🔍Inside the ETF Hotlist: 20 Q&As on 2025’s Top Investment Themes

In partnership with

Welcome back to the ETF UNO Q&A Session — where curiosity meets clarity! We’re here to answer your questions about shiny metals, the AI gold rush, the exciting world of crypto ETFs, and the intriguing appeal of Chinese markets. It’s the perfect read for your weekend coffee ☕.

Let’s dive in!

Join a Trusted Community of Accomplished Peers

Long Angle is a private, peer-driven community where accomplished entrepreneurs, executives, and investors share insights and experiences.

Members join to learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and navigate complex decisions together – all in a no-solicitation environment built on trust, candor, and shared growth.

Apply Today

🪙Group 1: Metals & Gold ETFs

Hard assets, shiny hedges, and the quiet strength of scarcity.

Q1: Why do investors keep turning to gold ETFs even when interest rates rise?

A: Gold has an odd habit — it doesn’t pay interest, yet people love it when things feel uncertain. Rising rates can temporarily pressure gold prices, but gold’s real power lies in trust and protection. Investors use gold ETFs as a hedge against inflation, geopolitical tensions, or currency swings. Think of gold as the world’s “financial fire extinguisher” — not for daily use, but essential when things get hot.

Q2: What’s the difference between a physical gold ETF and a gold miner ETF?

A: Physical gold ETFs (like GLD) track the metal’s spot price directly — simple, stable, and storage-free.

Gold miner ETFs hold shares of mining companies. They move more than gold itself — offering leverage to gold prices but also exposure to business risks (like costs, management, or politics). If gold moves +10%, miners might jump +20% — or drop twice as fast.

Q3: Are silver and platinum ETFs worth adding alongside gold?

A: Investing in silver provides industrial exposure and precious-metal protection for diversification in the metals market. Its significant industrial demand can lead to volatility and higher growth during economic booms. Consider gaining exposure through the iShares Silver Trust (SLV). Platinum and palladium, linked to the auto industry via catalytic converters, can be invested in through ETFs like the abrdn Standard Physical Platinum Shares ETF $PPLT ( ▼ 2.26% ) .

Q4: How do metal ETFs perform during inflationary periods?  

A: Metals generally perform well when inflation expectations outpace interest rate increases. Gold and silver act as inflation hedges, while industrial metals like copper benefit from rising demand. During inflationary periods such as the 1970s and post-COVID 2021–2022, commodity-linked ETFs have outperformed stocks and bonds.

Q5: What are “battery metals” ETFs — and why are they trending?

A: They’re ETFs that focus on metals powering the green transition — like lithium, nickel, and copper. These ETFs give exposure to the “electric revolution,” connecting mining to mobility. Think of them as the modern cousin of gold ETFs — shiny, but for a digital age.

🤖 Group 2: AI & AI Infrastructure ETFs

The future is automated — and ETFs are how you invest in it.

Q1: Are AI ETFs just a fancy way to buy Nvidia?

A: That's a valid point. Nvidia is a leader in AI chips and a major part of many AI ETFs. However, an ETF offers diversification across chip designers, manufacturers, cloud platforms, and AI software companies. This helps mitigate risks if Nvidia struggles while allowing you to benefit from the overall AI market growth.

Q2: How are AI Infrastructure ETFs different from regular AI ETFs?

A: AI Infrastructure ETFs dig beneath the surface — they invest in the companies providing the tools AI runs on:

• Semiconductors: NVIDIA, AMD

• Data Centers: Equinix, Digital Realty

• Cloud Platforms: Microsoft, Amazon

Examples include he VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) or the Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP).

It’s like investing in the “AI gold rush” — but buying the shovels, not the miners.

Q3: How can investors avoid AI hype while still benefiting from the trend?

A: Select broad, rules-based ETFs that prioritise long-term innovation over short-term trends. These ETFs often rebalance to manage hype.

Remember, investing in AI is a marathon, not a sprint. Holding a diversified AI ETF for 5 to 10 years can leverage the benefits of technology adoption.

Q4: Are actively managed AI ETFs worth the higher fees?

A: Yes, sometimes. The AI landscape evolves quickly, enabling active managers to adapt more quickly than rules-based indexes. For instance, the ARK Innovation ETF excelled in 2025 with bold investments. However, active management has higher fees and a greater risk of poor decisions. A low-cost, passive AI ETF serves as a solid core holding, while an active one can provide higher-risk, higher-reward exposure.

Q5: Could AI itself change how ETFs are managed?

A: AI-driven ETFs are already real! They use machine learning to automatically select and rebalance holdings. For instance, the AI-Powered Equity ETF (AIEQ) analyses millions of data points daily to make trading decisions. While still experimental, this technology suggests a future where AI manages markets.

⛓️Group 3: Advanced Crypto ETFs

Beyond Bitcoin — into the new frontier of digital finance.

Q1: What are “multi-crypto” or “DeFi” ETFs?

A: These ETFs expand their focus to include various cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects associated with decentralised finance (DeFi). They provide exposure to the entire ecosystem, rather than just individual coins.

Q2: How should I monitor and control the risks of crypto ETFs?

A: Stick to U.S.-listed, transparent funds with known custodians and strong liquidity.

Monitor the risks below carefully when investing:

• Volatility: Big swings, fast gains, faster losses.

• Regulatory uncertainty: Rules evolve constantly.

• Custody and tracking errors: Especially in synthetic or futures-based ETFs.

Q3: Now that we have Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, what’s the next big thing in crypto ETFs?

A: The frontier is expanding! We’re starting to see ETFs that offer exposure to a basket of cryptocurrencies beyond just BTC and ETH. Some are even exploring “staking” ETFs that aim to generate yield from holding proof-of-stake assets like Ethereum. The SEC is also reviewing applications for ETFs based on other major coins like Solana and Cardano, which could be the next wave.

Q4: How do I pick the best Bitcoin or Ethereum ETF? They all track the same price.

A: The key differentiator is the expense ratio. Since they all track the same underlying asset, the cheapest one will give you the best long-term return. Always compare the fees before you buy.

Q5: Can I use crypto ETFs as a long-term core holding?

A: Consider these assets as high-risk satellite holdings, making up 1-5% of your portfolio. Their volatility makes them unsuitable as a stable core. Instead, they offer regulated exposure to a potentially transformative asset class without the complexities of self-custody.

🐉Group 4: Chinese ETFs

From recovery plays to structural shifts — understanding China’s ETF landscape.

Q1: Given the current political and economic uncertainty, is it safe to invest in China right now?  

A: This is a valid concern. However, it's important to note that Chinese equities are currently trading at very attractive valuations.

As of late October 2025, MCHI has increased by an impressive 39% year to date, indicating that the market anticipates a recovery. Investing in China carries significant risks but also the potential for substantial rewards. Therefore, it should only represent a small, strategic portion of a well-diversified global portfolio.

Q2: Should I be worried about delisting risk for U.S.-listed Chinese stocks?

A: The risk has been significantly reduced by the 2022 audit agreement between the U.S. and China. Most major Chinese firms have taken steps to secure their U.S. listings or have primary listings in Hong Kong as a backup. ETFs like the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) remain a primary way for U.S. investors to access China’s massive internet sector.

Q3: What's the difference between investing in Hong Kong-listed and U.S.-listed Chinese ETFs?

A: U.S.-listed ETFs give global investors easy access and report in USD.

Hong Kong-listed ETFs often provide exposure to onshore shares in mainland and Hong Kong markets and are denominated in HKD or RMB. Currency exposure and liquidity can differ — so choose based on where you live and how you trade.

Q4: Are "China + 1" ETFs a better option?

A: The “China + 1” strategy invests in other Asian markets (like Vietnam, India, and Indonesia) that benefit from supply chain diversification. ETFs like EMLC can complement Chinese holdings — balancing growth with geopolitical safety.

Q5: What role can Chinese ETFs play in a global portfolio?

A: A smart role is measured exposure — around 5–10% of equity allocation. China remains the world’s second-largest economy and a manufacturing powerhouse. Pairing a broad fund (like MCHI) with a thematic one (like KWEB) provides both core and growth exposure.

Cut Through the Noise and Invest with Clarity✨

From the enduring appeal of gold to the future of AI and cryptocurrency, today’s ETF landscape offers tools for every investment strategy. It’s essential to understand what you own and how it fits into your overall plan. We hope this Q&A session has clarified more than it has confused. Remember, diversification and patience are key.

👉 Join the ETF UNO community to stay informed and inspired. The best investors aren’t just chasing returns; they’re asking the right questions.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.