EddieJayonCrypto
16 May 25
The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) sold its entire $300 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust during the first quarter of 2025, as revealed in a 13F SEC filing. This sale occurred amid escalating U.S. tariffs that caused market uncertainty. The tariffs, initiated after Presi...
The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) fully divested its $300 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) during Q1 2025, as disclosed in a 13F SEC filing. This strategic move came amid escalating U.S. tariffs and growing global market uncertainty.Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. administration introduced aggressive trade policies, including 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. These tariffs triggered a wave of retaliatory measures, leading to a sharp increase in trade tensions and market instability worldwide. Bitcoin and Ethereum prices notably declined, with Bitcoin falling over 2% to approximately $83,200 and Ethereum dropping 4.5%.The filing indicated SWIB sold all 6,060,351 IBIT shares it previously held, valued at around $321.5 million, just before the March 31, 2025 reporting deadline. The timing coincided with the onset of “Liberation Day” on April 2, when comprehensive U.S. tariffs affecting major trading partners were implemented.Trade tensions intensified through early 2025, with tariffs on Chinese imports rising to 20% and retaliatory tariffs escalating beyond 100%, which exacerbated volatility in risk assets and inflation concerns. Goldman Sachs analysts warned that these tariffs could drive core inflation to 3.8% in 2025.Relief arrived in May 2025 when the U.S. and China temporarily scaled back tariffs — the U.S. reduced rates on Chinese goods to 30%, while China lowered tariffs on U.S. imports to 10%. Additionally, President Trump paused most reciprocal tariffs on other countries, helping to stabilize the markets.SWIB’s exit from BlackRock’s Bitcoin Trust highlights the ripple effects of geopolitical trade disputes on cryptocurrency investments and broader market sentiment during times of uncertainty.