Advances in technology are changing healthcare. From cell therapy to neuroscience, to big data and nanotechnology, the frontiers of healthcare and medicine are constantly being expanded. The $4.2 billion poured into healthtech start-ups in 2016 shows the vast potential in the area for firms developing cutting-edge healthcare technology solutions. For investors, thematic ETFs such as the iShares Healthcare Innovation UCITS ETF provide a simple way to gain pure-play exposure to this exciting megatrend.

UBS has listed a distributing Australian dollar share class for its UBS ETF MSCI Australia UCITS ETF (AUAD) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) . The new trading line complements the existing accumulating and currency-hedged versions already listed on the exchange. The ETF, which is linked to the MSCI Australia Index, offers investors exposure to 70 large- and mid-cap Australian-domiciled equities that represent approximately 85% of the total Australian listed equity market.

BNP Paribas Asset Management has introduced a euro-denominated share class for its BNP Paribas Easy MSCI World ex Controversial Weapons UCITS ETF (EMWE), listed on the Xetra and Euronext Paris exchanges. The new listings comes on the back of strong investor demand for the issuer’s range of ex-controversial weapons ETFs.

The results from Germany’s election are in and Angela Merkel’s centre-right coalition remains the largest force in parliament. But with the two largest parties recording their worst result since the 1940s and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party enjoying considerable support, the political direction of Germany has an added air of unpredictability. How has all this affected markets and, in turn, what’s been the impact on ETFs linked to German equities and bonds?

PowerShares Canada has launched the PowerShares 1-10 Year Laddered Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index ETF (PIB) on the NEO Exchange. As the name suggests, the ETF gives exposure to Canadian investment grade corporate bonds.

The ClearShares OCIO ETF (NYSE Arca: OCIO) is celebrating passing $100 million in assets under management. The fund – launched by provider ClearShares, a subsidiary of Clearbrook, in June of this year – is an ETF of ETFs, offering access to an actively managed, diverse portfolio of passive index‐based ETFs and actively managed ETFs.

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the New York Stock Exchange, has launched an index that tracks high-growth technology stocks. Called the FANG+ Index, after the acronym used for Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google, the index provides exposure to ten highly liquid tech-enabled companies including the aforementioned five.

The proposition that robotics and automation will fundamentally change the way we work and live is no longer up for debate. The question, then, is how can investors best take advantage of this megatrend? Thematic ETFs, such as the iShares Automation and Robotics UCITS ETF (LON: RBOT), provide an effective answer.

BNP Paribas Asset Management has launched three new smart beta ETFs giving investors access to high dividend paying stocks in the US and Europe, and undervalued stocks in the US. Commenting on the launch, Isabelle Bourcier, head of ETF and index activity at BNP Paribas Asset Management said the new ETFs underlined the firm’s desire to keep expanding its smart beta range.

Daiwa Asset Management has launched the Daiwa ETF FTSE Blossom Japan Index (1654) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The ETF tracks the FTSE Blossom Japan Index, which provides exposure to Japanese equities that display strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.