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Mid-Year Update: Unraveling the Evolving Landscape of Thematic Investing in 2023
Discover the evolving world of Thematic ETFs in Europe and the Americas, witnessing impressive growth in assets and diverse product offerings.
By Julien Scatena
July 19, 2023
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Thematic ETFs have evolved at a similar pace in Europe and the Americas over the past few years, both in terms of asset growth and the number of available products offering exposure to one of many thematic strategies.
At Trackinsight, we have developed a proprietary 3-tier classification system, covering megatrends, trends, and themes, to help bring greater transparency to the rapidly evolving thematic universe and enable investors to review and select ETFs with confidence. Each thematic ETP (the number currently stands at 1,215 as of the end of June 2023) is classified according to this taxonomy and available through our Thematic Investing Channel.
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As per the global ETF market, the Americas is leading the way for actively managed thematic strategies, with almost $26 billion of assets under management. In contrast, thematic assets ‘only’ represent $2 billion at present in Europe.
Looking back at the last six months’ evolution (as of the end of June 2023), the European market witnessed a dynamic upward trend with $8 billion of net inflows pouring into Thematic ETFs. In stark contrast, funds domiciled in the Americas suffered significant outflows totaling $-2.3 billion. Passively managed strategies were hardest hit, while actively managed thematic ETFs managed to attract slight inflows amounting to $0.3 billion.
Most of the inflows in Europe have been directed towards Climate Change-focused exposures. Meanwhile, in the Americas, the “Alternative Energy” and “Emerging Market Awakening” trends have suffered the majority of outflows in 2023 to date. Only funds aligned to the Disruptive Technology theme benefited from large inflows from the two regions.
With regard to returns, markets are particularly well-placed for Digital Infrastructures & Connectivity exposures, and more specifically, Cryptocurrencies/Blockchain strategies which have topped year-to-date rankings in Europe and the Americas.
Top 5 inflows Europe YTD (Jan-June 2023)
Top 5 returns Europe YTD
Top 5 inflows Americas YTD (Jan-June 2023)
Top 5 returns Americas YTD
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About Trackinsight
Since our founding in 2016, we have been at the forefront of the industry, delivering accessible, comprehensive, and reliable tools to support the evolving needs of investors.
Over the past decade, Trackinsight has expanded its operations across six countries, serving thousands of professional investors. We’ve consistently innovated to provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the changing demands of the ETF market.
In 2024, Kepler Cheuvreux, a leading independent European financial services firm, acquired a majority stake in Trackinsight, becoming the company's principal shareholder.
This strategic partnership solidifies Trackinsight's position as a premier provider of ETF selection and analysis tools, while strengthening Kepler Cheuvreux’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the ETF sector.
Together, we are committed to offering advanced services that empower professional investors, advisors, institutions, and issuers. This new step enables us to deliver even more comprehensive and innovative technological solutions, driving ETF investing to new heights.
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