Vanguard ETF Buys $7.5M in Metaplanet Shares

Vanguard’s FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF has reportedly acquired 4.5 million shares in Japanese Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet, with the position valued at approximately $7.5 million, according to CryptoNews.

The reported purchase marks the first disclosed Metaplanet holding for the Vanguard fund, which invests in small companies outside the United States. Other Vanguard funds, including VGTSX and VJPN, have previously held shares in the company. Vanguard’s Total International Stock Index Fund was previously reported to hold 15.64 million shares valued at approximately $53.5 million, while the FTSE Japan ETF reportedly acquired 704,500 shares worth around $2.1 million last year.

Market Presence and Holdings

The reported $7.5 million position represents a small fraction of the ETF’s multibillion-dollar portfolio, accounting for roughly 0.07% of the fund's approximately $11.34 billion in assets. Metaplanet trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 3350 and closed 0.75% lower at ¥263 following the reports.

Metaplanet has expanded its Bitcoin treasury strategy throughout the year, holding 44,000 BTC as of September 30. The company continues to raise funds to support its treasury model, including plans announced in October to raise ¥52 billion through zero-interest convertible bonds.

Key facts

• Vanguard's VSS ETF acquired 4.5 million shares of Metaplanet valued at roughly $7.5 million.
• The transaction marks the first reported Metaplanet holding for the VSS fund.
• Metaplanet held 44,000 BTC as of September 30.
• Metaplanet shares closed 0.75% lower at ¥263 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.