fed will release the minutes from its May 6-7 meeting on Wednesday, providing further clues about interest rate decisions and market impacts.
Will Stellar Maintain Its Lead Over Shiba Inu?
While Stellar’s current position above Shiba Inu in market capitalization is notable, the narrow margin and ongoing market uncertainties raise the question: Is this a lasting change or a temporary flip? Stellar’s strong network metrics and growing DeFi presence point to long-term potential, yet Shiba Inu’s loyal holder base and recent whale activity suggest it remains a formidable competitor.
Crypto enthusiasts and investors should watch both projects closely in the coming weeks to see which direction the market favors.
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