VanEck launches WBMO, targeting a 2% Bitcoin cameo in the 60/40 playbook

US asset manager VanEck launched the actively managed VanEck Wealth Builder ETF (NYSE: WBMO), according to Tuesday’s announcement, combining stocks, bonds and real assets with a target allocation to Bitcoin. The fund targets a 2% Bitcoin allocation, with a permitted range of 1% to 5%, according to VanEck’s website. Bitcoin exposure comes through a spot Bitcoin ETP rather than direct holdings of the cryptocurrency.

Investments include both VanEck and third-party ETFs. The strategy provides exposure to global equities, fixed income, gold and other real assets, with allocations managed and rebalanced by VanEck. The fund builds on VanEck’s existing Wealth Builder model portfolios, which were previously available to financial advisers through third-party wealth management platforms.

“The traditional 60/40 portfolio was built for a different investment landscape,” said David Schassler, VanEck’s head of multi-asset solutions. He said adding real assets alongside stocks and bonds could help investors navigate a wider range of economic conditions.

The launch follows VanEck’s March partnership with retirement platform Basic Capital, which made a selection of the asset manager’s digital asset exchange-traded products available through US employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. VanEck managed about $244.1 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, according to the company.