Disruptive Theme of the Week: Top YTD Themes in the Rearview Mirror

Precious Metals - Gold and silver ETFs have performed well YTD, with the Wisdomtree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN) leading at a 127% increase [2] - The iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) and iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) are up 98% and 97% respectively, while the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) is up 89% [2] Defense & Space - Global instability and defense modernization are driving military spending, particularly in Europe, where NATO has increased spending goals from 2% to 5% of GDP [3] - The Select STOXX European Aerospace & Defense ETF (EUAD) has risen 75% YTD, while the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a 67% YTD return [4] Critical Minerals & Metals - The theme of critical minerals and metals has shown strong returns, with the VanEck Rare Earth & Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) up 56% YTD and $750 million in assets [6] - The Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) offers an alternative with only 4% exposure to China and a YTD return of 45% [6] Nuclear & Uranium - Nuclear energy is experiencing a revival due to rising electricity demand, with the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) up 52% YTD [8] - The VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) and Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) have also shown strong performance, up 46% and 42% respectively [9] Cannabis - Cannabis ETFs have rallied on the prospect of deregulation, with the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (YOLO) leading at a 35% increase YTD [11] - Other notable ETFs in this category include the Roundhill Cannabis ETF (WEED) and Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF (CNBS) [11] Video Gaming - The video gaming sector has benefited from the success of the Nintendo Switch 2 and anticipated releases like Grand Theft Auto 6, with the Amplify Video Game Leaders ETF (GAMR) up 39% YTD [13] - Other ETFs in this space include the Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) and VanEck Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO), up 38% and 37% respectively [13] Electric Vehicles - Electric vehicle sales are surging, with a 21% YOY increase globally, driven by 50% market adoption in China [14] - The KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (KARS) and Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF (BATT) have seen YTD increases of 28% and 26% respectively [14]