INVEST IN THE THEMES SHAPING OUR FUTURE

Seek to capture the innovation around you with thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

LEARN ABOUT INVESTMENT THEMES IN FOCUS FOR 2024

Explore how thematic investing with iShares can help you access key themes from our 2024 Thematic Outlook.

AI and Robotics

Exposure to companies at the forefront of robotics and artificial intelligence innovation.

Semiconductors

Exposure to U.S. companies that design, manufacture, and distribute semiconductors.

Emerging markets ex China

Exposure to emerging markets while maintaining flexibility for a tailored approach to invest in China

WHAT ARE THE FIVE MEGA FORCES?

Thematic investing identifies themes changing the world and companies positioned to benefit. BlackRock has identified 5 mega forces having a profound impact on the global economy.

Caption:

Table of mega force names, descriptions and key stats.

Mega forceDescriptionDid you know?
Demographic divergenceAging populations in major economies are poised to limit how much countries can produce and grow. By contrast, selected emerging market economies can benefit from younger populations and growing middle classes.By 2050, there will be 2X as many persons aged 65 or older than children under 5 globally.1
Digital disruption and artificial intelligence (AI)Artificial intelligence can automate laborious tasks, analyze huge sets of data and help generate fresh ideas. Digital disruption goes beyond AI.In 2024, 70% of executives will increase AI resourcing, with cost savings a major driver of adoption.2
Geopolitical fragmentation and economic competitionIn a marked departure from the post-Cold War period of increasing globalization, we see countries favoring national security and resilience over economic efficiency.The rate of reshoring job announcements was over 60X higher in 2022 than in 2010.3
Future of financeA fast-evolving financial architecture is changing how households and companies use cash, borrow, transact and seek returns.Of the 50 largest financial institutions, 1/3. are now data and technology firms, up from only two decades ago.4
Transition to a low-carbon economyThe transition to a low-carbon economy is set to spur a massive reallocation of capital as energy systems are rewired.Annual capital investment in the global energy sector is expected to rise to an average of US$4T per year through 2050, from just over US$2T per year currently.5

HOW TO INVEST IN MEGA FORCES?

Thematic ETFs aligned with mega forces allow investors access to long-term transformations expected to have a profound impact on the global economy.​

DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERGENCE

Aging populations in major economies are poised to limit how much countries can produce and grow. By contrast, selected emerging market economies can benefit from younger populations and growing middle classes.

DIGITAL DISRUPTION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Artificial intelligence can automate laborious tasks, analyze huge sets of data and help generate fresh ideas. Digital disruption goes beyond AI.

GEOPOLITICAL FRAGMENTATION AND ECONOMIC COMPETITION

In a marked departure from the post-Cold War period of increasing globalization, we see countries favoring national security and resilience over economic efficiency.

FUTURE OF FINANCE

A fast-evolving financial architecture is changing how households and companies use cash, borrow, transact and seek returns.

LOW-CARBON TRANSITION

The transition to a low-carbon economy is set to spur a massive reallocation of capital as energy systems are rewired.

For the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), this information must be accompanied by a current iShares Bitcoin Trust prospectus, which may be obtained by clicking here. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

ACCESS MEGA FORCES IN A MULTI-THEMATIC TICKER WITH iSHARES EXPONENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES ETF (XT)

Through a single trade, XT provides exposure to nine pivotal themes driven by technological advancements, shifting demographics, changing consumer preferences, and evolving demand for finite resources.

Innovation leaders

Access global companies with significant exposure to exponential technologies, which displace older technologies, create new markets, and have the potential to create significantly positive economic benefits.

Focus on technology producers & users

The fund’s index employs a unique process that evaluates global stocks of technology producers and users across nine technology themes.

Spans global sectors

Look to capture potential growth from firms driving technological advances across all areas of the economy.