The rise of blockchain technology continues to reshape industries, creating new opportunities for investors seeking exposure to this dynamic sector. VanEck's Onchain Economy ETF, trading under the ticker symbol $NODE, offers a unique approach to investing in the growth of the on-chain economy through a regulated, U.S.-listed fund.
This actively managed ETF provides targeted exposure to companies that are building, adopting, and implementing blockchain technology across various sectors. Rather than investing directly in cryptocurrencies, $NODE focuses on the equity of companies driving innovation in blockchain infrastructure, digital assets, and decentralized applications.
Understanding VanEck's Onchain Economy ETF ($NODE)
VanEck's Onchain Economy ETF represents a strategic investment vehicle designed to capture the value created by blockchain technology adoption across global industries. The fund invests in companies engaged in blockchain development, smart contracts, tokenization, and various aspects of the digital asset economy.
The ETF's ticker symbol, $NODE, represents shares traded on traditional stock exchanges, allowing investors to gain exposure to blockchain economic activity through familiar equity markets rather than direct cryptocurrency ownership. VanEck launched $NODE in May 2025, with trading commencing on May 14, 2025, on the Cboe BZX Exchange.
Investment Strategy and Portfolio Composition
The $NODE ETF employs an active management strategy, with portfolio managers selecting between 30-60 holdings from a universe of more than 130 publicly listed companies operating in key blockchain sectors. The fund diversifies across multiple segments of the blockchain ecosystem:
- Cryptocurrency exchanges that facilitate digital asset trading
- Mining operations that validate blockchain transactions
- Data centers providing computational infrastructure
- Energy infrastructure providers supporting blockchain operations
- Semiconductor and hardware manufacturers producing specialized equipment
- Traditional financial institutions offering blockchain-related services
- Consumer and gaming companies integrating blockchain technology
- Asset managers creating digital asset investment products
- Public companies holding cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets
Additionally, the fund may allocate up to 25% of its assets to cryptocurrency exchange-traded products, providing indirect exposure to digital asset performance. VanEck charges a management fee of approximately 0.69% for this actively managed portfolio.
How $NODE Tracks Blockchain Innovation
Unlike cryptocurrency-focused funds that track digital asset prices, $NODE follows the growth of companies implementing blockchain technology in real-world applications. The ETF strategically invests in firms that actively build, enable, and adopt blockchain solutions, focusing on those for whom blockchain technology is essential to their operations or business strategy.
VanEck's investment team employs Bitcoin cycle indicators, including halving events and historical price patterns, to adjust risk exposure based on market conditions. This approach recognizes that Bitcoin's cycles often influence broader blockchain industry trends, including funding availability, business adoption rates, revenue growth for sector companies, and public sentiment toward digital assets.
By targeting companies that shape blockchain's practical applications, $NODE captures growth that extends beyond speculative trading and reflects the actual economic value generated by blockchain implementation.
Key Differences From Traditional ETFs
$NODE distinguishes itself from traditional exchange-traded funds through its specialized focus and active management approach. While conventional ETFs typically track broad market indices or established economic sectors through passive strategies, $NODE specifically targets companies driving blockchain innovation.
Traditional ETFs often focus on mature market segments like technology, healthcare, or energy, tracking established indices such as the S&P 500. In contrast, $NODE invests primarily in companies building and utilizing blockchain technology, representing a more targeted approach to an emerging economic paradigm.
The active management strategy allows VanEck to adjust holdings based on developments within the on-chain economy and Bitcoin's historical patterns, providing dynamic exposure to this evolving sector. 👉 Explore more investment strategies for emerging technologies
How to Invest in VanEck's $NODE ETF
Investing in $NODE follows the same process as purchasing any traditional ETF. The fund trades on the Cboe BZX Exchange during regular market hours under the ticker symbol NODE.
To invest in $NODE, individuals must first open a brokerage account with a platform that provides access to the Cboe exchange. After funding the account, investors can search for the NODE ticker symbol, review the fund details and management fee, and place buy orders through their preferred trading platform.
As with any investment, thorough research and understanding of the ETF's strategy and risk profile are essential before committing capital.
The Growing Significance of the Onchain Economy
The blockchain economy continues to expand across multiple dimensions, driven by technological advancements and increasing institutional adoption. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 marked a significant milestone, providing investors with regulated access to blockchain-based investment products and bringing new capital into the sector.
Financial institutions are increasingly exploring tokenization of real-world assets, including real estate and investment funds, while various blockchain applications gain traction across industries. The ecosystem now encompasses non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance platforms, tokenized assets, stablecoins, and blockchain-based payment systems.
Companies are developing solutions that bridge traditional industries with blockchain technology, enhancing digital ownership rights and improving accessibility to financial services. As more businesses and users participate in on-chain activities, the blockchain economy evolves beyond speculation into practical, everyday applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary risks associated with investing in $NODE?
The $NODE ETF carries several risks typical of emerging technology investments. These include sector volatility, regulatory uncertainty, competitive pressures among portfolio companies, and the developmental nature of many blockchain applications. Market sentiment toward digital assets and technological disruption in the sector may also impact performance.
Is $NODE available to international investors?
Access to $NODE for non-U.S. investors depends on local regulations and brokerage capabilities. International investors should consult with their financial institutions to determine availability and any additional requirements for trading U.S.-listed ETFs, as cross-border investment regulations vary by jurisdiction.
What types of companies comprise the $NODE portfolio?
The ETF invests in publicly traded companies that build, enable, or adopt blockchain technology across various sectors. This includes cryptocurrency exchanges, mining operations, infrastructure providers, financial services firms offering blockchain solutions, gaming companies implementing blockchain features, and corporations holding digital assets on their balance sheets.
Does $NODE provide direct cryptocurrency exposure?
$NODE does not invest directly in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. The fund focuses on equity investments in companies operating in the blockchain ecosystem. It may allocate a portion of assets to cryptocurrency exchange-traded products for indirect digital asset exposure, but this represents a secondary component of the overall strategy.
How does active management benefit $NODE investors?
Active management allows VanEck to adjust the portfolio based on evolving market conditions, technological developments, and Bitcoin cycle indicators. This flexibility enables the fund to potentially capitalize on emerging opportunities while managing risk exposure in a rapidly changing industry landscape.
What makes $NODE different from blockchain-focused index funds?
Unlike passively managed index funds that track predetermined baskets of stocks, $NODE's active management approach allows for strategic weighting adjustments and selective inclusion of companies based on current market conditions and growth potential within the blockchain sector. This active strategy aims to optimize returns while managing sector-specific risks.
The VanEck Onchain Economy ETF offers investors a structured approach to participating in blockchain technology's growth through traditional equity markets. By focusing on companies building the infrastructure and applications that power the on-chain economy, $NODE provides exposure to blockchain innovation while operating within established regulatory frameworks.