August 17, 2022 – Five STOXX global thematic indices from Qontigo, a global provider of index, analytics and risk solutions, have been selected for the iShares Future Tech Innovators ETF (ITEK). The ETF, launched by BlackRock Australia, is composed of six underlying ETFs that invest in disruptive, technology-themed companies driving innovation and providing solutions to global challenges.
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The five STOXX indices focus on the following themes:
- STOXX® Global Automation & Robotics: tracks companies which derive significant revenues from the automation and robotics industry.
- STOXX® Global Breakthrough Healthcare: composed of companies which belong to specific sectors focused on pushing the boundaries in medical treatment and technology.
- STOXX® Global Digitalisation: comprised of companies which are generating significant revenues from digitally focused services, including data centers, e-commerce, payment systems, logistics, and automotive parts.
- STOXX® Global Electric Vehicles & Driving Technology: includes companies which are involved in the manufacturing of electric and autonomous vehicles, suppliers, and companies providing charging stations and battery charging equipment.
- STOXX® Global Smart City Infrastructure: tracks the performance of companies deploying the physical structures and facilities needed as urban development becomes more intelligent and efficiency focused.
Steve Ead, Head of iShares ETF product and platform at BlackRock said:
“By leveraging our existing relationship with Qontigo and our global iShares megatrend range, we are excited to bring the iShares Future Tech Innovators ETF (ITEK) to the Australian market. By taking a diversified approach, the iShares Future Tech Innovators ETF (ITEK) allocates across six complementary themes equally to provide Australian investors exposure to the megatrends that will transform the way we live and work.”
Axel Lomholt, Chief Product Officer, Indices & Benchmarks at Qontigo said:
“Our thematic STOXX indices offer rules-based, transparent methods to attain exposure to technology innovators. Research shows that thematic investing has been more successful than sector-based strategies in capturing the upside of structural change. We have been collaborating with BlackRock in the thematic space since 2016, and we are excited to expand our footprint in Australia through this fund of funds that builds on the robust suite of thematic iShares ETFs based on STOXX indices.”
The STOXX thematic indices include companies from selected countries around the world which are exposed to the respective theme. FactSet Revere (RBICS) data allow a detailed breakdown of the revenue sources of the eligible companies, helping the indices to select companies with substantial exposure to a theme. The indices also incorporate ESG exclusionary screens that meet standard sustainability principles of investors. The filters remove companies that Sustainalytics considers to be in breach of international norms, or are involved with controversial weapons, small arms, military contracting, tobacco, thermal coal, nuclear power or other conventional and unconventional energy sources. Additionally, the indices exclude companies with a high ESG risk or controversy rating from Sustainalytics.
Find out more about Qontigo’s offering of thematic indices.