When it comes to thematic investing, global instability and increased geopolitical uncertainty often push investors towards gold as a safe haven.
There are other options, such as investing in defence companies such as Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB), DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO), and Electro Optic Systems Ltd (ASX: EOS).
But if you're looking for more diversification, there are some exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on offer which might be worth a look.
Global outlook
The first one we'll look at is the Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR).
This fund aims to access leading global defence companies aligned with NATO allied countries.
The ARMR website goes on to say:
ARMR provides exposure to up to 60 leading companies which derive more than 50% of their revenues from the development and manufacturing of military and defence equipment, as well as defence technology, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, General Dynamics and Palantir Technologies.
The website adds that global defence and security spending has "significantly increased" in recent times due to evolving geopolitical risks, and the spend is projected to continue for the foreseeable future.
ARMR has delivered an impressive 47.84% one-year return measured at the end of December, and 29.9% over five years.
Second cab off the rank is the Van Eck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND).
This ETF aims to give "exposure to the largest global companies involved in aerospace & defence, research and consulting, application software and electronic equipment & instruments, that are typically under-represented in benchmarks''.
The Van Eck website adds:
DFND is likely to be appropriate for a consumer who is seeking capital growth, is intending to use the product as a minor or satellite allocation within a portfolio, has an investment timeframe of at least 5 years, and has a very high risk/return profile.
DFND is up 85.5% from its lows over the past year and is changing hands for $44.85, with the fund valued at $305.3 million.
Another solid performer is the Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC), which "provides investors with access to companies at the forefront of defence innovation''.
The website goes on to say:
As global security concerns shift towards more technology-driven solutions, DTEC captures the sectors driving the future of defence. This includes AI, drones, and cybersecurity – all crucial components in today's modern defence landscape.
DTEC is up 88.4% from its lows over the past year, with the fund valued at $128.5 million.
Then, finally, there is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK), which, as the name suggests, aims to give exposure to the best cybersecurity companies globally.
As the Betashares website explains:
With cybercrime on the rise, the demand for cybersecurity services is expected to grow strongly for the foreseeable future. In one trade, get diversified, cost-effective exposure to global cybersecurity companies, a sector that is heavily under-represented on the ASX.
Hack hasn't performed as well as the other defence ETFs and has been trending lower in recent months. That said, it's still up 15.1% from its low point over the past 12 months and, over a three-year horizon, has returned 23.5% per annum.
