Adam Back Criticizes New ETF Targeting MicroStrategy

Adam Back criticizes the new Defiance 2X Short MicroStrategy (MSTR) ETF for its risky strategy in a volatile market.
By Maxwell Mutuma
Bitcoin Whale Alert: MicroStrategy Moves Massive 1,652 BTC to New Wallet!

Highlights

  • Blockstream CEO Adam Back criticizes the Defiance 2X Short MSTR ETF, calling it "awful" and questioning its effectiveness.
  • The ETF aims to short shares of MicroStrategy Incorporated, which is known for its significant Bitcoin holdings and has sparked debate in the investment community.
  • Back highlights the risks of shorting a Bitcoin-correlated asset like MicroStrategy, especially given the volatility of Bitcoin's price.

Blockstream CEO Adam Back has publicly blasted the Defiance 2X Short MSTR ETF. He labeled the product “awful” and then questioned its longevity. The ETF wants to short MicroStrategy Incorporated, which has substantial Bitcoin portfolios. Back’s greatest problem would be the inherent threat of the ETF technique, particularly with Bitcoin so volatile and so highly linked with MicroStrategy’s stock.

The second-biggest Bitcoin owner is MicroStrategy, which has more than 210,000 BTC. The ETF, which monitors the company’s shares to shorten, has sparked discussion. Adam Back discusses the hazards of shorting an asset whose price action is related to Bitcoin’s value patterns. He claims the plan could cause substantial losses, “especially when Bitcoin rose in value.”

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Adam Back Warns Against New MSTR ETF

The Defiance 2X short MSTR ETF utilizes auto rebalancing and doubles down on Short positions. However, Adam Back details the dangers of this type of strategy in an uncertain market. He claims that if the Bitcoin price doubles, the ETF will get caught out of it and experience huge losses. This particular situation demonstrates the difficulty of controlling portfolios with correlated, very volatile underlying assets.

Back continues by explaining that auto rebalancing in these kinds of scenarios could degrade capital. He asserts the ETF’s structure might be too opaque for the volatile nature of Bitcoin and its effect on MicroStrategy’s share price. It’s feared that investors will take increased chances with no anticipated returns—a question mark with the ETF’s approach.

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MicroStrategy at the Forefront of Crypto Investment

MicroStrategy is renowned for its intense Bitcoin investing strategy. Some think the company’s shares are overpriced at  $1,631 with a $24.42 billion market cap. However, the enormous returns from Bitcoin investments have drawn investors seeking Bitcoin coverage in the former stock markets.

Chairman Michael Saylor remains committed to Bitcoin, reinforcing the company’s long-term strategy despite criticisms. This stance, along with the company’s performance, has made MicroStrategy a notable player in the intersection of corporate investment and cryptocurrency.

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Maxwell Mutuma
Maxwell is a crypto-economic analyst and Blockchain enthusiast, passionate about helping people understand the potential of decentralized technology. I write extensively on topics such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, tokens, and more for many publications. My goal is to spread knowledge about this revolutionary technology and its implications for economic freedom and social good.
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