MSCI Keeps Strategy in Global Indices, Easing Near-Term Bitcoin Risk

Quick Breakdown 

• MSCI decided to retain Strategy in its global indices while opening a consultation on how crypto-heavy balance sheet firms should be classified.
• Strategy shares jumped nearly 10% after the decision, while Bitcoin briefly surged toward $94,000 before paring gains.
• The move reduced near-term fears of forced Bitcoin selling that could have added pressure to crypto markets.

 

MSCI has decided to retain Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, in its global equity indices, calming market concerns over potential forced selling tied to the company’s large Bitcoin holdings, according to Bybit. The index provider said the move is temporary and that it plans to launch a broader consultation on how to classify companies holding significant non-operating assets such as cryptocurrencies.

The decision removes an immediate risk that had been closely watched by both equity and crypto markets, given Strategy’s status as the largest publicly listed corporate holder of Bitcoin.

— Bybit (@Bybit_Official)

Market reaction remains measured

Following the announcement, Strategy shares surged as much as 9.5% in after-hours trading, reflecting relief among investors who had priced in the possibility of index removal. Bitcoin briefly rallied toward the $94,000 level before trimming gains, suggesting the news reduced downside risk rather than triggering a sustained rally.

The stock fell 4.1% during regular trading on Tuesday but nearly 5% after the index provider signaled a temporary reprieve, according to Google Finance data. Strategy currently holds 673,783 Bitcoin.

Market participants had flagged the MSCI decision as a key catalyst for the early part of 2026. Analysts previously warned that an exclusion from MSCI indices could have led to an estimated $2.8 billion in passive fund outflows from Strategy, potentially increasing balance-sheet pressure on the company.

Why the MSCI decision matters for Bitcoin

Beyond equities, the implications for Bitcoin were significant. Strategy holds an estimated $60 billion worth of BTC, making its financial stability closely tied to broader crypto market sentiment. A negative outcome could have raised the risk of forced Bitcoin sales if the company struggled to meet obligations following large capital outflows.

By keeping Strategy in its indices for now, MSCI has effectively dampened fears of near-term forced selling by major Digital Asset Treasury firms. However, uncertainty has not been fully removed. The planned consultation signals that index providers are reassessing how to treat companies whose balance sheets are increasingly shaped by crypto exposure.