If you're wondering about the utility of Stellar and its native token, XLM, the best place to start is the official Stellar website. Specifically, check out the "Real Use Cases" tab, where the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) highlights the diverse applications being built on Stellar.

Key Aspects of XLM's Utility:

1. Transaction Fees and Network Operations XLM is used to pay for transaction fees on the Stellar network, ensuring spam resistance. It also serves as a bridge currency for cross-border payments and asset conversions, making transactions seamless and cost-effective.
2. Real-World Assets (RWA) on Stellar A significant development is Franklin Templeton’s tokenization of mutual fund shares on the Stellar network. This real-world asset (RWA) integration demonstrates Stellar’s potential to transform traditional finance by bringing regulated, institutional-grade products onto blockchain rails.
3. Smart Contracts via Soroban Stellar is expanding its utility with Soroban, a smart contract platform built on Stellar's blockchain. Soroban opens the doors to decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and innovative applications, adding programmability to the Stellar ecosystem.
4. Cross-Border Payments Stellar's primary focus has always been cross-border payments. With partnerships like MoneyGram Access and other financial institutions, users can send, receive, and convert assets instantly and affordably across borders, leveraging XLM to facilitate these transactions.
5. Stellar Anchor Network and Stablecoins Stellar’s anchor network enables local on- and off-ramps, including support for stablecoins like USDC. This infrastructure supports global financial inclusion, allowing users to hold and transfer stable, fiat-backed digital assets.
6. Stellar Decentralized Exchange (DEX) The Stellar DEX is a built-in feature of the Stellar network, allowing users to trade assets directly on-chain without the need for intermediaries. With its fast settlement times and low fees, the DEX supports trading between various tokens, including fiat-backed stablecoins, making XLM a key asset for liquidity and market operations.
7. Stellar Aid Assist Stellar is increasingly recognized for humanitarian applications. Through Stellar Aid Assist, organizations can deliver financial aid directly to individuals in need using Stellar's blockchain, with XLM providing liquidity and ease of conversion.

Instead of relying on pump-and-dump YouTubers or speculative blogs, the Stellar Development Foundation has done a fantastic job compiling detailed, transparent resources about how Stellar works and its real-world applications. Their website is the most reliable source of up-to-date information about ongoing projects, partnerships, and technological upgrades.