MicroStrategy's Index Exclusion Risk: Is the Stock-for-Bitcoin Era Over?

Saturday Nov 22 2025 07:50

Duration

2 min

  1. 1. MicroStrategy on the Brink: Index Exclusion Looms Large

  2. 1.1 Why Does This Matter?

  3. 1.2 MSCI and the Company Definition Dilemma

  4. 1.3 The Potential Impact of Exclusion

  5. 1.4 How Index Funds Work

  6. 1.5 MicroStrategy's Current Situation

  7. 1.6 Market Reaction and Saylor's Strategy

  8. 1.7 The Future of MicroStrategy

  9. 1.8 Conclusion

MicroStrategy on the Brink: Index Exclusion Looms Large

Amidst recent Bitcoin price declines, MicroStrategy (MSTR) finds itself in a precarious position. Its stock price has plummeted significantly, and the premium of its market capitalization relative to its net Bitcoin holdings (mNAV) has shrunk dramatically. These developments raise questions about the future of the company's stock-for-Bitcoin strategy.

Why Does This Matter?

The biggest threat is the potential exclusion of MicroStrategy from major global stock indices. This would force passive investment funds, which automatically track these indices, to sell large quantities of MSTR shares, potentially triggering a sharp drop in its stock price.

MSCI and the Company Definition Dilemma

MSCI, one of the world's largest index providers, is considering whether a company holding 77% of its assets in Bitcoin is still eligible to be considered a 'normal' company, or if it's effectively a Bitcoin fund masquerading as a public corporation. MSCI's decision, expected on January 15, 2026, could be pivotal for MicroStrategy.

The Potential Impact of Exclusion

If MSTR is removed from the MSCI index, it would trigger a forced outflow of approximately $8.8 billion in passive funds. For a company that relies on issuing stock to buy Bitcoin, this could be a death sentence.

How Index Funds Work

Index funds automatically track stock indices like the MSCI USA or Nasdaq 100. They buy all the stocks included in the index and sell them when they are removed. This means MSCI's decision directly impacts the demand for MSTR shares.

MicroStrategy's Current Situation

MicroStrategy currently holds 649,870 Bitcoins, worth approximately $56.7 billion. This constitutes about 77-81% of the company's total assets, well above the 50% 'red line' established by MSCI.

Market Reaction and Saylor's Strategy

Despite Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy's CEO, defending the company's strategy, the market seems concerned about the potential index exclusion. MSTR's stock price has decoupled from the Bitcoin price, declining significantly.

The Future of MicroStrategy

If excluded from major indices, MicroStrategy could transform from a mainstream stock into a niche Bitcoin investment vehicle, similar to the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). This could lead to decreased liquidity and increased volatility.

Conclusion

MicroStrategy faces an existential challenge due to its Bitcoin-heavy strategy. MSCI's decision on the company's index inclusion will be crucial for its future. Investors should carefully consider the risks and opportunities associated with MSTR shares in light of these developments.

Risk Warning: this article represents only the author’s views and is for reference only. It does not constitute investment advice or financial guidance, nor does it represent the stance of the Markets.com platform.When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange) and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss.Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice. Trading cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets is restricted for all UK retail clients. 

Default Author Avatar

Written by:

Liam James

Asset List

View Full List
Most Traded Commodities Indices Crypto Shares Forex
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Latest

View all

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Duration

5 min

Ukraine's Defense Funding Crisis: Impending Shortfall and Geopolitical Ramifications

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Duration

5 min

Senator Warren's Scathing Letter Questions Kevin Warsh's Fed Nomination Amid Powell Investigation

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Duration

4 min

Iran's Nuclear Debate Intensifies Amid Escalating Strikes

Latest news

Sunday, 29 March 2026

Indices

BTC News Today: Bitcoin Recovers to $67,400 After Sharp Dip Below $65,000

Sunday, 29 March 2026

Indices

Gold price today, March 30: Gold market is currently in a corrective phase, XAU/USD rises to $4,568.50

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Indices

NVIDIA GTC 2026 Keynote Highlights: Jensen Huang Predicts $1 Trillion AI Demand Through 2027

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Indices

Top performing cryptos today: Siren (SIREN), Bittensor (TAO), Stellar (XLM)

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Indices

Gold price today, March 25: Gold Surges Over $4,580 as XAUUSD Jumps 2.5% Amid Softer Dollar Pressure

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Indices

Forex expo Dubai 2026: What is the investment event in Dubai 2026?

Monday, 23 March 2026

Indices

Commodity Market Today: Business Body Warns Middle East Conflict Could Derail SA’s 2026 Economic Recovery

Monday, 23 March 2026

Indices

Gold price today, March 24: Gold extends slide, XAU/USD price crashes below $4,200

Sunday, 22 March 2026

Indices

Gold price today, March 23: Gold drops, XAU/USD price plunges below $4,278

Sunday, 22 March 2026

Indices

BTC news today: Bitcoin keeps falling, what’s going on with bitcoin?

See all news