BetaShares expands product suite



BetaShares is expanding its global shares product suite by launching a range of new international exchange-traded funds (ETFs) which will offer exposure to Asian technology, blockchain, innovators, robotics and artificial intelligence.
The three new ETFs were expected to launch soon on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as:
- BetaShares Asia technology Tigers ETF (ASIA)
- BetaShares global blockchain innovators ETF (BLOK)
- BetaShares global robotics and artificial intelligence ETF (RBTZ)
ASIA would provide investors with an exposure to the largest 50 Asian (ex-Japan) technology companies, such as Alibaba, JD.com, Tencent and Baidu, while BLOK would aim to provide access to an index of global companies operating across the development, research or utilisation of blockchain technologies.
At the same time, RBTZ would focus on the global robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with an aim to track the performance of an index of companies involved in the production or use of robotics and automation services.
According to the BetaShares 2018 half-year ETF report, international equities received $941 million of net inflows in the six months to 30 June, almost double the amount flowing to Australian equities.
The firm also said it planned to follow the technology-specific funds with a range of additional international equities ETFs in the near future.
BetaShares’ chief executive, Alex Vynokur said the new funds would capture some of the most exciting growth stories in the world today and would help expand the range of technology-oriented ETFs available on the ASX.
Recommended for you
Infrastructure assets are well-positioned to hedge against global uncertainty and can enhance the diversification of traditional portfolios with their evergreen characteristics, an investment chief believes.
Volatility in US markets means currency is becoming a critical decision factor in Australian investors’ ETF selection this year.
Clime Investment Management is overhauling the selection process for its APLs, with managing director Michael Baragwanath describing the threat of a product failure affecting clients as “pure nightmare fuel”.
Global X will expand its ETF range of exchange-traded funds next month with a low-cost Australian equity product as it chases ambitions of becoming a top issuer of ETFs in Australia.