Morning Minute: VanEck Leans Into 'Degen' Culture with New ETF

Core Viewpoint - VanEck is launching the VanEck Degen Economy ETF, which will track companies involved in digital trading, gig work, betting, and casinos, marking a significant shift in investment focus towards "degen" culture [2][4]. Group 1: ETF Details - The VanEck Degen Economy ETF will convert from the existing Gaming ETF and is set to launch in April 2026 [2]. - To qualify for inclusion in the ETF, companies must derive at least 50% of their revenue from sectors related to digital trading, gig work, and gambling [2][5]. Group 2: Market Context - The "degen economy" has gained traction post-COVID, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards mobile-first finance and digital platforms [4][7]. - The ETF aims to capture fast-growing sectors such as exchanges, neobanks, sports betting, and gig markets, which are among the highest-growth segments in the modern economy [7]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The Degen Economy ETF integrates a cultural narrative into regulated finance, making it an easily understandable investment thesis for a broad audience [7].