Harvard Doubles Down on IBIT While Bitcoin Bleeds Outflows

Harvard University increased its holdings in BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF to $442.88 million, placing the institution among the top 16 global holders.

The move comes amid one of the steepest crypto market downturns in years, with Bitcoin trading below $96,000.

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🇺🇸 Harvard increases Bitcoin exposure by 237%

They now hold $442.8 MILLION in Bitcoin ETFs

h/t @MacroScope17 pic.twitter.com/NQrdhsnWsX

— Bitcoin Archive (@BitcoinArchive) November 14, 2025

The university’s 13F filing revealed a 257% increase from its previous position. Harvard held 6,813,612 shares as of September 30, up from 1,906,000 shares reported in June. The disclosure positions Harvard 29th among the ETF’s largest holders earlier this year.

The university’s portfolio includes significant holdings in major technology companies. Its broader strategy reinforces a long-term approach toward diversified exposure across asset classes.

Harvard’s investment contradicts a 2018 prediction from a former IMF chief who claimed Bitcoin could fall to $100 rather than hit $100,000 by 2028.

Harvard Expands Bitcoin Position Against Market Trend

Harvard’s position increase occurred during a period when most investors reduced exposure. The timing demonstrates the university’s conviction in Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset.

Eric Balchunas shared the disclosure through the 13F submission, drawing attention across the asset management space.

The university’s decision reflects institutional thinking focused on multi-year horizons. Harvard’s allocation to both Bitcoin and gold ETFs suggests a diversified approach to alternative assets. The 99% increase in gold holdings parallels the Bitcoin position expansion.

MacroScope, an x user highlighted the significance of Harvard’s allocation strategy. The university directs capital into Bitcoin through long-range decisions rather than reacting to short-term price swings.

Harvard also increased its GLD gold ETF holdings by 99%, adding 661,391 shares valued at $235 million.

Hugely important filing this afternoon that will get lots of attention in the asset management space. Harvard University reported owning 6,813,612 shares of IBIT valued at $442.8 million as of September 30.

That's a 257% increase from 1,906,000 shares previously reported as of…

— MacroScope (@MacroScope17) November 14, 2025

MacroScope posed a question to market observers regarding Harvard’s outlook. The economist asked what Harvard sees coming, given the magnitude of the allocation increase. Sovereign wealth activity shows similar patterns of long-term accumulation.

Following the filing, asset managers began analyzing Harvard’s rationale. The university endowment ranks among the largest globally, making its investment decisions closely watched. Its technology holdings complement the digital asset allocation strategy.

In contrast, short-term traders continue reacting to price volatility. The $869.86 million single-day outflow demonstrates tactical positioning by market participants.

Three-week cumulative outflows of $2.64 billion reflect a significant shift in near-term sentiment.

The university’s 257% position increase occurred between June and September. This timeframe preceded the current market turbulence, indicating proactive rather than reactive allocation. The filing reveals strategic thinking ahead of market volatility.

Record ETF Outflows Hit Market

The 11 U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively bled $869.86 million on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The outflow registered as the second-highest on record, according to data source SoSoValue. Investors pulled out $2.64 billion over three weeks.

Thursday’s outflow coincided with Bitcoin’s fall below the key $100,000 support level. Heightened risk aversion on Wall Street contributed to the selling pressure across digital assets.

Ether ETFs also registered an outflow of $259.72 million, the highest since October 13.

The sustained outflows signal growing caution in the market. Trading volumes reflected shifting sentiment as institutional and retail investors reassessed their positions.

Bitcoin currently trades above $104,000, down from recent highs but maintaining levels that validate long-term holders.

Meanwhile, sovereign wealth funds continue accumulating Bitcoin positions despite short-term price movements. These institutional flows represent long-term capital allocation decisions rather than tactical trading strategies.