CoinDesk 20 Index Falls 1.6% as XLM and BCH Drop 4.3% and 4.2%

CoinDesk Indices released a performance update on the CoinDesk 20 Index, highlighting key movements among its components. Stellar (XLM) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) emerged as the day’s weakest performers, contributing to a broader decline in the index. The CoinDesk 20 is currently trading at 4068.44, reflecting a 1.6% decline, or -66.75 points, since 4 p.m. ET on Friday. This downturn is largely attributed to the poor performance of XLM and BCH, which saw losses of 4.3% and 4.2%, respectively [1].

Despite the overall decline, several assets in the index posted gains, with seven of the 20 cryptocurrencies trading higher. Among the top performers were Chainlink (LINK) and Polkadot (POL), which surged by 16.3% and 8.2%, respectively. This contrast between strong and weak performers underscores the volatile nature of the crypto market [1].

The CoinDesk 20 Index serves as a broad benchmark for the digital asset market, tracking the performance of major cryptocurrencies across multiple platforms and regions. The index is not weighted by market capitalization, which allows for a more balanced representation of the sector. However, the drag from underperforming assets like XLM and BCH has had a visible impact on the overall index trend [1].

The decline in XLM and BCH appears to reflect broader market sentiment rather than isolated events. With seven assets in positive territory and two among the worst performers, the index highlights the uneven distribution of gains and losses. Investors and analysts are likely monitoring these movements to assess broader market stability and potential turning points [1].

Stellar and Bitcoin Cash are both well-established projects in the cryptocurrency space, yet their current underperformance signals a shift in market dynamics. Whether this reflects a temporary pullback or a more sustained trend remains to be seen. For now, the CoinDesk 20 continues to serve as a reliable gauge of market health, offering insights into which assets are gaining or losing momentum [1].

Source: [1] CoinDesk 20 Performance Update: Stellar (XLM) Drops 4.3%, Leading Index Lower (https://www.coindesk.com/coindesk-indices/2025/08/18/coindesk-20-performance-update-stellar-xlm-drops-4-3-leading-index-lower)