Research Articles

Latest (Date)
Asian semiconductor stocks are crashing. Here's why we're still buying.ETFs

Asian semiconductor stocks are crashing. Here's why we're still buying.

Asian semiconductor stocks just suffered their worst month in years, even as the companies behind them posted some of their strongest results on record. We explain why our conviction in Asian semiconductors hasn't wavered.

By  You Weiren, CFA | 3 Days Ago |2192 Views
TaiwanHKEXAsia SemiconductorSemiconductorSouth Korea
ETF Spotlight: Greater China – One region, multiple growth driversETFs

ETF Spotlight: Greater China – One region, multiple growth drivers

Taiwan's AI hardware leadership and China's technology platform recovery are creating complementary growth opportunities across the Greater China region. The Global X FTSE Greater China ETF provides a convenient and cost-efficient way to gain diversified exposure to the region through a single investment vehicle.

By  Adeline Gao Yuanhui | 21 Jul 2026 |2884 Views
FSM SpotlightTencentTaiwanGreater ChinaHKEXChinaTSMCDiversificationHong KongValuationAIAlibaba2026 Outlook#2026
China’s AI hardware opportunity: Global compute boom meets accelerating domestic substitutionETFs

China’s AI hardware opportunity: Global compute boom meets accelerating domestic substitution

China's semiconductor rally is now driven by two structural forces: the global AI compute boom and accelerating domestic substitution. While global AI capex fuels demand, China's push for semiconductor self-sufficiency—supported by systems innovation, policy and energy advantages—creates a differentiated opportunity that complements US AI exposure.

By  Ian Li Qingcao,CFA | 17 Jul 2026 |294 Views
TechnologyChina2026Chinese semiconductors
ETF Focus List 2026 – Positioning for the opportunities ahead ETFs

ETF Focus List 2026 – Positioning for the opportunities ahead

With over 11,100 ETFs available on our platform, choosing the right ETF for your portfolio can be a challenging and time-consuming task. Our ETF Focus List zeroes in on the best-in-class ETFs from a wide range of options. Read on to find out what has changed in the latest edition of our ETF Focus List.

By  iFAST Research Team | 13 Jul 2026 |6376 Views
ETF Focus ListETF2026
VOO vs SPYL: What the ETF domicile means for Singapore investorsETFs

VOO vs SPYL: What the ETF domicile means for Singapore investors

Vanguard's VOO and State Street's SPYL both track the S&P 500 at the same annual expense ratio of 0.03%. However, their listing domicile, the US for VOO and Ireland for SPYL, drives materially different outcomes for Singapore investors once dividend withholding tax and US estate tax exposure are factored in.

By  Tan Qiuyi Charmaine | 09 Jul 2026 |7761 Views
NYSELSEWithholding TaxVOOSPYLEstate Tax
Europe's heatwaves are stress-testing the grid. Here’s the opportunity most investors have missedETFs

Europe's heatwaves are stress-testing the grid. Here’s the opportunity most investors have missed

A single heatwave exposed how unprepared Europe's power infrastructure is for its own climate future — and the same pressure points now converging from energy security and AI demand mean this stress test won't be the last.

By  Laven Cao, CFA | 08 Jul 2026 |439 Views
NASDAQEuropeData CentreGRIDElectrification
Meta is pivoting to cloud computing — is this the AI bubble bursting?ETFs

Meta is pivoting to cloud computing — is this the AI bubble bursting?

Meta's reported pivot to cloud computing triggered a sharp sell-off in chip stocks worldwide — but the data tells a very different story. We break down why the reaction overshot, and why Asian semiconductor stocks are still a compelling opportunity.

By  You Weiren, CFA | 03 Jul 2026 |3966 Views
TaiwanHKEXAsia SemiconductorSemiconductorSouth Korea
State Street just launched the cheapest Nasdaq-100 ETF (QNDX): Should you switch from QQQ or QQQM?ETFs

State Street just launched the cheapest Nasdaq-100 ETF (QNDX): Should you switch from QQQ or QQQM?

State Street's new low-cost QNDX ETF is challenging the Nasdaq-100 ETF landscape, but lower fees are only one piece of the puzzle. We examine whether investors should switch from QQQ or QQQM, or stay the course.

By  Joel Phua | 03 Jul 2026 |2445 Views
USNASDAQNasdaq 100QQQMQNDXQQQ
Don’t mistake the pullback: Why Asian defence’s growth thesis remains intactETFs

Don’t mistake the pullback: Why Asian defence’s growth thesis remains intact

Recent headlines have weighed on Asian defence stocks, but the sector's long-term growth drivers remain firmly in place. We explain why the latest pullback does not undermine the investment thesis and present an attractive entry point for long-term investors.

By  Hu You | 02 Jul 2026 |729 Views
TaiwanNASDAQIndiaDefenceAsia defenceSouth Korea
Rheinmetall fell 19% in a day. Here is what the market got wrong about European defenceETFs

Rheinmetall fell 19% in a day. Here is what the market got wrong about European defence

The market treated Germany’s warship decision as a retreat from rearmament, but the broader evidence suggests Europe is still moving from defence promises into production. With US protection becoming less automatic and US weapons supply constrained, European defence makers are gaining strategic relevance at a better valuation entry point.

By  Laven Cao, CFA | 26 Jun 2026 |2683 Views
FSM SpotlightEuropeDefenceLSE