Are these the best AI stocks and ETFs to watch?
Artificial intelligence stocks have been attracting a lot of attention from investors. Read about some AI stocks and ETFs to watch, as well as steps for how to trade or invest in artificial intelligence.
AI stocks and ETFs: what you need to know about the sector
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a catch-all term to describe machine learning. While it may still feel like a concept from a sci-fi movie, most of us are already using AI in some shape or form. AI helps us to connect with long-lost school friends on Facebook, to filter out spam emails, to tailor our search results on Google, and to help us plan journeys based on real-time traffic reports.
Scores of countries are using machine learning capabilities to introduce new technologies and to streamline existing processes. For example, self-driving cars rely on AI processes, while AI-powered digital health solutions have been used to manage the Covid-19 pandemic. This means that as the self-driving car and digital health sectors grow, the AI sector stands to benefit too.
AI is also a key component in graphics cards and APIs (application programming interface), which can be used to power everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Many established companies have invested heavily in AI in anticipation of an AI boom, which could happen if the world becomes more and more reliant on functional technology and the internet of things.
While the AI sector is still in its infancy, there are signs that it’s starting to mature. The sheer volume of publicly listed AI firms points towards a growing trend, while the creation of bespoke AI-based indices and index-tracking ETFs proves that there is increasing investor interest in the area.
How to trade or invest in AI shares and ETFs
Trading and investing are two different ways to take a position on artificial intelligence shares and ETFs. When you trade, you are making short-term decisions in order to make quick gains in growing markets. When you invest, you effectively take a long-term position in a company or fund in the hope that its value will rise over time.
Find out more about the differences between trading and investing
Follow these steps to trade AI shares and ETFs:
- Choose to trade
- Create an account or log in
- Identify your opportunity
- Carry out your own analysis and research
- Open and monitor your position
Learn more about how to start trading in AI
AI shares to watch
1. Nvidia
Nvidia is one of the best-known AI stocks, and it manufactures high-powered graphics chips that have a range of different uses. The company has been at the forefront of the self-driving car revolution, creating its own AI operating system for driverless cars, called Driveworks.
The company was founded in 1993 to create graphics-based computer solutions, primarily in the growing video games market. Over the years, the firm has expanded the use of its graphics chips, using the technology to develop cutting-edge machine-learning APIs.
As a result, Nvidia has been an early player in emerging markets such as self-driving cars, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency mining.
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2. Micron
Micron began as a semiconductor design company in the 1970s, ultimately developing high-powered memory chips that can be used to provide AI solutions to smartphones and electric cars.
In 2019, Micron acquired AI hardware and software startup Fwdnxt and launched the Micron Deep Learning Accelerator. Micron’s memory chip technology, paired with Fwdnxt’s AI capabilities, means that the company can develop the sort of deep learning solutions required for data analytics in emerging technologies, such as self-driving cars.
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3. Sensyne Health
Healthcare is the next frontier of the AI market, and Oxford-based healthtech company Sensyne Health is a great way to gain exposure to a home-grown AI stock. Working with NHS trusts, the company uses AI to gather and analyse evidence from large databases of anonymised patient data. This data is then used to develop digital health products.
For example, in early 2021, Sensyne Health launched an AI algorithm which provides an hourly risk forecast of the future demand for ventilators and intensive care treatment in hospitals, based upon an analysis of clinical data on Covid-19 patients. The company has started to roll out its digital health products in the US – a sign of its ambitious growth plans.
Trade Sensyne Health shares
1. WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF
The WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF aims to mirror the performance of the NASDAQ CTA Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Index. This index covers a wide spectrum of AI-focused and AI-adjacent firms, including companies that act as AI enablers, engagers or enhancers.
This means that investors in the ETF can effectively stretch one investment across multiple companies, offering exposure to different corners of the AI market. As well as big hitters such as Nvidia and Baidu, WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF tracks rising stars in the AI world.
2. Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF
The Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF was launched in May 2020 to track the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index – an AI-focused index that was created by Robo Global in 2013. Like the WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF, this fund offers access to a wide range of companies which work with AI in some form.
Through this AI ETF, investors can gain exposure to Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia and a number of semiconductor, 3D printer, digital technology and robotics firms.
Why do people trade and invest in AI stocks and ETFs?
- Trading and investing in AI stocks and ETFs offers a chance to be part of an exciting new growth industry
- There are endless ways to use machine learning in our day-to-day lives
- AI is an incredibly innovative technology that is constantly progressing
- AI stocks will benefit from the growth of related markets, such as self-driving cars and smartphone manufacturing
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Ltd and IG Markets South Africa Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
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