How Jan van Eck Redefines Success and Honors His Father’s Legacy
10 October 2023
Read Time 2 MIN
Share with a Friend
All fields required where indicated (*)From launching the first gold fund in 1968 to pioneering ETFs, delve into the journey of Jan van Eck and the legacy of a family that has helped shape the investment landscape for decades.
Diving into the intricate tapestry of VanEck's storied history, from its inception during the Nixon era to its modern-day focus on ETFs, the van Eck family has remained at the forefront of financial innovation. In an extensive profile of CEO Jan van Eck, Real Assets Adviser explores his personal journey, the firm's evolution, and VanEck’s forward-thinking investment philosophy. As the investment world ebbs and flows with the changing tides of global events, Jan's perspective serves as a beacon for those looking to navigate the future.
Here are highlights from the article:
The Nixon Era and Gold
In 1971, President Nixon unhooked the dollar from the gold standard. Jan’s father and the firm’s founder, John van Eck, saw this move coming and had already jumped into the gold market. His gold fund (known today as the VanEck International Investors Gold Fund), the first of its kind, skyrocketed as gold prices soared from $35 to $800 per ounce, making it the industry's top performer.
VanEck's Evolution: From Gold to ETFs
While John was passionate about gold, his son, Jan van Eck, realized the firm's over-reliance on gold was a vulnerability. Jan shifted the firm's focus, pioneering in ETFs. Today, ETFs account for 90% of VanEck's business, and the firm expects this sector to drive its growth for the foreseeable future.
Taking a Global Perspective
Founded in 1955, VanEck was originally focused on leveraging post-WWII investment opportunities in Asia and Europe. Today, Jan keeps an eye on emerging markets, technological innovations like blockchain, and the evolution of private finance in countries like Brazil and India.
Investment Philosophies and Forward Thinking
Jan believes in contrarian investing, seeing potential in assets like office real estate and cryptocurrencies. He's bullish on Bitcoin as a competitor to gold and has been pushing for Bitcoin ETFs since 2017. Jan's investments reflect his beliefs, with allocations in fintech startups and a digital assets fund.
A Changing Financial Landscape
For Jan, finance is intertwined with current events, making every day in the industry intellectually stimulating. He delves into alternative media for insights and research, emphasizing the importance of staying updated. He's particularly intrigued by global demographic changes, such as China's shrinking population.
Jan van Eck: Redefining Success
With a rich legacy behind him and a dynamic world ahead, Jan continues to reshape the definition of success in the investment world.
Read the full profile here: Real Assets Advisor – Honor Thy Father
Important Disclosure
This is a marketing communication. Please refer to the prospectus of the UCITS and to the KID before making any final investment decisions.
This information originates from VanEck Switzerland AG which has been appointed as distributor of VanEck products in Switzerland by the Management Company VanEck Asset Management B.V., incorporated under Dutch law and registered with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). VanEck Switzerland AG’s registered address is at Genferstrasse 21, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland.
The information is intended only to provide general and preliminary information to investors and shall not be construed as investment, legal or tax advice. VanEck Switzerland AG and its associated and affiliated companies (together “VanEck”) assume no liability with regards to any investment, divestment or retention decision taken by the investor on the basis of this information. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) but not necessarily those of VanEck. Opinions are current as of the publication date and are subject to change with market conditions. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results. Information provided by third party sources is believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. Brokerage or transaction fees may apply. A copy of the latest prospectus, the Articles, the Key Information Document, the annual report and semi-annual report can be found on our website www.vaneck.com or can be obtained free of charge from the representative in Switzerland: First Independent Fund Services Ltd, Feldeggstrasse 12, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss paying agent: Helvetische Bank AG, Seefeldstrasse 215, CH-8008 Zürich.
All performance information is based on historical data and does not predict future returns. Investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal.
No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission of VanEck.
© VanEck Switzerland AG
Sign-up for our ETF newsletter
Related Insights
Related Insights
06 August 2024
01 May 2024