Stellar (XLM) is currently trading at around $0.3503, holding steady at a critical support level of $0.3. This stability comes after a recent 9% price surge. Analyst Ali Martinez spotted a bullish flag pattern on XLM’s chart – we’ll explore what this could mean for the altcoin below. PlutoChain , a new hybrid Layer-2 project, could also catch attention as it looks to potentially expand Bitcoin’s functionality. PlutoChain offers a fast 2 second block time on its L2 chain. Let’s check out the deets. Stellar Price Prediction: Why Are New Bullish Patterns Forming on XLM’s Chart and Could It Lead to a New ATH? Stellar’s XLM token is showing signs it might be ready for a significant move upward, according to analyst Ali Martinez . The currency, now trading at $0.3562, has found steady ground above $0.30051, giving traders confidence in its stability. The next big test for XLM comes at $0.36254 – breaking through this price point could bring a new wave of buying. If successful, XLM could climb to $0.41806, with the potential for even bigger gains. The current chart shows what traders call a bullish flag pattern, suggesting XLM might be gathering strength for a push toward $0.63661, and possibly as high as $1.80 if momentum builds. The current market structure shows XLM in a calculated consolidation phase, with the bullish flag pattern indicating controlled price action before a potential breakout. History shows these flag patterns often lead to strong upward moves, though nothing is guaranteed. Investors should watch that $0.30051 support level carefully – if XLM drops below it, we could see prices retreat to $0.23832. The next few trading sessions will be crucial in determining whether XLM can maintain its upward momentum. While the technical signs point to higher prices ahead, XLM needs to prove itself by breaking through key resistance levels. A clear move above these barriers would likely encourage more buyers to step in, potentially driving prices higher. Why PlutoChain’s Hybrid Layer-2 Tech May Transform Bitcoin From Store of Value to Daily Currency PlutoChain ($PLUTO) could solve Bitcoin’s core limitations through hybrid Layer-2 technology. While Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency, its practical use is hindered by slow transaction speeds and high fees – challenges that come from its fundamental architecture prioritizing security over efficiency. As a hybrid Layer-2 solution, PlutoChain could propose significant improvements to Bitcoin’s infrastructure. Most notably, instead of Bitcoin’s standard 10 minute block time, PlutoChain offers a 2 second block time on its own L2 chain. This technical advancement, combined with lower transaction costs, could make Bitcoin more accessible for both commercial and individual use. A key feature of PlutoChain’s architecture is its integration with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), potentially enabling Bitcoin to interact with decentralized finance applications, NFT platforms, and AI tools. This expansion could transform Bitcoin from primarily a store of value into a more versatile digital asset. The platform has demonstrated promising scalability, processing over 43,200 transactions daily during testing. Unlike Bitcoin’s miner-centric governance, PlutoChain implements a community-driven voting system for protocol updates. Security is one of the biggest priorities, with the platform undergoing comprehensive audits by SolidProof , QuillAudits , and Assure DeFi . By addressing Bitcoin’s fundamental limitations while maintaining robust security measures, PlutoChain could help evolve Bitcoin into a more efficient and adaptable system. The Bottom Line XLM is at a crucial turning point, with a potential breakout on the horizon if it can clear key resistance levels. Holding above $0.30051 keeps the bullish case alive, but failure to break higher could lead to a deeper pullback. Meanwhile, PlutoChain could draw attention as a hybrid Layer-2 solution that could expand Bitcoin’s capabilities. Its 2 second block time and full EVM compatibility could make it a project worth keeping an eye on in the following week. Please keep in mind that this article is not financial advice. All crypto tokens are volatile, and trading involves risk. Always do your own research and consult a qualified expert before joining any crypto venture. Mention of any tokens in this article does not guarantee future performance. Statements regarding the future carry risks and are not assured to be updated. Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here .