The crypto and stock markets opened on edge today, with traders waiting for the Federal Reserve’s next rate move. Bitcoin is holding near $110,776 after a rough week, while U.S. equities continue to swing between gains and losses.
MicroStrategy (MSTR), the biggest corporate holder of Bitcoin under Michael Saylor, was widely expected to join the S&P 500. The company ticked key boxes—market cap, liquidity, and public float.
But instead of MSTR, the index committee chose Robinhood (HOOD), AppLovin, and Emcor Group.
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas criticized the decision, suggesting a hidden hand behind it:
“The S&P committee acts more like a shadow active fund than a rules-based index.”
He also compared this move to past delays faced by Tesla and Microsoft before their inclusion.
The rejection hit MicroStrategy stock hard. Shares fell almost 3% in after-hours trading, slipping below $330 and raising fears of a drop toward $300.
Analysts warn that missing the S&P 500 means missing a surge of ETF and index-fund buying. This not only costs MSTR fresh capital inflows but also risks damaging its credibility on Wall Street, despite its massive Bitcoin treasury.
While MSTR faces disappointment, Robinhood’s S&P 500 inclusion is a big win. Joining the index boosts:
It’s a strong milestone for a platform that became a favorite of retail traders during the pandemic.
The focus now shifts to the September 17 FOMC meeting. If the Fed cuts rates, liquidity could flow into risk assets like Bitcoin and MicroStrategy stock. But until then, investors are left asking: Did politics and discretion matter more than financial criteria in the S&P’s decision?
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