Observed Signal · Jul 23, 2026 · Research Report · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
JPMorgan: Big Rise in AI-Themed ETFs Despite Volatility
J.P. Morgan Asset Management's recently published "Guide to ETFs" finds that AI-themed exchange-traded funds have seen a dramatic increase in assets, placing AI among the top-five ETF themes by assets under management despite heightened volatility in the second quarter. Jon Maier, the firm's chief ETF strategist who led the insights team, told CNBC that many investment themes are converging around AI and its infrastructure. The report also notes a broader shift of investor flows from mutual funds into ETFs, with mutual funds showing negative inflows in recent years; Maier cited tax advantages of ETFs as a factor making them more attractive to retail investors.
Shows notable investor demand for AI exposure via ETFs and a continued structural shift from mutual funds to ETFs; relevant to capital flows into AI-related companies but not directly industry-changing for AdTech/MarTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- J.P. Morgan Asset Management's "Guide to ETFs" identifies AI-themed ETFs as a top-five theme by assets under management.
- The report found AI-themed ETFs experienced a dramatic jump in assets despite volatility in the second quarter of 2026.
- Jon Maier, the firm's chief ETF strategist, led the insights team that published the report and commented on AI's overlap with infrastructure.
- J.P. Morgan's guide reported that mutual fund inflows have tapered off while ETF flows have increased, with negative inflows into mutual funds overall in recent years.
- The report cites tax advantages of ETFs (typically not paying capital gains distributions) as a factor attracting retail investors.
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