Paul Singer's Elliott Targets Gold, Consumer Staples With New Puts — Bets Big On Tech - VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ARCA:GDX)

Core Viewpoint - Elliott Investment Management has shifted its market strategy by increasing bearish positions against gold miners while establishing bullish positions on the Nasdaq 100, indicating a complex market outlook [1][2][3]. Summary by Category Market Position Changes - Elliott increased its put position on the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) by adding 7.5 million shares, bringing total holdings to 11.5 million shares valued at $878.6 million, reflecting a strong bearish sentiment towards the mining sector [2][3]. - The firm initiated a bullish position by purchasing call options on the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), valued at $750.4 million, indicating a positive outlook on the Nasdaq 100 [3]. Strategic Exits and New Positions - Elliott closed its largest single position from the previous quarter, a $1.33 billion put option on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), suggesting a shift away from a general bearish stance [3][4]. - The firm established a $1.175 billion put position on the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) and a $714.7 million put option on the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), indicating targeted bearish strategies in specific sectors [5]. Portfolio Value Changes - Elliott's total 13F portfolio value increased from $17.6 billion to $22.7 billion during the quarter, reflecting active management and strategic repositioning [6]. - Significant changes in the portfolio include new put options on Consumer Staples and Energy sectors, increased put options on gold miners, and new call options on the Nasdaq 100 [8].