ARK Invest Makes Waves: Cathie Wood Bets on Veracyte, Trims AvidXchange and 3D Systems
If there’s one name that stands out when it comes to bold investing, it’s Cathie Wood. Her firm, ARK Invest, is known for shaking things up in the stock market. And recently, they made some big moves again. Whether you’re new to investing or just love following smart money, keeping tabs on ARK’s portfolio changes can offer some interesting insights.
In this post, we’ll dive into the latest trades made by ARK Invest, including a new bet on Veracyte, and what they could mean for investors like you and me.
Who Is Cathie Wood and What’s ARK Invest?
Before jumping into the trades, let’s quickly catch up on who we’re talking about. Cathie Wood is the CEO and founder of ARK Invest. The firm is best known for investing in disruptive innovation—basically, companies that are trying to change the world through technology, genomics, artificial intelligence, and more.
Wood has gained a strong following over the years for her bold bets on companies like Tesla, Roku, and CRISPR. Now, she’s once again making headlines with fresh trades that caught the eyes of many in the investing world.
Veracyte: The New Favorite
One of the most notable moves ARK made recently was buying up shares of Veracyte (ticker: VCYT), a genomics diagnostics company. If you’re not familiar with Veracyte, think of it as a company working on tools to help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately and less invasively. They focus heavily on thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and other serious conditions.
This investment aligns with ARK’s common theme: betting on the future of healthcare. ARK sees promise in precision medicine—that’s healthcare tailored to the individual. With Veracyte’s advanced testing technology, it’s no wonder they now hold a spot in ARK’s Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG).
How Much Did ARK Buy?
ARK snapped up 284,271 shares of Veracyte, which was worth about $6.9 million at the time. This purchase came through the ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG). It’s clear they’re taking this position seriously.
| Stock | Ticker | Action | Shares | Value (Approx.) | ETF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veracyte | VCYT | Buy | 284,271 | $6.9 million | ARKG |
| AvidXchange | AVDX | Sell | 1,170,346 | ~$12.8 million | ARKF |
| 3D Systems | DDD | Sell | 299,563 | ~$1.5 million | ARKQ |
Letting Go of AvidXchange
While Veracyte got the green light, ARK decided to say goodbye to a fair chunk of AvidXchange (AVDX). This company offers payment automation solutions for businesses. It’s not hard to see why ARK was initially interested—digital payments are a hot trend, after all.
However, ARK Financial Technology ETF (ARKF) sold over 1.17 million shares, which was worth around $12.8 million. This is not a total exit, but it certainly sends a signal. Maybe it was profit-taking. Maybe it was a reallocation. Either way, it shows ARK shifting gears in the fintech space.
Trimming 3D Systems
ARK also reduced its holdings in 3D Systems (DDD), selling nearly 300,000 shares. This company has been a pioneer in 3D printing technology—a field that’s full of promise but also volatility.
The sale, worth around $1.5 million, came from ARK’s Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ). While ARK has historically shown belief in 3D printing, this move could point to re-assessing that faith in the short term. Sometimes, even the most forward-looking firms need to course correct.
Why Do These Moves Matter?
If you’re thinking, “Why should I care about what ARK Invest is doing?”—well, you’re not alone. But watching these moves can help you:
- Understand market sentiment: These trades reflect what ARK sees as opportunities and risks.
- Discover new stock ideas: Stocks like Veracyte might not be on your radar yet.
- Learn portfolio strategy: Notice how ARK trims positions rather than panic sell. There’s a method to their madness.
What Could This Mean for the Future?
Let’s be real—following big investors isn’t a guaranteed path to riches. But it can offer ideas, especially when you’re building or rebalancing your portfolio.
Veracyte’s inclusion shows ARK’s growing interest in personalized healthcare and medical technology. If you’re bullish on the future of biotech, this could be worth looking into more deeply. Of course, always do your own research (DYOR) before buying.
Meanwhile, the trimming of AvidXchange and 3D Systems could suggest ARK is rotating into higher conviction assets or simply managing risk in a sometimes unpredictable market.
Final Thoughts: What Can Everyday Investors Learn?
So, what’s the big takeaway here?
Like many of us, Cathie Wood and her team adjust when the market shifts. They back bold ideas, but they’re not afraid to make changes. And that’s a great reminder—strong investing doesn’t mean never changing your mind. It means being informed, staying curious, and knowing when to pivot.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I believe in genomics and precision medicine?
- Should I trim some underperformers like ARK did with 3D Systems?
- Am I investing based on long-term themes or just chasing trends?
Ultimately, using ARK’s moves as a lens into market trends can sharpen your own strategy. Think of it as adding a few new tools to your investor toolbox—not copying answers from your neighbor during a test.
So, keep learning, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to rethink your portfolio when the facts change.
What Do You Think?
Does Cathie Wood’s bet on Veracyte excite you about the future of healthcare investing? Are fintech and 3D printing still solid plays, or are their best days behind them?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
Note: This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.