Harvard Cuts Bitcoin ETF Stake, Adds Ethereum Exposure in Q4 Filing
Harvard Management Company reduced its holdings in the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF by about 21% in Q4 2024, now holding 5.35 million shares valued at $265.8 million as of year-end. Simultaneously, it initiated a new position in the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, acquiring 3.87 million shares worth $86.8 million. This brings Harvard’s combined spot crypto ETF investment to over $352 million. The moves come amid volatile crypto markets and ongoing debate among observers over whether the changes reflect a shift toward diversification, relative value, or institutional risk limits. Industry experts suggest Harvard is reallocating to include both Bitcoin and Ethereum, viewing Bitcoin as a store of value and Ethereum as a programmable asset, rather than favoring one over the other. The shift is interpreted as a sign of maturing institutional strategy in digital assets, focusing on diversified allocations and increased comfort with crypto as an asset class. The overall signal is that Harvard is expanding its participation in digital assets, rather than simply adjusting bet sizes.
