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.
Mega force | Description | Did you know? |
---|---|---|
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. | 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 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. | The rate of reshoring job announcements was over 60X higher in 2022 than in 2010.3 |
Future of finance | A 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 economy | The 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.
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.
Artificial intelligence can automate laborious tasks, analyze huge sets of data and help generate fresh ideas. Digital disruption goes beyond AI.
In a marked departure from the post-Cold War period of increasing globalization, we see countries favoring national security and resilience over economic efficiency.
A fast-evolving financial architecture is changing how households and companies use cash, borrow, transact and seek returns.
The transition to a low-carbon economy is set to spur a massive reallocation of capital as energy systems are rewired.
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.