Stellar faces renewed selling pressure amid bearish derivatives data

Key takeaways

Stellar (XLM) remained under pressure on Tuesday despite staging a modest recovery following last week’s steep market-wide correction. 

Weak derivatives positioning and mixed on-chain signals suggest that recent gains may be corrective rather than the start of a sustained bullish reversal.

Market data indicates traders continue to favor downside exposure, reinforcing a cautious outlook for both assets.

Derivatives markets signal growing bearish sentiment

Recent derivatives data from CoinGlass points to increasing pessimism among traders. The long-to-short ratio for XLM fell to 0.73 on Tuesday, approaching its lowest readings in more than a month. 

A ratio below 1 indicates that short positions outweigh long positions, highlighting expectations for further price declines.

The bearish bias is further reflected in funding rates. XLM’s funding rate turned negative on Monday and continued trending lower into Tuesday. 

Negative funding rates indicate that short sellers are paying long-position holders, a sign that traders are increasingly positioning for downside movement.

CryptoQuant’s market summary data presents a mixed but slightly negative outlook for XLM. Data shows elevated activity across both spot and futures markets, with increased retail participation and buy-side dominance. 

While rising buying activity may seem positive, overheated market conditions often precede short-term pullbacks, limiting the potential for a sustained recovery.

Stellar price forecast: Momentum begins to fade

Stellar is trading near $0.195 on Tuesday, holding above its 50-day and 100-day EMAs at $0.182 and $0.179, respectively.

While this positioning supports a neutral-to-slightly bullish short-term outlook, XLM continues to face resistance at the 200-day EMA near $0.198.

Technical indicators suggest momentum is cooling. The RSI sits near 45, indicating balanced market conditions. The MACD has slipped below the zero line, signaling weakening bullish momentum and raising the risk of another downside move if buyers fail to regain control.

If the rally resumes, immediate resistance lies at the 200-day EMA at $0.198, with the next upside target at $0.226

However, if the sellers stay in control, initial support is seen at $0.185, with the next level at the 50-day EMA at $0.182.

A daily candle close below these levels would expose lower support zones at $1.79 and $1.43.

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