With the U.S. presidential election approaching, markets are anticipating potential volatility, and investors are weighing where to allocate their money. While some hedge funds are positioning for “Trump trades,” U.S. Global Investors instead sees growing opportunities in alternative assets like gold and Bitcoin. 

Paul Tudor Jones shares this perspective, highlighting these assets as hedges against rising U.S. debt and inflation concerns. The national debt has reached unsustainable levels, doubling its GDP ratio over 25 years, and the federal deficit continues to climb. 

As inflation impacts traditional assets, commodities like gold, silver, and Bitcoin have become more attractive as they tend to perform well in inflationary environments. 

Finsum: Despite election-related uncertainties, holding alternative assets may help investors maintain portfolio stability in the long run.

BlackRock has introduced two new ETFs: the iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) and the iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI). According to Tony Kim, BlackRock’s head of fundamental equities technology, these ETFs aim to capitalize on the rapidly expanding AI and tech landscape. 

The TEK fund focuses on global tech leaders and disruptors, incorporating companies across various market caps to balance stability and potential growth. Meanwhile, BAI seeks strong returns by investing in innovative companies within the AI sector, applying rigorous fundamental research. 

The fund covers a diverse range of cap sizes globally, emphasizing groundbreaking advancements in AI. BlackRock now manages over $3.1 trillion in U.S.-listed ETFs across 430 funds.

Finsum: Using ETFs to target a clients interests presents an already more balanced approach for portfolios

Preferred stocks with a $25 par value, which trade on the New York Stock Exchange, have gained popularity but yield just 5% to 5.5% for major banks, a modest premium over the 30-year Treasury. 

According to Nuveen portfolio manager Douglas Baker, economic resilience and an anticipated soft landing make bank-issued preferreds more appealing, despite limited issuance due to banks’ reduced need for capital. Issuers have redeemed more than they’ve issued this year, tightening supply in the $25-par market, which has seen a 13.1% gain year-to-date. 

Baker points out that tax advantages, high yields, and stock-like trading add to preferreds' appeal. However, their perpetual nature and redemption rights limit price gains and increase sensitivity to rising rates. 

Finsum: There is strong demand for these types of unusual but tax efficient investments in the wider market.

This week’s muni bond selloff has created a buying opportunity, Wall Street strategists suggest. Following a selloff in U.S. Treasuries, muni yields rose sharply as economic strength tempered hopes for rate cuts. 

Despite a Thursday rally, the 10-year benchmark muni yield remains 26 basis points higher than its start-of-week level, marking one of the year’s steepest weekly declines. JPMorgan strategists see value at current levels, particularly with supportive market conditions anticipated in November. 

The iShares National Muni Bond ETF drew $362 million in inflows on Thursday, helping bolster the market. Barclays strategist Mikhail Foux expects favorable muni performance later this year, though he advises caution until rates stabilize.

Finsum: We think munis might present one of the best options in the bond market as rates begin their descent 

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are seeing exceptional demand, outpacing most new ETFs launched this year. According to recent Bloomberg data, 14 out of the top 30 ETFs launched in 2024 focus on Bitcoin or Ethereum, with Bitcoin ETFs holding the top positions. 

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, in particular, has attracted record inflows, becoming one of the most popular ETFs in recent years. These ETFs give investors a secure way to track Bitcoin's price directly on the stock market, something that was previously difficult to achieve. 

After a decade of rejections, the SEC approved several Bitcoin ETFs in January, fueling rapid market inflows that hit $20 billion in just ten months—a pace much faster than gold ETFs, which took five years to reach that milestone. 

Finsum: There is the possibility that demand for Ethereum ETFs may rise as investor interest grows.