Based on 545 hedge funds · latest filing: 2025 Q4 · updated quarterly
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Buying streak — 3 quarters in a row
For 3 consecutive quarters, more hedge funds added SLYV than sold it. That's a consistent pattern of professional buying — not a one-time trade. When institutions keep buying quarter after quarter, it usually means they see a multi-year opportunity, not just a short-term momentum flip.
🏔️
At the ownership peak (99% of max)
99% of all-time peak
545 hedge funds hold SLYV right now — the highest count in 3.0 years. When ownership is this concentrated, any bad news can trigger a chain reaction: one big fund sells, others follow. This is a classic 'crowded trade' — high popularity doesn't equal safety.
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Stable — ownership unchanged year-over-year
fund count last 6Q
The number of hedge funds holding SLYV is almost the same as a year ago (-3 funds, -1% change). No significant rush to buy or sell — institutional backing is holding steady.
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More sellers than buyers — 46% buying
229 buying265 selling
Last quarter: 265 funds reduced or exited vs 229 that bought or added. When more than half of active funds are selling, it's a caution flag — especially if the stock price hasn't moved down yet.
➡️
Steady new buyers — ~59 new funds per quarter
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening this position for the first time: 35 → 50 → 57 → 59. A stable flow of new institutional buyers suggests ongoing interest without signs of either acceleration or slowdown.
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66% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 66% conviction (2yr+)
■ 19% medium
■ 15% new
359 out of 545 hedge funds have held SLYV for over 2 years without selling. Long-term investors are generally harder to shake out during market stress, creating a stable ownership base that limits the risk of sudden capitulation.
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Growing discovery — still being found
63 → 35 → 50 → 57 → 59 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 35 → 50 → 57 → 59. A growing number of institutions are discovering SLYV each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
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Deep conviction — 65% of holders stayed 2+ years
■ 65% veterans
■ 14% 1-2yr
■ 21% new
Of 547 current holders: 355 (65%) have held for over 2 years without selling. These are not momentum buyers — they have lived through drawdowns and stayed. A large veteran base acts as a stabilizing force during selloffs.
✅
Strong quality — 31% AUM from major funds
31% from top-100 AUM funds
18 of 545 holders rank in the top 100 by AUM, accounting for 31% of total institutional value held. A meaningful share of the ownership value comes from the most well-resourced institutions.
Exit risk score 3.6/10 — low institutional crowding. Ownership is below peak levels, holder base is relatively sticky, and buying momentum is positive.