Key Takeaways
- • BlackRock launched the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF (RBTX), an actively managed fund trading on NYSE Arca with a 0.65% expense ratio and MSCI ACWI Net Index as its benchmark, according to a company press release.
- • RBTX adds a targeted robotics exposure to BlackRock's AI lineup, which already includes the iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI), reported to have attracted more than $14 billion since its October 2024 launch.
- • Top disclosed holdings are Tesla at 5.27%, Advanced Micro Devices at 4.87%, and Nvidia at 4.59%, per TradingView data cited in the article; the article also lists SpaceX among top holdings.
- • 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 the sector as a single bet.
- • BlackRock projects global active ETF assets will triple to $4.2 trillion by 2030 from $1.4 trillion, and iShares' active ETF assets have nearly doubled over 12 months to about $200 billion.
Summary
BlackRock has launched the iShares Future Robotics and Related Technologies Active ETF (RBTX), extending its AI-related fund range with a dedicated robotics product. According to a company press release, the fund trades on NYSE Arca, carries an expense ratio of 0.65%, and uses the MSCI ACWI Net Index as its benchmark. Unlike index-tracking vehicles, RBTX is actively managed, with portfolio managers selecting holdings across the robotics industry. BlackRock states the fund will cover the entire robotics sector.
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. Per TradingView data cited in the article, Tesla is the largest holding at 5.27%, followed by Advanced Micro Devices at 4.87% and Nvidia at 4.59%. The article also names SpaceX among top holdings. The fund's stated purpose is to offer investors reduced exposure to AI and robotics names, which Kim argues could drive the next stage of AI adoption as the technology moves beyond data centers into physical industries.
The launch comes as investors grow more selective about AI-related investments. Jay Jacobs, BlackRock's US head of equity ETFs, told Reuters that recent price swings reflect a more discriminating approach to the sector rather than treating AI as a single bet. BlackRock already runs the largest AI ETF in the US, BAI, which has attracted more than $14 billion since launching in October 2024.
The move also reflects competitive positioning in active ETFs. Reuters reported that iShares is the world's third-largest active ETF provider and has drawn more money into its active funds than any competitor this year, with assets nearly doubling over the past 12 months to about $200 billion. BlackRock projects global active ETF assets will triple to $4.2 trillion by 2030 from $1.4 trillion.
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. Per TradingView data cited in the article, Tesla is the largest holding at 5.27%, followed by Advanced Micro Devices at 4.87% and Nvidia at 4.59%. The article also names SpaceX among top holdings. The fund's stated purpose is to offer investors reduced exposure to AI and robotics names, which Kim argues could drive the next stage of AI adoption as the technology moves beyond data centers into physical industries.
The launch comes as investors grow more selective about AI-related investments. Jay Jacobs, BlackRock's US head of equity ETFs, told Reuters that recent price swings reflect a more discriminating approach to the sector rather than treating AI as a single bet. BlackRock already runs the largest AI ETF in the US, BAI, which has attracted more than $14 billion since launching in October 2024.
The move also reflects competitive positioning in active ETFs. Reuters reported that iShares is the world's third-largest active ETF provider and has drawn more money into its active funds than any competitor this year, with assets nearly doubling over the past 12 months to about $200 billion. BlackRock projects global active ETF assets will triple to $4.2 trillion by 2030 from $1.4 trillion.
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