The S&P 500 added 6.4%, the Dow Jones advanced 4.2%, the Nasdaq advanced 9.9%, and the Russell 2000 gained 10.9% in the third quarter of 2025 (as of Sept. 25, 2025). Ebbing trade tensions boosted stocks in the third quarter, with the small caps grabbing special attention. Note that the Russell 2000 surged about 7% in August itself — its fourth consecutive monthly gain and strongest streak in over four years, as mentioned in a Yahoo Finance article.U.S. Economy Giving Mixed SignalsWhile growth has been upbea ...

Core Insights - The launch of spot bitcoin ETFs has shifted focus away from crypto equity ETFs, but the latter still present a viable investment case, particularly in crypto mining [1][2] - Crypto mining equities provide an alternative investment route to express a bitcoin view without direct ownership, similar to gold mining equities [2][5] - Investors in mining companies must conduct due diligence on various business aspects, including electricity contracts and management discipline, which offers more concrete metrics compared to direct bitcoin ownership [3][4] Investment Characteristics - Mining stocks can exhibit higher volatility than bitcoin itself and are sensitive to electricity prices and capital requirements [4][6] - Mining revenue is more directly correlated with bitcoin prices, making it a more focused investment compared to broader blockchain themes [5][6] - Public miners are primarily classified within the technology sector, while broader blockchain investments may have exposure to financials and other sectors [6] Intersection with AI - Crypto miners are increasingly leveraging their resources for AI and high-performance computing, creating new revenue streams and enhancing cash flow opportunities [7] ETF Strategies - There are two main crypto mining ETFs: the CoinShares Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI) and the Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF (MNRS), each with distinct management strategies [8][9] - WGMI is actively managed with a focus on companies deriving significant revenue from bitcoin mining, while MNRS is passively managed and tracks a specific index [9][11] - WGMI has shown strong performance, up 68% year-to-date, while MNRS has a smaller asset base of around $7 million [10][11] Market Dynamics - Other crypto mining ETFs have closed in 2023, indicating a competitive and evolving market landscape [14] - Broader blockchain ETFs also provide significant exposure to mining companies, allowing for diversification while maintaining a focus on miners [15][16] Conclusion - Crypto mining equities offer a measurable way to express a bitcoin view within traditional portfolios, with miner-focused ETFs like WGMI and MNRS providing distinct investment options [17]