What it is
A 13F filing is a mandatory disclosure submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by institutional investment managers overseeing at least $100 million in qualifying equity securities. This report provides a snapshot of their long positions in U.S. exchange-traded stocks, options, and convertible bonds at the end of each calendar quarter. It must be filed within 45 days of the quarter's end.
These filings are closely scrutinized by investors seeking insights into the strategies of prominent institutional investors, such as hedge funds and mutual funds. While the data is historical, it reveals which stocks major players are buying or selling, indicating their conviction or lack thereof. Tracking 13F filings can help identify trends, confirm investment theses, or highlight potential shifts in institutional sentiment for specific companies or sectors.
Why it matters
13F filings reveal what major institutional investors are buying and selling, offering valuable, albeit delayed, insights into their market strategies and convictions.
Reviewed under editorial standardsUpdated September 26, 2026Not investment advice