TLDR
- Ark Invest adds $21M in HOOD shares, pushing stock up nearly 6%.
- Robinhood gains traction with major crypto-focused acquisitions.
- Ark’s reshuffle underscores faith in digital finance growth.
- HOOD’s rise follows bold blockchain and Layer 2 initiatives.
- Institutional backing cements Robinhood’s crypto leadership.
Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) experienced a sharp rise on Wednesday, gaining 5.86% to trade at $134.68 by early afternoon.
Robinhood Markets, Inc., HOOD
The momentum began late in the morning and strengthened steadily as market confidence grew. This performance followed a major portfolio reshuffle by Ark Invest that added significant weight to Robinhood shares.
The prominent asset management firm purchased a total of 167,489 HOOD shares on October 22, worth approximately $21.3 million. Ark Invest split the acquisition between its Ark Innovation ETF (ARKK) and ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW). ARKK acquired 131,049 shares, while ARKW added 36,440 shares to its holdings.
Robinhood represented nearly 19% of each ETF’s total assets, underscoring its rising significance in Ark’s strategy. Ark Invest has continued to rebalance its crypto-focused exposure throughout the year. The latest move strengthens its growing position in blockchain-linked public equities.
Strategic Shifts and Prior Offloads in Ark’s Robinhood Holdings
Ark Invest has adjusted its HOOD holdings multiple times throughout the year to reflect market trends and strategic goals. In September, the firm sold more than 40,000 Robinhood shares valued around $5.1 million. This offload helped fund a $4.3 million purchase of shares in BitMine, a crypto treasury firm.
Robinhood announced inclusion in the S&P 500 index, which surprised analysts due to its timing. Despite the short-term exit, Ark’s overall interest in HOOD has grown consistently during 2025. The firm has also expanded its portfolio with stocks from other crypto-related firms, including Bullish and Coinbase.
While Ark continues to tweak its portfolio, it maintains a strong conviction in Robinhood’s long-term potential. This conviction has played a key role in driving HOOD’s market performance upward this week. The renewed accumulation signals a strategic focus on digital finance and crypto-driven platforms.
Robinhood Expands Crypto Reach With Key Acquisitions and Blockchain Initiatives
Robinhood has advanced its crypto trading operations significantly in 2025, expanding across new markets and enhancing platform features. In May, it finalized the $180 million acquisition of Toronto-based WonderFi to boost Canadian crypto services. By June, it completed a $200 million deal to acquire global exchange Bitstamp.
Following these moves, the company disclosed plans to launch its own Layer 2 blockchain built on Arbitrum, aimed at scaling its ecosystem. Recently, Robinhood also added support for Binance Coin (BNB) trading, further diversifying its crypto asset offerings. These steps position the firm as a growing force in digital asset trading and infrastructure.
Through its consistent crypto expansion, Robinhood continues to align with broader market shifts and platform innovation trends. These developments, coupled with major institutional backing, have contributed to the stock’s upward trajectory. With strategic acquisitions and product growth, Robinhood’s positioning in the financial technology space remains strong.
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