Pre-Market Crypto Stock Movers Mixed, MSTR Up 0.39%

Stock futures were mixed early Tuesday, with select AI and energy stocks showing gains. Zeta Global (ZETA) surged nearly 10% after announcing a strategic collaboration with OpenAI. Microchip Technology (MCHP) rose more than 4% following better-than-expected revenue guidance.

Bitcoin rose 1.3% to $93,576.70 amid speculation the U.S. might seize Venezuela's crypto assets. Venezuela's exact holdings are unclear, but analysts cite unconfirmed reports of over 600,000 BTC. The move added to broader risk-on sentiment and rising demand for crypto investment vehicles.

Strategy Inc (MSTR), the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, reported a $17.44 billion unrealized loss in Q4. Despite the paper loss, the company added 1,287 BTC for $116 million, bringing its total holdings to 673,783 BTC. Strategy also boosted its cash reserves by $62 million to $2.25 billion.

Why the Move Happened

Zeta Global's partnership with OpenAI aims to enhance its Athena platform. The collaboration includes early access to new AI models and expanded beta access for enterprise users. This aligns Athena's development with OpenAI's advancements in conversational AI.

Microchip Technology's Q3 revenue is expected to exceed prior forecasts. CEO Steve Sanghi attributed the upside to inventory correction progress and strong bookings in the December quarter. The company is also reducing internal inventory to lower future write-offs.

Bitcoin's rise followed U.S. military actions in Venezuela. Analysts speculated the U.S. could seize Venezuelan crypto assets, removing a significant portion of supply from circulation. This potential supply shock strengthened the long-term bullish outlook for Bitcoin.

How Markets Responded

Strategy's Bitcoin purchases reinforced market confidence in the cryptocurrency. The firm's increased cash reserves also signaled financial flexibility for future acquisitions. Despite the Q4 paper loss, MSTR shares rose 4.5% in premarket trading.

Cryptocurrency prices drifted higher alongside Bitcoin. Ether rose 0.5% to $3,158 after reaching a three-and-a-half-week high. Solana and Cardano also gained ground, with XRP outperforming its peers.

Morgan Stanley filed for two new ETFs tied to Bitcoin and Solana. The move reflects growing demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles. If approved, the funds could bring new inflows from Morgan Stanley's 19 million clients.

What Analysts Are Watching

The U.S. capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro remains a key focal point. Markets are awaiting clarity on Washington's plans for the country. Analysts are also monitoring Bitcoin's ability to break above key resistance levels, with a target of $100,000 if it closes above $94,253.

Investor attention is turning to the performance of AI-driven stocks and energy companies. Zeta Global's partnership with OpenAI and Microchip Technology's production ramp-up are being closely watched for their potential to drive long-term value.

Regulatory developments in the crypto space will also be a focus. The Genius Act's impact on stablecoin oversight has provided some clarity, and future legislation could further shape the market's trajectory.