Core ETF
The Degenerate Economy ETF™ (core index-tracking concept)
A core ETF concept designed to track the Degenerate Economy Index™ (DEGENCOM™) with transparent, rules-based exposure to the platforms, exchanges, and attention economy infrastructure that monetize participation cycles.
Sponsored by Degenerate Economics Management™ as a leading exchange-traded product concept.
The index base is derived by setting Bitcoin to 1 BTC at the May 15, 2023 close ($27,508.23) and scaling the total by its index weight; all other holdings are sized from that base according to their index weights.
Our mission is to democratize finance by building ETF access for everyone, subject to regulatory approval and partner support.
Performance
Illustrative performance view
Performance figures will be published after launch. Until then, the proxy index history is provided for context only and does not represent a live ETF.
Holdings
Sample index constituents
Holdings are based on a publicly reported index snapshot and may change at each rebalance.
Why This ETF
A focused expression of the degenerate economy
The core ETF targets the infrastructure layer of speculation with a thematic, actively governed index. The rules can add meme-driven names when warranted, while keeping the focus on platforms that monetize attention, volume, and participation cycles across equities, options, and crypto-adjacent activity.
Strategy
Methodology built for ETF delivery
The core ETF uses a structured process to translate market structure changes into a transparent, rules-based index that can be delivered through an ETF vehicle.
Define the universe
Start with NMS equities, cryptocurrencies, and thematic assets tied to attention economy and gamification dynamics.
Score the signals
Blend volatility, volume, and narrative velocity to rank eligible constituents.
Construct the index
Apply weighting and caps to maintain investability and diversification.
Monitor and rebalance
Review monthly with interim checks during regime shifts.
Objective & Strategy
Core ETF objective
The core ETF is designed to track the Degenerate Economy Index™ and provide transparent exposure to the attention economy infrastructure that benefits from participation cycles.
Fund Details
Core ETF overview
The core ETF is an index-tracking concept designed to deliver the DEGENCOM™ exposure in a transparent ETF wrapper. Details will be published as issuer partners and service providers are finalized.
Fees & Expenses
Expense profile (TBD)
Expense information will be available once the fund is registered and approved.
If launched, the ETF will charge fees and expenses that reduce returns. Fee levels are TBD and will be disclosed in offering documents.
For context, the industry’s asset‑weighted average mutual fund + ETF expense ratio was about 0.44% as of Dec 31, 2024. Actual ETF fees could be higher or lower and would reduce net returns.
Index Details
How the index is governed
The ETF seeks to track DEGENCOM™ under a rules-based methodology that emphasizes tradability, transparency, and risk controls.
Fund Documents
Materials available at launch
Documents will be published once the fund is registered and approved. Subscribers can request early access to draft materials for review.
Premium / Discount
Expected ETF trading behavior
Shares trade on an exchange and may trade above or below NAV. The data below will be provided at launch.
| Quarter | Premium Days | At NAV | Discount Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Q2 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Q3 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Q4 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Yield
Distribution metrics (TBD)
Distribution metrics will be published after launch. Distributions are TBD and not guaranteed. This is a core index‑tracking ETF, not an income‑focused product.
Distributions
Distribution history (TBD)
Distribution data will be available after launch. Distributions are TBD and not guaranteed. Dividends from underlying holdings may be passed through; the index does not reinvest dividends.
| Ex-Date | Record Date | Payable Date | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Industry Context
VanEck Validates the Degen Economy as an Investable Theme
In December 2025, VanEck announced the rebrand of its Gaming ETF (BJK, ~$20M AUM) to the “VanEck Degen Economy ETF,” effective April 8, 2026. A major ETF sponsor rebranding around a concept whose origins trace back to May 2023, and that formally launched as DEGENCOM™ in early 2026, validates the thesis in the strongest possible way.
VanEck's Approach
- Rebranding an existing 2008-era gaming ETF to follow a trending theme
- Passive tracking of MarketVector Degen Economy Index (third-party)
- Broad universe: ride-hailing, food delivery, freelance marketplaces alongside digital gambling
- Quarterly rebalance, modified cap-weighted, 8% position cap
DEGENCOM™ Difference
- Concept originated May 2023 on Thematic, formally launched as DEGENCOM™ in early 2026
- Proprietary index with AI-driven signal scoring, not a passive tracker
- Focused on attention economy infrastructure: platforms, exchanges, and enablers
- Monthly rebalance with regime-shift checks and squeeze detection
Why this matters: DEGENCOM™ is an index, not an ETF. We don't compete with VanEck's fund. We defined the category. VanEck's entry is not competition; it is confirmation that the degenerate economy is a legitimate, investable macro theme. Competition in this space is a good thing. It brings visibility, legitimacy, and capital to an idea we identified years ago. For a full methodology comparison, see our Research & Sources page.
This ETF is a pre-launch concept and does not represent an offer or solicitation. All figures are illustrative and subject to change. Launch timing depends on regulatory approvals, issuer partnerships, and service provider readiness.