ETF investing: Simple vs. Complex?
Summary
- A distinct rotation is occurring from the "AI theme" into "Real Asset" thematics, specifically infrastructure, industrial reshoring, and natural resources.
- The ETF market for "non-traditional" strategies (covered calls, buffers) is entering a consolidation phase where winners will take market share and copycats will fade.
- Institutional interest in Digital Assets is expected to expand beyond current offerings as new tokens get approved for the ETF wrapper in 2026.
- Volatility-based products are seeing renewed innovation and demand as market volatility spikes.
Trade Ideas
"We're seeing a rotation of assets year to date... from that AI theme to more a real asset type thematics whether it's the infrastructure whether it's America industrial reshoring." Capital is rotating out of crowded technology trades into tangible assets that benefit from government spending and supply chain restructuring (reshoring). Long sectors tied to physical economy building (Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Commodities). A sudden deflationary bust or a reversal in government infrastructure spending.
Mike Akins
ETF Strategist / Executive
"Rotation from... unprofitable tech into more natural resources... start questioning the AI trade a little bit, start trading the duration risk on, you know, high growth names." The market is becoming sensitive to valuations and "duration risk" (interest rate sensitivity). As investors question the ROI of AI and move to value, high-growth/unprofitable tech will face selling pressure. Avoid or Short high-duration growth and unprofitable technology stocks. A resurgence in AI mania or a significant drop in interest rates boosting long-duration assets.
Up Next
This CNBC video, published February 24, 2026, features Mike Akins discussing ITB, XLI, BOTZ. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers: Mike Akins · Tickers: ITB, XLI, BOTZ