15.02.2025 16:33
Here's a rewritten version of the news article, utilizing varied sentence structures and richer language while retaining all key information:
**Wisconsin Pension Fund Significantly Boosts Bitcoin Investment to $321 Million**
The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB), responsible for managing the state's pension assets, has substantially increased its stake in Bitcoin, according to a recent disclosure. A Friday filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed the investment now totals $321 million held in Bitcoin ETFs, showcasing a growing confidence in the digital asset's potential.
This surge marks a considerable amplification from the fund's holdings at the close of the fourth quarter of 2024, when SWIB reported $104 million invested in Bitcoin ETFs. This initial investment was comprised of 2,889,251 shares specifically in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), and represented a notable shift from their earlier Bitcoin investment approach.
To provide some context, the SWIB had previously dipped its toes into Bitcoin ETFs during the first quarter of 2024, holding $164 million, which positioned them as early adopters of these funds. At that time, the portfolio included 2.4 million IBIT shares (valued at $100 million) and 1 million shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), worth $64 million. However, the recent filing indicates a renewed and bolder commitment to the cryptocurrency.
Between October and December of 2024, SWIB strategically purchased an additional 3,171,100 shares of IBIT, boosting their total holdings to an impressive 6,060,351 shares. This expansion mirrors a broader trend among institutional investors, demonstrating a growing appetite for Bitcoin exposure.
The launch of Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 has undoubtedly facilitated this trend by providing a more accessible and regulated pathway for institutions and private entities to indirectly invest in the groundbreaking cryptocurrency. Recent SEC filings from prominent firms have shed light on the origin of the steady inflows into Bitcoin ETFs observed during the final quarter of last year. Moreover, figures like Trump have fueled the growing interest. Goldman Sachs earlier this week reported their decision to similarly expand its Bitcoin ETF exposure during the same time frame.
