The U.S. Federal Reserve Holds a Tiny Portion of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoins. Here’s How!

Bhushan Akolkar
June 10, 2021
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
US Treasury

A recent report from Bloomberg suggests that the U.S. central bank aka Federal Reserve has been one of the early adopters of the Bitcoin-linked junk bonds. During the economic shifts taking place amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the Federal Reserve started buying the bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to get the economic activity going.

Interestingly, it turns out that a very small percentage like 0.01 of this ETF, commonly referred to as the JNK ticker, has been dedicated to MicroStrategy junk bonds issued earlier this week on Tuesday. The business intelligence firm is looking forward to raising $400 million by the sale of its corporate bonds to buy Bitcoins.

Now, with the Fed still holding the ETF, it technically means that it has contributed to MicroStrategy buying those Bitcoins. Bloomberg Intelligence’s ETF Analyst Athanasios Psarofagis said:

“It’s a pretty small amount, but to be honest I’m surprised to see it in there so soon. Fixed-income portfolio managers have a bit of discretion of which bonds they can have in the portfolio, so they could be adding a small potion ahead of a possible index inclusion.”

Interestingly, Fed’s tiny exposure to the BTC isn’t just limited to the JNK ticker. Bloomberg notes that one Fed’s another holding – the iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (ticker USHY) – also has a small part of Microstrategy’s debt.

Bitcoin (BTC) Bashing from Lawmakers Continue

Interestingly, it turns out that the Fed which has been the biggest critic of crypto has its own feet into it. In another development on Wednesday, June 9, Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said that the U.S. government should step up the oversight of the crypto market and thus protect consumers from rapid scams popping out recently.

In her interview with Bloomberg TV, Warren called cryptocurrencies the “wild-west” and said that cryptos are “not a good way to buy and sell things and not a good investment and an environmental disaster.”

Advertisement
coingape google news coingape google news
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.