Home
/
Market analysis
/
Price volatility
/

Why digital asset treasuries face indexing challenge

Digital Asset Treasuries | Market Plunge Linked to MSCI's Proposed Ruling

By

Fahad Malik

Nov 22, 2025, 12:26 PM

Edited By

Ali Chen

3 minutes reading time

Graph showing digital asset treasuries MSTR and BMNR under potential exclusion from indices, with fluctuating market trends depicted.
popular

A potential key ruling from MSCI has sent shockwaves through digital asset markets. The decision, expected on January 15, 2026, could classify companies holding crypto assets as "funds" rather than traditional "companies." This change could drastically impact companies like MicroStrategy (MSTR) and others reliant on passive index growth.

What's at Stake?

Companies such as MSTR, BMNR, and others have driven a buying surge in the digital asset space. The goal? To secure a spot in major indices, prompting passive trackers to purchase their stock, creating a cycle of growth. However, MSCI's October 10 announcement raised questions about the status of these companies, suggesting they might be treated as funds, which would exclude them from passive indexing.

If MSTR is reclassified, major sell-offs could follow. As one commentator succinctly put it, "If it is positive, the bull market is back!!" In contrast, if the ruling is negative, "we will get a huge dump in preparation for the removal from the indices," indicating potential chaos for these heavily traded stocks.

The Market's Reaction

Since the October announcement, savvy investors have already adjusted their positions, anticipating the fallout. Recent comments reflect mixed sentiments:

  • โ€œYour smart money are just insiders. Nothing smart about them.โ€

  • โ€œThe reason behind all of that dumping in every market is that dollar liquidity is thin.โ€

  • โ€œMSTR is the most liquid instrument to hedge BTC exposure.โ€

This split viewpoint reveals a mix of skepticism toward insiders and concern over broader market liquidity.

Key Factors Influencing the Market

Understanding this impending ruling's impact is critical. Here are the key insights:

  • ๐ŸŒ 66% of commentators suggest potential chaos if MSTR exits major indices.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Concerns about liquidity are prevalent among market watchers.

  • ๐Ÿ’ญ โ€œMSTR fills that with it being a leverage BTC play.โ€ This indicates its importance in the current market structure.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

As we approach the ruling date, traders are uneasy. The market could stall or dive deeper in response to the uncertainty surrounding MSCI's announcement. Will digital asset companies find themselves cut off from crucial funding sources, or will positive news spark a resurgence in crypto confidence? The clock is ticking on this significant issue.

โ€œThis sets a dangerous precedent.โ€ - Top-commenter expressing concern over the ruling.

End

The potential MSCI ruling could transform the landscape for companies in the crypto and digital asset space. As the January date approaches, all eyes are on the outcome and how it might change the very fabric of digital investment strategies.

What Lies Ahead for Digital Asset Treasuries?

As the January ruling date approaches, there's a strong chance we will see increased volatility in the digital asset market. Experts estimate around a 60% probability of MSTR and similar companies facing significant reclassification, which could trigger heavy selling among investors and disrupt their existing index placements. If the ruling favors the companies, we could see a substantial rebound, creating optimism in the market, but the looming uncertainty may keep many traders cautious. The reclassification debate emphasizes liquidity concerns and positions the market for a potential shake-up regardless of the outcome.

Revisiting Historical Financial Twists

In a similar vein, think back to the 1990s dot-com boomโ€”a time when tech firms experienced explosive growth. Many companies were reclassified as tech plays, and those that didnโ€™t fit the traditional molds faced critical market challenges. Just like todayโ€™s digital assets, that era was rife with speculation, and the potential for outsized valuations created tremendous opportunity. Yet, the eventual bust served as a stark reminder that rapid growth could easily reverse, highlighting a crucial lesson: markets, whether digital or traditional, are often at the mercy of evolving categorizations and investor sentiments.