News & Research

The STOXX Thematic Framework provides a lens through which investors can understand not only what a theme is, but also where it sits in its journey from innovation to adoption. That journey helps identify the investment opportunity and determine the appropriate method of stock selection.

The STOXX Global Space Satellites and Drones index targets a transformative and far-reaching theme, and underlies a new ETF from BlackRock’s iShares. The sector is expected to be impacted by the listing of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), reportedly the largest IPO in history.

Capturing fast evolving technologies such as AI and quantum computing requires ever more precise tools. The STOXX Thematic indices address this by translating innovation trends into investable frameworks, supported by advanced data and classification insights from EconSight.

The STOXX Focus indices build portfolios based on constituents’ geographic revenue sources rather than their country of domicile, providing a more accurate representation of regional risk at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global trade frictions. BlackRock’s iShares has launched the first in a planned series of ETFs tracking the indices.

The Xtrackers Europe Market Leaders ETF and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF track STOXX indices that have performed very strongly in recent months, and grow DWS’ lineup of European equities strategies for American investors.

Thematic strategies aim to offer differentiated and often superior returns to those of traditional broad-market benchmarks. As STOXX celebrates the 15th anniversary of its Thematic indices suite, we take a look at how the indices have performed in recent years.

The underlying STOXX Global Quantum Computing index selects companies through a unique systematic process of scanning candidates’ patents, annual reports and corporate websites.

Prices for the metal have climbed 24% this year amid ongoing structural demand and mining disruptions. The STOXX® Global Copper Miners index has performed more than twice as well — jumping 55% in 2025. We look at what’s inside the index.

The STOXX Global Junior Gold Miners and STOXX Global Silver Mining indices have each risen 126% in 2025 amid record prices for the underlying precious metals.

In a recent webinar, Lukas Ahnert, Senior Product Specialist at Xtrackers by DWS, and Arun Singhal, Head of Product Management and Client Success at STOXX, discussed the drivers behind Europe’s stock rally and the latest investment strategies designed in collaboration by both firms.

The underlying index combines revenues- and patent-based stock selection methodologies, capturing companies across the spectrum and life cycle of the targeted themes.

Amid strong demand for European defense stocks this year, seeking ‘pure’ exposure to the theme through military equipment revenues has enabled investors to outperform.