The 21Shares Crypto Basket 10 Core ETP offers a streamlined approach to investing in a diversified portfolio of leading cryptocurrencies. Launched on September 29, 2021, this exchange-traded product provides exposure to a basket of ten major digital assets, tracking the performance of the 21Shares Crypto Basket Index. With a total expense ratio (TER) of 0.49% and a current fund volume of approximately €24.52 million, it presents a cost-efficient method for gaining broad crypto market access.
This physically replicated product reinvests any potential distributions, following a thesaurierend (accumulating) strategy. It is eligible for savings plans with certain brokers, though it is not available for vermögenswirksame Leistungen (asset-building schemes) or within ETF-based pension insurance products.
Key Features and Structure
Product Overview
The ETP employs a physical replication method, meaning it directly holds the underlying cryptocurrencies. This structure ensures that the product's value closely mirrors the performance of its benchmark index. Securities lending is not permitted for this ETP, which may reduce counterparty risk but could also limit potential additional returns.
Composition and Holdings
The portfolio consists of ten core cryptocurrencies, with the top ten positions accounting for 96.43% of the total fund volume. This high concentration indicates that the product's performance is heavily influenced by its largest holdings, which typically include established digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The basket approach provides instant diversification across multiple cryptocurrencies, potentially reducing the impact of any single asset's poor performance. However, investors should note that the crypto market remains highly volatile, and diversification does not eliminate risk entirely.
Performance Analysis
Historical Returns
The ETP has demonstrated significant growth since its inception. As of recent calculations, the product has achieved a remarkable performance of 167.66% since April 19, 2023, equivalent to an annualized nominal return of 63.60%. This figure includes the reinvestment of any distributions.
Recent performance figures show:
- 1 week: +15.12%
- 1 month: +31.17%
- 3 months: -1.87%
- 6 months: +4.06%
- 1 year: +41.98%
These returns reflect the highly volatile nature of cryptocurrency investments, with substantial short-term fluctuations alongside strong long-term growth potential.
Return Calculator Analysis
According to performance calculations, an investment of €1,000 at launch would have generated approximately €1,556.60 in profit by recent dates, representing a 155.66% return. The annualized return would stand at approximately 53.21%, demonstrating the product's strong historical performance.
Risk Assessment
Volatility and Drawdowns
Cryptocurrency ETPs inherently carry higher risk levels than traditional equity or bond products. The maximum drawdown feature shows that during selected periods, the product's value has experienced significant declines, with the lowest point recorded on April 9, 2025.
Investors should be prepared for potentially substantial short-term losses even while pursuing long-term gains. The concentrated nature of the basket (10 assets) means it may experience greater volatility than more diversified crypto products.
Risk Metrics
While specific risk indicators aren't provided in the source material, cryptocurrency investments typically show high standard deviation values and beta coefficients significantly above 1.0, indicating higher volatility than the broader market.
Investment Considerations
Savings Plan Availability
The product is sparplanfähig (eligible for savings plans) with certain brokers, allowing investors to implement dollar-cost averaging strategies. This approach can be particularly valuable in volatile markets like cryptocurrency, as it helps mitigate timing risk.
Currently, no VL-Sparpläne (asset-building savings plans) are available for this ETP, limiting some structured investment options for German investors.
Tax Treatment
The thesaurierend (accumulating) structure means investors don't receive regular dividend payments, which may have tax implications depending on the investor's jurisdiction. In many countries, accumulating ETFs still create taxable events despite not distributing income.
Comparative Analysis
Similar Investment Products
While the source material lists numerous traditional bond and equity ETFs for comparison, it's important to note that crypto ETPs occupy a different asset class with distinct risk-return characteristics. The 21Shares Crypto Basket 10 Core ETP offers exposure to an emerging asset class that behaves differently from both traditional equities and fixed income securities.
For those seeking diversified crypto exposure without directly managing multiple digital wallets, this product provides a convenient solution. 👉 Explore more investment strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISIN/WKN for the 21Shares Crypto Basket 10 Core ETP?
The identifying code for this product is CH1135202179. These codes are essential for accurately identifying the security when trading or conducting research through financial platforms.
What costs are associated with investing in this ETP?
The total expense ratio is 0.49%, which covers management fees and other operational expenses. Additionally, investors may incur brokerage commissions when buying or selling shares, and bid-ask spreads may affect trading costs.
Does the 21Shares Crypto Basket 10 Core ETP distribute dividends?
No, this is an accumulating ETP that reinvests any income generated by the underlying assets. This approach allows for potential compound growth without requiring investors to manually reinvest distributions.
What is the current fund volume?
The fund currently manages approximately €24.52 million in assets. This size provides sufficient liquidity for most individual investors while remaining smaller than many established traditional ETF products.
Where can I set up a savings plan for this ETF?
Several German brokers offer savings plans for this product, though availability varies by platform. Investors should check with their specific brokerage to confirm availability and terms before attempting to establish a regular investment plan.
How does this product differ from holding cryptocurrencies directly?
This ETP provides regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies without the technical complexities of direct ownership, such as wallet management and security concerns. However, it also introduces counterparty risk and management fees that don't exist with direct ownership.