ARK Invest Sells $44.7 Million in Circle Shares Amid Price Decline

ARK Invest, the investment firm led by Cathie Wood, has continued its selling spree of Circle Internet Group (CRCL) shares, offloading 300,108 shares for approximately $44.7 million on June 17, 2025. This sale follows a previous transaction on June 16, bringing the total number of shares sold in two days to 642,766, valued at around $96.5 million. The sales were executed across three of ARK Invest's exchange-traded funds (ETFs): the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW), and the ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF).

The latest sale occurred as Circle's share price experienced a decline, closing at $149 on June 17 after peaking above $165 the previous day. This drop came despite positive news for the stablecoin industry, with the U.S. Senate passing the GENIUS Act in a 68–30 vote. The GENIUS Act is seen as a significant development for stablecoin issuers like Circle, potentially shaping the regulatory landscape for these digital assets.

ARK Invest's decision to sell such a substantial number of Circle shares suggests a strategic reassessment of its position in the company. The firm's aggressive investment approach, led by Cathie Wood, has often involved taking profits from investments that have seen significant gains. The recent decline in Circle's share price may indicate a shift in market sentiment, prompting ARK Invest to adjust its holdings.

The total amount of Circle shares sold by ARK Invest in the past two days accounts for about 14% of the 4.49 million shares it purchased during Circle's public launch on June 5. This initial purchase was valued at $373.4 million based on the closing price on that day. The sale of Circle shares by ARK Invest is notable given the firm's reputation for making bold investment decisions in innovative technologies and disruptive companies.

Cathie Wood, the CEO of ARK Invest, is known for her optimistic outlook on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In February 2025, she predicted that Bitcoin could reach $1.5 million by 2030 due to increasing institutional adoption and demand. However, ARK Invest's recent actions indicate a more cautious approach to its investments in the crypto space, particularly in light of the current market conditions and regulatory developments.

While ARK Invest has been actively selling Circle shares, other major public investors in Circle have not reported similar sales. BlackRock, which reportedly planned to take a 10% stake in Circle's initial public offering (IPO), has not reported any sales of CRCL shares. Circle's co-founder and CEO, Jeremy Allaire, along with other key executives, were set to offload a portion of their stakes during the IPO, but there is no indication that these sales have occurred.

In conclusion, ARK Invest's sale of $44.7 million worth of Circle shares is a strategic move that reflects the firm's ongoing efforts to manage its investments in response to market conditions. The sale comes as Circle's share price has been declining, and it follows a period of substantial gains for the company. The decision to sell shares at this time could be influenced by a variety of factors, including the passage of the GENIUS Act and the broader economic outlook. ARK Invest's actions highlight the dynamic nature of the crypto market and the importance of adaptability in investment strategies.