In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, your host Owen Rask is joined by Hugh Lam, Investment Strategist at Betashares, to discuss five key thematic ETFs poised for 2025. They cover: - What thematic investing is and why it matters - The difference between long-term trends and market fads - Five ETFs that capture mega-trends shaping the global economy - How to evaluate ETFs for risk, performance, and diversification If you enjoy this episode on thematic ETFs, make sure to subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. 0:00 Introduction 1:30 How to think about the broad category of “thematic investing” 2:25 How thematic investing differs from a fad or a sector specific investing 4:40 How do you determine if there is real substance behind a theme? 8:20 Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT) - A smart beta ETF focusing on ASX companies with high levels of profitability, low levels of debt and the stability of earnings. 13:50 Why should Australian investors focus on the quality of the businesses in today’s market? 16:35 Betashares Australian Cash Plus Fund (ASX: MMKT) - An alternative source of income via money market securities - what are money market securities? 20:50 Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) - Geopolitical conflict, AI developments and in general more sophisticated cyber threats are seeing companies increasing their spend on security. 25:40 Betashares Gold Bullion Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: QAU) - Gold has benefited from central bank buying and continued instability and uncertainty 32:18 Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND) - A country experiencing economic growth above 6% and over the long run, strong economic growth supports business profits and markets. Will India benefit from the US tariffs? 35:10 Addressing the current economic slow down in India but structural long-term growth remains Resources for this Episode 📄 Learn more about these ETFs: Australian Quality (AQLT) – https://bit.ly/4hl9gcP Australian Cash Plus Fund (MMKT) – https://bit.ly/4hkO3jc Global Cybersecurity (HACK) – https://bit.ly/4izJhiU Gold Bullion (QAU) – https://bit.ly/4hEhGvR India Quality (IIND) – https://bit.ly/4byeLUf ~~ Show Partner Resources ~~ 💰 Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit – https://bit.ly/Pearler 📊 Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith 📈 View Betashares' full range of funds – https://bit.ly/beta-25 ~~ Rask Resources ~~ 🔗 Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services 📋 Learn about Rask Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan 📈 Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest 📜 Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes ❓ Ask a finance question (just choose the finance podcast) – https://bit.ly/R-quest 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you before acting on it. If you’re unsure, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG) – Read Here - https://www.rask.com.au/fsg