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The Next Big Theme: May 2022

May 16, 2022

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Metaverse

The Virtual Dimension Starts to Take Shape

Consumer engagement with the metaverse is increasing. Nvidia’s Omniverse now has over 50,000 individual creators since its beta release in December 2020.1 Meta Platforms announced that it will open a physical storefront in California where shoppers can try out and purchase hardware, such as the company’s Quest 2 VR headset, video calling device Portal, and smart glasses. Also, new metaverse demographics and sectors are emerging. For example, Epic Games is working with LEGO to create a metaverse for kids, where they promise safety and wellbeing will be primary considerations.

Cybersecurity & U.S. Infrastructure

Cyber Threats on Critical Infrastructure Prompt Warnings

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency (NSA), released a joint Cybersecurity Advisory highlighting Russia state-sponsored and criminal cyber threats to U.S. infrastructure. The advisory recommends immediate protections such as patching exploited vulnerability, multifactor authentication, monitor remote desktop protocol, and end-user awareness with training. The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a $12 million investment to enhance cybersecurity measures in U.S. energy systems. These measures are essential to ensure grid resilience as we add renewable energy capacity. Updating the grid’s outdated infrastructure for reliable renewable capacity is necessary to achieve President Biden’s goal of a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.2

Electric Vehicles

U.S. Electric Vehicle Sales at Record Levels in Q1

U.S. consumers bought roughly 208,000 electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) in Q1 2022, with California consumers accounting for 40% of those sales.3 Seventy-eight percent of the 67,118 battery electric vehicles sold in California were from Tesla.4 In Shanghai, COVID-19 restrictions are easing and Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, the largest EV production facility in the world, is back up to 80% of its output capacity as of April 19, 2022.5 Tesla released plans to double its production capacity in Shanghai by building a new factory on the same site, adding a possible 450,000 vehicles to the plant’s output.6 Along similar lines, a collaboration between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, called Ultium Cells, plans to open at least four new plants for the sole purpose of manufacturing EV batteries.7 Production is expected to begin as soon as August.

Genomics

Alzheimer’s Discovery Fast-Tracks New Medicine

A study of genetic risk for Alzheimer’s connected an additional 42 genes to the likelihood of developing the disease.8 Genetics account for 60–80% of the risk.9 The study also found that the immune system is one of the several suspected yet unconfirmed pathways for the disease to develop. These discoveries should help scientists better understand Alzheimer’s and facilitate medicinal development. Eli Lilly is on track to launch five new medicines within the next year and a half, including its Alzheimer’s prospect, Donanemab. Donanemab is an antibody that targets a modified form of deposited amyloid-β peptide—prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients—to treat early onset Alzheimer’s.

AgTech & Food Innovation

Food Insecurity Fears Loom Amid Peak Fertilizer Prices

The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to drive fertilizer prices through the roof. Fertilizer prices have more than tripled this year because of supply constraints, as Russia is one of the world’s largest exporters.10 As a result, U.S. farmers are turning to alternative crop fertilizer techniques, such as harnessing microbes or plant-based products to provide crops with necessary nutrients. In time, techniques like these could potentially replace traditional fertilizers.

With food insecurity increasingly acute, in September, the Biden Administration will host the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health. This conference, which was last held in 1969, could help direct the United States’ food policy. The announcement of the conference comes as inflation and supply chain issues drive food prices higher, which will likely exacerbate many of the country’s pre-existing food and nutrition issues.

Lithium & Battery Tech

The Future of Battery Production Finds Opportunity in Lithium

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) directed $3.16 billion towards the United States’ supply of lithium-ion batteries.11 These batteries are critical to the electric vehicle industry’s development and the clean energy transition, as evident by the significant funding dedicated to strengthening the battery supply chain in the infrastructure package.12 The law earmarks $7.5 billion for EV chargers, $5 billion for electric transit buses, and $5 billion for clean and electric school buses.13

THE NUMBERS

The following charts examine returns and sales growth expectations by theme, based on their corresponding ETFs.

INTRO TO THEMATIC INVESTING COURSE – ELIGIBLE FOR CE CREDIT

Global X has developed an interactive, self-guided Intro to Thematic Investing course, that is designed to share the latest ideas and best practices for incorporating thematic investing into a portfolio.

This program has been accepted for 1.0 hour of CE credit towards the CFP®, CIMA®, CIMC®, CPWA® or RMA certifications. To receive credit, course takers must submit accurate and complete information on the requested forms, complete the entire course, and receive a 70% or higher on the Intro to Thematic Investing Quiz.

For Canadian course takers: This program has been reviewed by FP Canada and qualifies for 1 FP Canada-Approved CE Credit, in the category of Product Knowledge, towards the CFP® certification or QAFP™ certification. To receive credit, course takers must submit accurate and complete information (including Job Title) on the requested forms, complete the entire course, and receive a 70% or higher on the Intro to Thematic Investing Quiz.

Questions on receiving CE credit may be sent to: Education@globalxetfs.com

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST RESEARCH FROM GLOBAL X

To learn more about the disruptive themes changing our world, read the latest research from Global X, including:

ETF HOLDINGS AND PERFORMANCE:

To see individual ETF holdings and current performance across the Global X Thematic Growth Suite, click the below links:

Category: Articles

Topics: Thematic

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Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the strategies discussed will be successful. International investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. The funds are non-diversified.

Information Technology companies can be affected by rapid product obsolescence, and intense industry competition. Risks include disruption in service caused by hardware or software failure; interruptions or delays in service by third-parties; security breaches involving certain private, sensitive, proprietary and confidential information managed and transmitted; and privacy concerns and laws, evolving Internet regulation and other foreign or domestic regulations that may limit or otherwise affect the operations. Healthcare, Genomics, Biotechnology and Medical Device companies can be affected by government regulations, expiring patents, rapid product obsolescence, and intense industry competition. Cybersecurity Companies are subject to risks associated with additional regulatory oversight with regard to privacy/cybersecurity concerns. Declining or fluctuating subscription renewal rates for products/services or the loss or impairment of intellectual property rights could adversely affect profits.

The companies in which DRIV and VR invest may be subject to rapid changes in technology, intense competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of intellectual property protections, evolving industry standards and frequent new product productions, and changes in business cycles and government regulation. There are additional risks associated with investing in mining industries.

Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds’ summary or full prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1.888.493.8631, or by visiting globalxetfs.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Global X Management Company LLC serves as an advisor to Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Global X Management Company LLC or Mirae Asset Global Investments.

Shares of ETFs are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Beginning October 15, 2020, market price returns are based on the official closing price of an ETF share or, if the official closing price isn’t available, the midpoint between the national best bid and national best offer (“NBBO”) as of the time the ETF calculates current NAV per share. Prior to October 15, 2020, market price returns were based on the midpoint between the Bid and Ask price. NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The returns shown do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times.

Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index. This information is not intended to be individual or personalized investment or tax advice and should not be used for trading purposes. Please consult a financial advisor or tax professional for more information regarding your investment and/or tax situation.