Strategy Shifts to Bitcoin Sales; Robinhood Enters UK

Strategy Inc. ($MSTR) has executed a strategic shift from its long-standing Bitcoin accumulation strategy, selling $109M in Bitcoin last week to buy back STRC preferred shares while leaving its USD Reserve capacity untouched. The company now holds 840,447 Bitcoin with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $63.36 billion, according to a regulatory filing. Strategy reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $122.37 million but posted a net loss of $8,219.63 million, driven largely by Bitcoin-related unrealized losses. The move marks a transition from relentless Bitcoin accumulation to using Bitcoin sales and equity issuance for capital management, representing what Strategy's leadership frames as becoming "the central bank of Bitcoin" through its STRC product and digital credit framework.

The Bitcoin mining sector experienced broad declines following Strategy's disclosure, with Riot Platforms ($RIOT) and MARA falling 6% while CleanSpark declined 5%. The selloff reflects investor concerns about whether Strategy's capital pivot signals a broader shift in corporate Bitcoin strategy. Gold advocate Peter Schiff used the occasion to urge investors to dump Bitcoin and $MSTR stock as gold topped $4,400 and silver climbed toward $66 an ounce.

Robinhood Markets ($HOOD) launched zero-fee crypto trading in the UK this week, allowing eligible customers to trade digital assets as the platform expands its international crypto business. The move extends Robinhood's efforts to grow its cryptocurrency offerings beyond its core US market.

Coinbase ($COIN) shares rose in afternoon trading following a July jobs report that showed an unexpected loss of 23,000 jobs, signaling a cooling labor market that may impact Federal Reserve policy. Cathie Wood invested $36.9 million in $COIN shares, revealing where the prominent fund manager sees improved risk-reward dynamics. Separately, Marex Group plans to begin accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum as initial margin collateral for derivatives later this year, extending its stablecoin program announced last month, according to an exclusive report.

Bitcoin ETF flows recorded their best week since April, attracting $853 million in net inflows as institutional demand showed renewed strength. The significant inflow figure suggests growing confidence among institutional investors despite broader market volatility and Strategy's pivot away from pure Bitcoin accumulation. The flows represent a notable reversal from previous weeks and may indicate shifting institutional positioning ahead of potential monetary policy changes.

Gold prices topped $4,400 per ounce while silver climbed toward $66 an ounce, providing context for renewed debates between precious metals advocates and cryptocurrency proponents. Peter Schiff, a long-time gold advocate and Bitcoin critic, used the precious metals rally to renew calls for investors to sell Bitcoin and Strategy stock in favor of traditional hard assets. The divergent performance between traditional safe-haven assets and cryptocurrency-related equities highlights ongoing portfolio allocation debates among institutional and retail investors.