MSCI Additional Research: How DAT Policy Affects Strategy and Other Companies - Example in Market Boom

The latest decision by MSCI has sparked enthusiasm in the digital asset treasuries market. Strategy (MSTR) rose 6% in after-hours trading after the announcement that the global index provider will no longer exclude digital asset treasury companies (DATs) from their indices. This news has become a key research point revealing the complex reality between investment firms and enterprises holding digital assets as core operations.

Why the MSCI Decision is Critical for Strategy and DAT Companies - An Example in After-Hours Trading

MSCI’s decision is the result of extensive study and consultation with market participants. In an official statement, MSCI said, “the distinction between investment companies and other entities holding non-operating digital assets as part of their core operations requires further research and engagement with market participants.”

This approach demonstrates how regulatory bodies develop policies based on in-depth analysis. The example of Strategy perfectly illustrates the practical impact of such a decision—the 6% increase in stock price reflects investor optimism that the company will remain part of major indices, bringing substantial passive capital inflows.

MSCI Research: Understanding the Divide Between Investment and Digital Asset Holdings

MSCI clarified that their current treatment of indices for digital asset treasury companies, where holdings reach or exceed 50% of total assets, will remain unchanged for now. This means companies like Strategy will continue to be included in major equity indices.

This research and policy development provide valuable market clarity on how to treat new types of asset holdings. This detailed assessment results from months of study and market consultation, demonstrating MSCI’s serious approach to regulatory compliance and market integrity.

Including DAT Companies in the Index - Market Response Examples

MSCI’s announcement triggered positive sentiment across the DAT sector. Besides Strategy’s 6% surge, other digital asset treasury companies such as Bitmine Immersion (BMNR), Sharplink (SBET), and Twenty ONE Capital (XXI) also saw moderate gains in after-hours trading. This broad-based market response indicates the high level of investor interest in the DAT business model.

These companies validate the market thesis that maintaining DAT companies in major indices will lead to sustained capital inflows and higher liquidity. This shift in sentiment is critical, as many investors are waiting for such clarity before allocating significant capital.

Capital Flows and Sentiment Shift: Market Reaction Research

The broader market context also showed resilience amid uncertainty. Bitcoin added approximately 1% on the news about MSCI, currently trading at $88.35K based on the latest data (down 0.89% over 24 hours). Positive research and policy clarity contribute to the stability of cryptocurrency markets even in volatile trading conditions.

In the crypto ecosystem, XRP demonstrates interesting dynamics. While it has decreased by about 4% since the beginning of the month, U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs attracted a net inflow of $91.72 million this month. This scenario shows how institutional adoption through structured vehicles drives sustained demand despite underlying asset price weakness. This market flow research is essential to understanding the true momentum of crypto adoption.

Other Cryptocurrency Market Developments and Ecosystem Trends

The broader digital asset landscape continues to evolve. For example, Pudgy Penguins is emerging as one of the strongest NFT-native brands in the current cycle, transitioning from speculative positioning to a comprehensive consumer IP platform. This strategic approach—acquiring users through mainstream channels like toys and retail partnerships, then onboarding into Web3 via games and token utilities—demonstrates a matured understanding of crypto market integration.

Research into the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem reveals: it has generated over $13M in retail sales and sold over 1 million units; the Pudgy Party game has over 500k downloads in just two weeks. This multi-vertical strategy goes beyond simple speculation and builds sustainable value propositions for mainstream users.

These developments show a profound transformation in digital asset markets—from pure speculation to institutional integration and mass-market consumer adoption. MSCI’s decision to keep DAT companies in indices is a critical milestone in this journey, validating the legitimacy of the digital asset treasury business model within the larger financial ecosystem.