Woman with VR headset

Megatrends & thematic investing

Invest in the long-term trends transforming the way we live and work through our range of thematic solutions

What are megatrends?

Megatrends are powerful, transformative forces that can change the trajectory of the global economy by shifting the priorities of societies, driving innovation and redefining business models. They can have a meaningful impact not just on how we live and how we spend money, but also on government policies and corporate strategies.

The awareness of megatrends in investment processes offers real insights. Because of that, megatrends influence our investment decisions.

What is thematic investing?

Thematic investing is an approach provides an opportunity to identify and isolate powerful themes and gain pure exposure to them via companies – across regions and sectors - with underappreciated growth prospects. At the centre of BlackRock's Thematic investing philosophy lies 5 megatrends shaping our future:
Icon representing the world with connections
Technological breakthrough
Technology is driving exponential progress in the tech sector and far beyond.
Rapid urbanisation
Rapid urbanisation
Mass migration to cities will require new business models and infrastructure.
Demographics and social change
Demographics and social change
Longer lifespans and modern lifestyles will change medicine and consumer habits.
Climate change and resource scarcity
Climate change and resource scarcity
Demand for a green tomorrow will advance energy & conservation.
Emerging global wealth
Emerging global wealth
Newly affluent consumers will expand in Asia & across emerging markets.

A confluence of these global megatrends is prompting structural shifts in many industries and changing the drivers of companies’ earnings.

Thematic investing at BlackRock

BlackRock and iShares Thematic suite is positioned to access the long-term effects of these megatrends, using actively managed and index solutions. Our Thematic platform can offer:
Icon 1
Scale
The breadth of our platform enables investors to find solutions that best match their interests, whether it is a specific theme or one that invests across multiple themes.
Icon 2
Active and Index
Our expertise in active funds and ETFs enable us to decide if a theme is better suited for an index or active approach to best capture investment opportunities.
Icon 3
Team Expertise
Our research capabilities seek to identify potential future winners across different sectors, geographies and investment styles.