BetaShares will launch a suite of ETFs that will allow investors to tap into three technology investment themes: Asian tech giants, blockchain innovation, and robotics and AI.
The Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASIA) will provide exposure to the largest 50 Asian (ex-Japan) technology companies, including the likes of Alibaba, JD.com, Tencent and Baidu.
The Global Blockchain Innovators ETF (BLOK) will track an index of global companies that are either developing, researching or utilising block chain technologies.
Finally, the Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (RBTZ) will track the performance of an index of companies involved in the production or use of robotics and automation products and services.
BetaShares chief executive Alex Vynokur said: “These new funds will capture some of the most exciting growth stories in the world today, and significantly expand on the range of technology-oriented ETFs available on the ASX.”
Mr Vynokur added that the amount of money that flowed into international equities ETFs for the first half of calendar 2018 was $941 million, almost double the amount that flowed into Australian equities ETFs.
“In recent years, there’s been a noticeable trend of Australian investors turning their attention to investment opportunities outside of our local sharemarket, as growth prospects in Australia have become more limited,” Mr Vynokur said.
“Traditional drivers of growth in the Australian economy – the resources and financials sectors – may not, by themselves, deliver the sorts of returns that most effectively underpin long-term growth in Australian retirement portfolios. Hence, investing more globally has become so important,” he said.
