Wisconsin State Investment Board Boosts BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Holdings
The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) has recently bolstered its investment in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) while divesting from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), according to a new SEC filing.
As of June 30, SWIB’s holdings in IBIT have grown to approximately 2.9 million shares, valued around $99 million. This increase represents a shift in the board’s strategy towards favoring direct Bitcoin exposure through ETFs.
The SWIB has significantly increased its investment in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, enhancing its stake from 2.45 million shares reported earlier this year. This move reflects a broader institutional trend favoring Bitcoin ETFs for long-term investment, contrasting with the board’s recent exit from its GBTC position.
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The shift in SWIB’s investment strategy aligns with a growing institutional preference for Bitcoin ETFs. Recent data shows substantial inflows into U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock’s fund receiving a notable $34.6 million influx. In contrast, Grayscale’s GBTC experienced a $28.6 million outflow, indicating a changing investment landscape.
SWIB’s increased allocation to IBIT, coupled with its exit from GBTC, underscores the evolving approach of institutional investors towards Bitcoin, as they seek more direct and potentially more profitable exposure to the cryptocurrency.