Comparing Stellar and XRP: Volatility, Recovery Odds, and Institutional Support
Stellar and XRP share a founder, Jed McCaleb, and both target cross-border payments, but Stellar’s price moves have been larger in both directions. Stellar fell 8.2% over the week while XRP dropped 5.4%, yet Stellar gained 9.5% over the month versus XRP’s 2.1%, with XLM near $0.20 and XRP near $1.40. XRP’s $1.57 billion in ETF assets gives it institutional exposure that Stellar lacks, and Stellar would need a 346% rise to reach its old peak while XRP is 61.5% below its high.
Jed McCaleb helped start Ripple before founding Stellar, and both networks focus on international payments. In the week ending October 10, 2026, XLM lost 8.2% while XRP lost 5.4%; over the month, XLM rose 9.5% and XRP rose 2.1%. XLM traded near $0.20, XRP near $1.40.
XLM remains about 77.6% under its roughly $0.88 record, requiring a 346% climb to recover it. XRP is 61.5% below its $3.65 peak. XRP-linked ETFs hold about $1.57 billion, while Stellar has no comparable fund group.
The contrast may matter most to retail investors weighing XLM against XRP, since sharper swings could magnify both gains and losses. Businesses and remittance users could also be affected if institutional products steer liquidity and credibility toward one network. XRP’s ETF presence may make it easier for some traditional investors to gain exposure, while Stellar’s lack of similar funds could limit broader adoption. Still, market conditions and future product decisions could change these dynamics.