Key Takeaways
- • BlackRock launched the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF (RBTX) on NYSE Arca with a 0.65% expense ratio, benchmarked to the MSCI ACWI Net Index, according to a company press release.
- • Tesla (5.27%), Advanced Micro Devices (4.87%) and Nvidia (4.59%) are the fund's three largest holdings, per TradingView data.
- • RBTX is managed by Tony Kim and Reid Menge of BlackRock's Fundamental Equities Technology Team, which oversees more than $50 billion in AI and technology investments.
- • BlackRock's US head of equity ETFs, Jay Jacobs, told Reuters that recent price swings show investors are taking a more selective approach to AI rather than treating it as a single bet.
- • iShares is the world's third-largest active ETF provider, and its assets have nearly doubled over the past 12 months to about $200 billion, per Reuters.
Summary
BlackRock is adding a robotics fund to its AI investment lineup with the launch of the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF (RBTX). The fund trades on NYSE Arca, carries an expense ratio of 0.65%, and uses the MSCI ACWI Net Index as its benchmark, according to a company press release. The product is aimed at investors seeking reduced exposure to AI and robotics names as enthusiasm for AI-related bets continues to fade.
By TradingView data, Tesla (TSLA) is the largest holding at 5.27%, followed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) at 4.87% and Nvidia (NVDA) at 4.59%. The fund is managed by Tony Kim and Reid Menge through the firm's Fundamental Equities Technology Team, which oversees more than $50 billion in AI and technology investments.
Kim said robotics could drive the next stage of AI adoption as the technology moves beyond data centers into the physical world, with AI being applied more widely in real-world industries. The launch coincides with investors becoming more selective about AI exposure. Jay Jacobs, BlackRock's US head of equity ETFs, told Reuters that recent price swings reflect a more selective approach to AI investments rather than treating the sector as a single bet.
The launch extends an existing franchise. BlackRock already runs the largest AI ETF in the US, the iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI), which has attracted more than $14 billion since its October 2024 launch. Reuters reported that iShares is the world's third-largest active ETF provider and has attracted more money into its active funds than any competitor this year, with assets nearly doubling over the last 12 months to about $200 billion. BlackRock projects the global active ETF market will triple to $4.2 trillion by 2030 from $1.4 trillion today.
By TradingView data, Tesla (TSLA) is the largest holding at 5.27%, followed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) at 4.87% and Nvidia (NVDA) at 4.59%. The fund is managed by Tony Kim and Reid Menge through the firm's Fundamental Equities Technology Team, which oversees more than $50 billion in AI and technology investments.
Kim said robotics could drive the next stage of AI adoption as the technology moves beyond data centers into the physical world, with AI being applied more widely in real-world industries. The launch coincides with investors becoming more selective about AI exposure. Jay Jacobs, BlackRock's US head of equity ETFs, told Reuters that recent price swings reflect a more selective approach to AI investments rather than treating the sector as a single bet.
The launch extends an existing franchise. BlackRock already runs the largest AI ETF in the US, the iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI), which has attracted more than $14 billion since its October 2024 launch. Reuters reported that iShares is the world's third-largest active ETF provider and has attracted more money into its active funds than any competitor this year, with assets nearly doubling over the last 12 months to about $200 billion. BlackRock projects the global active ETF market will triple to $4.2 trillion by 2030 from $1.4 trillion today.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.