Nvidia Rally Drives Investors Towards AI-Themed ETFs: All You Need To Know

Nvidia stands out as a focal point for investors, with its chips being regarded as the gold standard in AI technology.

Investors are turning their attention to artificial intelligence (AI)-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in search of new avenues for investment, spurred by the remarkable success stories of companies like Nvidia. The spectrum of these funds varies widely, from those encompassing a range of AI industry giants to more specialised focuses such as robotics and sound generation. According to Morningstar data, the collective assets under management of AI-themed ETFs in the United States have surged to $6.88 billion as of February's end, a significant leap from $2.55 billion a year earlier.

As reported by Reuters, this fervour for AI investments mirrors past investor excitement surrounding transformative technologies like dot-com stocks and electric vehicles, which generated substantial wealth but also witnessed eventual market corrections.

Currently, Nvidia stands out as a focal point for investors, with its chips being regarded as the gold standard in AI technology. The GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF, designed to deliver double the daily return of Nvidia's shares, saw its assets double to $2 billion earlier this month, coinciding with Nvidia's shares' nearly 80 per cent climb this year after tripling in value in 2023.

During its recent developer conference, Nvidia unveiled its latest AI chip, the Blackwell B200, boasting speeds up to 30 times faster than its predecessor. Smaller ETFs like the Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE.O) have also experienced significant growth, with assets tripling to approximately $20 million.

The proliferation of AI-themed ETFs is evident, with seven out of 18 diversified AI-related ETFs tracked by Morningstar launching within the last three years, and an eighth being revamped to focus more directly on AI.

Despite the enthusiasm, questions linger regarding whether this trend signifies a bubble or merely contributes to a bullish market. The S&P 500's recent gains, driven in part by surges in AI beneficiaries like Nvidia and Microsoft (MSFT.O), along with steep rises in other AI-related stocks such as Super Micro Computer (SMCI.O), raise uncertainties about the sustainability of this momentum.

Investors are diversifying their AI investments, with some opting for ETFs that limit exposure to high-flying stocks like Nvidia. Others are exploring emerging AI-related sectors or companies that may benefit from AI integration, as highlighted by analysts at Morgan Stanley.

ETF providers are swiftly adapting to cater to various investor preferences, offering funds with diverse focuses beyond Nvidia-dominated portfolios. However, not all AI-themed ETFs have found success, as evidenced by outflows from certain funds lacking exposure to key AI stocks like Nvidia.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, investors navigate the complexities of this burgeoning sector, seeking opportunities while mindful of potential risks and market dynamics.