AI Thematic ETFs Reach $65 Billion in Assets
Artificial intelligence-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have surged from $10.3 billion to nearly $64.9 billion over the past year, according to a report by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. AI has become the top thematic investment area by assets under management (AUM), surpassing other themes like infrastructure and cybersecurity. The growth reflects strong investor interest in gaining broad exposure to AI without committing directly to volatile individual stocks such as NVIDIA. Erik Kratz of Arena Private Wealth noted that these ETFs are sentiment-driven rather than long-term wealth-building tools, emphasizing the importance of owning great businesses within secular trends over time. Thematic ETF AUM overall rose by nearly 33% in H1 2026 to $430 billion. Popular AI funds like iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active (BAI) are up around 30%, while Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology (AIQ) is up about 15% year-to-date.