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Matthew Sigel Predicts Block Could Join S&P 500, Not MicroStrategy

Story Highlights
  • Could Block be the first Bitcoin Hodler in the S&P 500? VanEck's Sigel weighs in on the potential for Block's inclusion.

  • Will Coinbase join the S&P 500? VanEckโ€™s Sigel discusses the criteria and challenges for crypto firms entering the index.

Matthew Sigel, head of digital assets research at prominent investment firm VanEck in a latest X post has shared that Block (formerly Square) could become the First Bitcoin Hodler in the S&P 500.

The Requirements

He noted that in order to be added into the index, a stock must meet six criteria:

  • market cap over $18B,
  • the portion of shares held by public investors should be above 10%,
  • positive earnings in the most recent quarter and the sum of the previous four quarters GAAP earnings should also be positive,
  • high liquidity,
  • an IPO seasoning of more than 12 months, and
  • US domicile.

He highlighted that Block met the earnings criteria after its 1Q24 earnings report. However, he also shared that the S&P 500 inclusion is not automatic and depends on the Index Committee’s discretion. Historically, companies that meet all requirements are included within 3 to 21 months, with LULU being an exception at 65 months.

He also noted that Sector diversification is a key factor for the Index Committee, aiming to align the S&P 500’s sector composition with the broader economy. Notably, Block initially bought $50 million in Bitcoin in October 2020 and an additional $170 million in February 2021. CEO jack dorsey is a long-time supporter of Bitcoin.

MSTR, COIN Unlikely?

MicroStrategy (MSTR), a leading corporate Bitcoin holder, was recently added to the Nasdaq-100 but is unlikely to join the S&P 500 soon, despite strong performance in 2024. Eric Balchunas from Bloomberg suggested the S&P 500 inclusion committee might block MSTR even if it qualifies. Bitwise predicted Coinbase could join the S&P 500 this year.

One of Sigelโ€™s followers questioned him about Coinbaseโ€™s integration in the index, claiming it also meets all six criteria. Although the crypto firm meets the requirements, the head of digital assets research at VanEck named it a โ€œcontroversial pickโ€ given its โ€œpure-play crypto exposure.โ€

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