Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) announced Oct. 27 the launches of two new exchange traded funds: the Horizons Global Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Index ETF (HVAX), and the Horizons North American Infrastructure Development Index ETF (BLDR). Units of the ETFs have begun trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
In an announcement, Horizons explains that these thematic ETFs seek to capture opportunities created by structural trends.
The company says HVAX allows investors to gain exposure to what it expects will be a long-term global theme of vaccine development and disease prevention that has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The onset of the COVID-19 outbreak challenged many assumptions about pandemic readiness and subsequently, spurred hundreds of billions of dollars in vaccine development and acquisition spending, enriching the life sciences and pharmaceutical companies behind their development and manufacture," said Steve Hawkins, President and CEO of Horizons ETFs. "As countries equip themselves and their populations against future pandemics, it is clear that the companies leading the fight against these infectious threats are well-positioned for continued long-term growth and revenue expansion."
Infrastructure ETF
Horizons ETFs says BLDR provides exposure to the North American companies that are benefitting or are expected to benefit from crucial public and private infrastructure investment.
"The twin challenges of aging infrastructure and the need for climate change resiliency means that infrastructure investment has never been more critical for the future of North America. Thankfully, both the U.S. and Canadian governments are taking action," stated Hawkins. "The U.S.'s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which pledges over $500 billion towards renewing and creating physical, transit and utility infrastructure, will require millions of workers, creating an unprecedented investment opportunity that could benefit both investors and the broader economy."
