Disruptive Theme of the Week: Some Surprise Winners YTD

Group 1: Shipping Industry Performance - The Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF (BWET) and Breakwave Dry Bulk Shipping ETF (BDRY) have seen significant YTD gains of 100% and 31% respectively, driven by record crude oil tanker shipping rates and strong demand for dry bulk shipping [1][1][1] - Crude oil tanker rates nearly tripled over the last year, with a shortage of tanker vessels contributing to soaring rates in February [1][1][1] - South Korean shipping company Sinokor Group has gained a substantial share of the tanker market, controlling at least 120 VLCCs, which has driven up shipping costs [1][1][1] - Dry bulk shipping rates are rising due to strong demand for critical metals and limited vessel availability along key trading routes [1][1][1] Group 2: South Korean Market Performance - South Korea's KOSPI Composite has increased over 30% YTD, driven by strong performances from AI and semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics (+51.5%) and SK Hynix (+35.89%) [1][1][1] - The new Presidential administration's pro-reform agenda aimed at increasing shareholder value has also contributed to market enthusiasm [1][1][1] - ETFs such as the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) are up 37.8% YTD, with other ETFs like Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) and Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) also showing strong performance [1][1][1] Group 3: Oil Services Sector - The oil services sector has benefited from a 20% YTD increase in energy prices, with earnings estimates improving due to better prospects for energy pricing [1][1][1] - Companies like SLB are leveraging AI and digital technology to enhance efficiency and productivity in a tight pricing environment [1][1][1] - ETFs such as the VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH) and others are up more than 33% YTD, reflecting the positive trends in the oil services industry [1][1][1]