BlackRock Joins the AI and Robotics ETF Craze

(Bloomberg) -- Large funds tracking robotics and artificial intelligence stocks have bled cash in recent months, but that isn't stopping other issuers from joining the fray.

BlackRock Inc. announced the inception of its iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF, or IRBO, joining a crowded field that's seen massive outflows in recent periods. The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF, or BOTZ, lost a record $115 million in assets the past two months. The ROBO Global Robotics & Automation Index ETF, or ROBO, has bled $121 million since the beginning of April.

“BlackRock is sort of like the big budget studio who you could argue comes in a little late or after the trend has been in place for a while,” said Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence. “The good news is that with this army of sales people out there, they now have a robotics option available and because it's cheaper, it's probably going to draw some investors.”

IRBO will charge $4.70 for every $1,000 invested in the fund, while Global X's BOTZ fee is $6.80 and Exchange Traded Concepts's is $9.50 for ROBO.

Meanwhile, another smaller fund is taking advantage of this futuristic-technology investment trend to re-brand itself after failing to gain traction. Exchange Traded Concepts' WEAR ETF will now become the Tactile Analytics AR/VR Virtual Technology ETF, or ARVR, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Instead of tracking wearable technology, the fund will hold companies focused on augmented and virtual reality. It is unclear yet if the ETF will contain artificial intelligence or robotics stocks.

WEAR has seen less than $1 million in asset growth since its launch in December 2016. But a $29 million fund tracking 'disruptive technology' companies like those specializing in augmented reality has seen inflows of almost $26 million this year. The ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF, or DTEC, has seen inflows every month since its inception.

“From a business perspective, I like this idea of taking this theme that doesn't work and just changing it," Balchunas said about the WEAR transformation. “The holdings are important but really it's more about performance and capturing the imagination -- and this has a decent shot of both.”

--With assistance from Carolina Wilson.

To contact the reporter on this story: Olivia Schaber in New York at oschaber1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jeremy Herron at jherron8@bloomberg.net, Brendan Walsh

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