The artificial intelligence (AI) craze and global geopolitical risks dominated headlines in 2024, and BlackRock anticipates these themes will remain central in 2025. As the new year unfolds, the firm believes that AI advancements and diplomatic developments will continue to shape the top market trends.

“We believe AI and geopolitics will remain key themes for 2025… These two themes stayed in the limelight for virtually all of 2024 and we believe are likely to remain in primary focus for 2025,” Jay Jacobs, U.S. Head of Thematic and Active ETFs at BlackRock stated.

The world’s largest asset manager went on to add that 2025” could be a pivotal year for technological progress and adoption in AI tech” as GenAI advances and more sophisticated models are combining to drive meaningful growth in AI capabilities.

At the same time, the ETF issuer also noted that with the rise and advancements in AI, it adds strains to the geopolitical map. “Regulation and desire to control the technology may lead to divergence between US-focused AI names and those with more global exposure,” BlackRock said.

For investors looking to monitor the AI trend, see below a group of AI-themed exchange-traded funds:

• iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK)
• iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI)
• KraneShares Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AGIX)
• GX Artificial Intelligence & Tech ETF (AIQ)
• GX Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
• ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF (DTEC)
• First Trust NASDAQ Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT)
• Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ)
• Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)