MSTR Stock Warning: Peter Schiff Predicts Worse Returns in 2026 in MSCI Decision

MSTR faced fresh pressure when economist Peter Schiff warned that the stock was likely to perform poorly in 2026. His caution came after new criticism of the approach taken by Michael Saylor and the favored stock of the company, STRC. Schiff’s remarks come as MSCI prepares to decide whether to grant digital-asset treasury firms the status of investment funds. The decision can impact the listing of MSTR in major international indices.

Schiff posts his comments on X. He wrote that Strategy had to increase the STRC dividend, which is an indicator of financial pressure. The preferred stock is currently yielding 11% a month in the form of dividends. The increase was recently reported by Saylor. Schiff alleged that the company was struggling with making a 10% payment at the previous rate. He called STRC junk, and the change in the dividend strengthened his opinion.

MSTR’s 2025 Collapse Deepens Concerns for 2026

MSTR ended last year at nearly half of the high of 2025. The stock has fallen approximately 50% above prices of more than $400. It declined continuously in the second half of the year. The slide went on, and Bitcoin fell below 100,000 in November. This connection between MSTR and Bitcoin is the core of his warning, Schiff said.

He contended that the share can give poor returns in 2026. He added that Bitcoin might plunge further this year. He said that the decline would put further pressure on the valuation of MSTR. Schiff even repeated his previous analogy of the company to large index constituents. He reported that MSTR would have been among the 6th worst performers to include Strategy in the S&P 500.

Schiff further claimed that the purchases of Bitcoin by Strategy have harmed shareholder value. He indicated protracted declines in the stock. He cited that the strategy has subjected investors to unnecessary volatility. His remarks brought about a controversy over digital-asset treasury policy. The criticism was released at an opportune time for the Saylor company.

Also Read: MSTR Stock Posts Unbroken Losses From July to December 2025 Since BTC Treasury Adoption

MSCI Review Could Trigger Major Index Outflows

MSCI will make the decision on January 15. The opinion under consideration is whether digital-asset treasury companies should be considered investment funds. The consultation phase on the proposal came to an end yesterday. 

In case MSCI decides in favor of reclassification, the modification might result in removals in its global indices. One of the companies under scrutiny is the Strategy.

Analysts have highlighted the potential impact of this move. JPMorgan had estimated outflows of up to $2.8 billion at Strategy in case MSCI sets it out of its indices. The bank responded that index-tracking funds might have to minimize exposure. These outflows would impose pressure on the stock performance of MSTR. The decision is now under scrutiny by the market.

The crypto traders are interested in the result as well. Polymarket predicts a 75% likelihood of Strategy’s removal from the MSCI index by March 31. The expectation implies an increase in uncertainty. The combination of the MSCI ruling and criticism by Schiff has led to more focus on MSTR at the beginning of the year.

Source: Polymarket

Also Read: Bitcoin Strategy Halted: Beckham-Backed Prenetics Quits Buys, Holds 510 BTC