Space is a big part of aerospace and defense ETFs, says VettaFi's head of research

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 21, 2026 at 20:11  |  3:23  |  CNBC
Speakers
Cinthia Murphy — Investment Strategist, TMX

Summary

CNBC's Kristina Partsinevelos discusses investment opportunities in aerospace, defense, and infrastructure with experts Cinthia Murphy and Paul Baiocchi. They highlight growth potential in space exploration and electrification infrastructure due to technological advancements and increasing demand. Specific ETFs like ITA, UFO, Shield, and ALFI are mentioned for exposure, with emphasis on long-term trends driven by geopolitics and resource competition.

  • Aerospace and defense funds, such as ITA, show sustained growth potential.
  • Space exploration investments are rising, with ETFs like UFO and Shield offering targeted exposure.
  • Electrification infrastructure strategy ALFI benefits from utility CapEx for data center demand.
  • Commodities, energy infrastructure, and electrification infrastructure gain from massive public and private investment.
  • Geopolitical instability and technology advancements drive defense and space spending.
  • Supply and demand constraints for scarce resources support infrastructure and commodities.
  • Experts recommend diversification into these themes due to limited investor exposure.
  • Long-term trends over 5-10 years are emphasized for these investment areas.
Trade Ideas
Cinthia Murphy Investment Strategist, TMX 0:14
ITA benefits from broadening defense theme.
Space-focused ETFs such as UFO and Shield from Global X offer direct exposure to the growing space investment theme driven by the upcoming SpaceX IPO, cybersecurity needs, satellites, communications, navigation, and government commitments.
ITA UFO HIGH
Paul Bayaki Head of Fund Sales and Strategy, SSNC Alps Advisors 1:44
ALFI benefits from utility CapEx for data centers.
The electrification infrastructure strategy ALFI, which includes energy, materials, industrials, and utilities, is poised for strong relative performance in the coming years due to CapEx commitments from utilities to accommodate growing electricity demand from data centers.
PAVE HIGH
Paul Bayaki Head of Fund Sales and Strategy, SSNC Alps Advisors 2:55
Commodities and infrastructure benefit from investment competition.
Commodities allocations, energy infrastructure, and electrification infrastructure all stand to benefit from massive investment from both private and public sectors, as multiple sources compete for scarce global resources amid supply and demand constraints.
DBC HIGH
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This CNBC video, published April 21, 2026, features Cinthia Murphy, Paul Bayaki discussing ITA, UFO, PAVE, DBC. 3 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Cinthia Murphy, Paul Bayaki  · Tickers: ITA, UFO, PAVE, DBC