Ark Invest, led by CEO Cathie Wood, is reportedly scaling back its Bitcoin investments. This development is particularly noteworthy given Wood’s previously stated optimistic outlook on the digital currency.
Contrasting investment strategies and public statements
Cathie Wood, renowned for her forward-looking financial predictions, has consistently been a strong advocate for Bitcoin. Her forecasts have frequently suggested a bullish future for the cryptocurrency, with price targets surpassing $1 million. Despite these public endorsements, Ark Invest’s recent actions paint a different picture.
Recent exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading data reveals that Ark ETF has significantly reduced its stake in the Bitcoin Grayscale Trust, offloading over 700,000 shares. This reduction in Bitcoin exposure marks a notable shift from the company’s publicly bullish stance.
This is not the first instance of such a discrepancy in Ark Invest’s approach. A similar pattern emerged in 2021 with Tesla shares. Despite advocating for investments in Tesla and setting a high price target, Ark Invest reduced its holdings in the company by a substantial margin.
Market impact and investor sentiment
The recent sale of over 200,000 shares in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) by Ark Invest coincided with a 10% rally in the BTC investment vehicle. These sales, part of a series of transactions, amounted to approximately $6 million. Despite these reductions, GBTC remains a significant component of Ark’s Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW).
This sale occurred against a strong performance by GBTC, which saw a near 250% rally in 2023, outperforming Bitcoin’s own 123% rise. Grayscale Investments, the parent company of GBTC, recently achieved a legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This development could lead to the conversion of GBTC into a spot Bitcoin ETF, a potentially bullish development for the cryptocurrency market.
The recent actions of Ark Invest under Cathie Wood’s leadership raise important questions for investors and market observers. While Wood’s optimistic predictions for Bitcoin continue to generate interest, the investment firm’s strategy indicates a more multifaceted approach.
