Michael Burry Takes a Bearish Stance on Nvidia and Chinese Tech Stocks

Michael Burry, the renowned investor known for his prescient bet against the 2008 housing market, has recently made headlines by purchasing put options against Nvidia and several major Chinese tech companies. This strategic move comes as Burry’s firm, Scion Asset Management, significantly reduced its equity portfolio, indicating a shift in investment strategy amidst rising economic tensions.

Key Takeaways

Michael Burry has bought put options on Nvidia and major Chinese tech firms.
Scion Asset Management has cut its portfolio size significantly.
Burry’s bearish stance reflects concerns over economic conditions and potential trade wars.

Burry’s Investment Strategy

Burry’s investment approach has always been characterized by a contrarian mindset, often targeting undervalued stocks. His recent actions suggest a pivot from previous bullish positions in Chinese tech, which he had aggressively accumulated in late 2022. The latest regulatory filings reveal that Scion Asset Management now holds put options on:

Nvidia (AI chip giant)
Alibaba (e-commerce leader)
Baidu (search engine)
JD.com (e-commerce and logistics)
PDD Holdings (parent company of Temu)
Trip.com (online travel booking platform)

This shift indicates Burry’s anticipation of a downturn in these sectors, particularly as geopolitical tensions rise and economic conditions remain uncertain.

Portfolio Adjustments

In the first quarter of 2025, Scion Asset Management made significant adjustments to its portfolio:

Reduced Holdings: The firm decreased its stock holdings from 13 to just 7 companies.
Increased Stake in Estée Lauder: Despite the bearish outlook on tech, Burry doubled his investment in Estée Lauder, acquiring 200,000 shares, reflecting a belief in the beauty giant’s long-term potential despite current market challenges.

Economic Context

Burry’s bearish bets come at a time when the tech sector has been experiencing volatility due to:

Regulatory Crackdowns: Chinese tech companies have faced increased scrutiny from the government, impacting their stock performance.
Trade Tensions: The potential for renewed trade wars, particularly with the U.S., poses risks for companies heavily reliant on international markets.
Market Reactions: Following recent announcements regarding tariffs and trade policies, tech stocks have shown mixed performance, with some companies like Alibaba and Baidu seeing gains, while others struggle.

Conclusion

Michael Burry’s latest investment moves highlight his ongoing commitment to value investing and his ability to read market signals. By betting against Nvidia and major Chinese tech stocks, he is positioning himself to profit from potential declines in these sectors. As economic conditions evolve, investors will be watching closely to see how Burry’s predictions unfold in the coming months.