Hi All
I've been searching for biotech/genomics focussed ETFs and finding that what seem to be the best ones are not available to UK retail investors (much like with other hot investment themes).
A case in point is ARK's "Genomic Revolution ETF" (ARKG) and iShare's "Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF".
Just wondering if anyone knows of any good biotech/genomics focussed ETFs available to UK retail investors, or if there is a way to invest in the above somehow.
In the past I have used the general SBIO ETF - which covers the Biotech content of the NASDAQ. This is London listed, but in $USD. See: https://etf.invesco.com/gb/pri...
The obvious route would to make use of two very good UK investment trusts:
- BIOG: https://www.theaic.co.uk/compa... & https://www.biotechgt.com/
- IBT: https://www.theaic.co.uk/compa... & https://www.ibtplc.com/
For the more focussed USA listed ETFs depending on your intended holding period you could use either a spreadbetting account or a broker with USA access. But, given the track record of the UK investment trusts you would need a good reason to avoid using them?
M.
Just checked in my shiney new IG ISA, and it does look like ARK ETF's are available to buy.
Some of the most promising companies in the biotech/genomics sectors are early stage, unlisted or too small in market cap to be captured by ETFs which generally require the holdings to have high liquidity. Personally I'm very excited by the genomics revolution which I believe is about to disrupt several industries, of which healthcare and agriculture are notable examples. My favourite company in the genomics space is Oxford Nanopore Technologies which is pre-IPO but it is possible to gain exposure to ONT through Ip (LON:IPO) or Schroder Uk Public Private Trust (LON:SUPP) (I hold both) which both own stakes in other biotech / genomics related companies. ONT is particularly interesting to me because it is only one of 3 companies in the world that make gene sequencers and I believe their technology and business model has compelling advantages over the rivals.
Thanks very much Momoko, PLS1nve5t and Macro: really appreciate the advice! I’ll look into those trusts.
Interesting to see IG broker lists ARK ETFs. I know Hargreaves Lansdown does bring up some ETFs when searching that aren’t available to UK investors but when you click through to try to shares it does eventually say they aren’t available to us.
I hold £DRDR iShares Healthcare Innovation ETF. Looks to be about 65% US based and tracks companies ' pushing the boundries in medical treatment and technology'
May cover what you're looking for.
Agreed. Currently I hold IBB and XBI through a spread betting account on IG - but they can also be purchased by UK investors on the IG share dealing site too.
Not an ETF, but this was released yesterday: Baillie Gifford Health Innovation Fund - https://www.hl.co.uk/funds/fun...
No doubt an ARKG lookalike
