Strategy Inc. Faces Potential Nasdaq 100 Expulsion as Reclassification Looms

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A critical regulatory decision hangs over Strategy Inc., formerly known as MicroStrategy, sending ripples through the investment community. The company's place in the prestigious Nasdaq 100 index is under threat, a move that could trigger significant selling pressure on its shares, which have already declined more than 22 percent in the past month alone.

Amidst this uncertainty, major institutional players are making substantial moves. Northern Trust disclosed a new position today, acquiring approximately 1.49 million shares valued at around $260 million. Market observers interpret this as an indirect bet on Bitcoin, using Strategy's regulated stock as a proxy vehicle.

This follows reports that Norway’s sovereign wealth fund recently increased its stake to nearly $1.18 billion. Trading volume for Strategy’s equity even temporarily surpassed that of payments giant Visa today, highlighting the stock's role as a key liquidity proxy for the cryptocurrency market.

The Core Issue: A Classification Review

The immediate pressure stems from an announcement expected after the market closes tonight from Nasdaq regarding its annual index reconstitution. Analysts flag a specific danger: the index provider may strip Strategy Inc. of its technology company status and reclassify it as a financial holding company.

This potential shift stems from a stark imbalance visible in the firm's third-quarter 2025 results. While it reported a net profit of $2.78 billion—primarily driven by Bitcoin gains—its pure software revenue stood at just $128.7 million. Given that the Nasdaq 100 excludes financial firms, such a reclassification would mandate Strategy's removal from the index. In that scenario, passive ETFs tracking the benchmark could be forced to sell an estimated $1.5 billion worth of shares.

Investor Outlook and Impending Volatility

Investors should brace for volatile after-hours trading once Nasdaq's verdict is published. Remaining in the index would likely spark a relief rally, removing a current "uncertainty discount" and potentially squeezing short sellers.

Conversely, an official expulsion is expected to prompt a short-term wave of selling from index funds. This comes as the company faces its next regulatory hurdle in January 2026 with a scheduled review by MSCI. The coming hours will be pivotal in determining the stock's near-term trajectory.