AI, Semiconductors drive record demand for thematic ETFs

12 May 2026

• The Australian ETF market grew by $16.6 billion over April
• Thematic ETFs delivered a record $456 million of inflows
• The Global X Semiconductor ETF (SEMI) saw record inflows of $89 million

Investors poured $5.3 billion into Australian ETFs in April, taking total year-to-date flows beyond $20 billion amid renewed demand for US and thematic exposures.

AI has seen investor interest in thematic ETFs hit a record high, with $456 million invested into thematic ETFs over the month, marking a level of renewed engagement not seen since the post-COVID market boom.

Marc Jocum, Senior Product and Investment Strategist at Global X ETFs, said thematic ETFs accounted for 8% of total industry flows in April, despite representing only around 3% of the Australian ETF market by size.

“Strong performance across AI-linked companies, combined with the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure and extraordinary capex investment from hyperscalers, has drawn capital back into targeted thematic exposures after a period of more muted demand,” Mr Jocum said.

“We are seeing continued investor appetite for targeted thematic exposures alongside core portfolio allocations, as thematics can be accretive to portfolio construction,” he said.

Semiconductors led thematic demand over April, with record inflows of $89 million into the Global X Semiconductor ETF (SEMI), which was also one of the top performers last month with a 30.6% return.

“Investors are increasingly accessing AI through multiple thematic pathways, ranging from mega-cap US technology leaders to Asian technology giants and diversified AI strategies such as the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (GXAI), as well as more granular exposures including AI infrastructure and robotics,” Mr Jocum said.

“Energy-transition strategies have also attracted strong interest so far in 2026, led by the Global X Copper Miners ETF (WIRE) in terms of flows, reflecting demand for critical metals linked to electrification, AI buildout and grid expansion.”

The Australian ETF market grew by $16.6 billion (+5.0%) over the month to $346.3 billion across 482 products. Nine new ETFs launched in April, predominantly actively managed ETFs, while three other ETFs completed their transition from Cboe Australia to the ASX.

The Australian ETF market has grown 33.7% over the past year and is running at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.1% p.a. This growth was driven by $58.2 billion in net inflows over the past year, positive market movements, and unlisted funds converting into active ETFs.

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Please contact James Mitchell, Global X Australia | +61 413 619 034 | james.mitchell@globalxetfs.com.au

About Global X ETFs Australia

Global X ETFs Australia is a leading ETF provider with a growing range of cost-effective and innovation-led products which are built to help Australian investors achieve their investment outcomes by providing access to a successful pool of ETFs across thematics, income, commodities, digital assets and more. Global X Australia’s nuanced understanding of the local market is backed by international resources and expertise to deliver a beyond ordinary experience for all stakeholders.

About Global X ETFs

Global X ETFs was founded in 2008. For more than a decade, our mission has been empowering investors with unexplored and intelligent solutions. Our product lineup features almost 400 ETF strategies worldwide and over US$132 billion in assets under management¹. While we are distinguished for our Thematic Growth, Income, and International Access ETFs, we also offer Core, Commodity, and Alpha funds to suit a wide range of investment objectives.

Global X is a member of Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global leader in financial services, with more than US$754 billion in assets under management worldwide². Mirae Asset has an extensive global ETF platform ranging across the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam with over US$198 billion in assets under management.³

^{1. Assets under management as at November 2025, Global X
2 Assets under management as at September 2025, Mirae Asset Financial Group
3 Assets under management as at November 2025, Mirae Asset Global Investments}

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