Why Defense Technology? Why SHLD? – Global X ETFs – 11.13.24

Summary:

The defense industry is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by a combination of rising geopolitical tensions and the digitalization of warfare. Global military expenditures surged nearly 7% in 2023, reaching $2.3 trillion, with projections indicating this figure could surpass $3 trillion by the end of the decade.¹ As nations bolster their defense capabilities, technology investments are at the forefront of this expansion.

Key areas of focus include advancements in AI, autonomous systems, and drones, which are rapidly becoming essential components of modern military operations. In parallel, the defense sector is seeing a substantial increase in IT investments, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of defense infrastructures.

This webinar will explore the growing importance of defense technology and how investors can seek to capitalize on this trend through the Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD).

In this webinar, we will discuss:

• The trends shaping the future of defense technology
• Why defense technology may be an attractive investment opportunity in 2025
• How SHLD invests in leading defense technology companies

Accepted for 1 CFP^® / IWI / CFA CE Credit

Speakers:

Scott joined Global X in 2022. He is responsible for delivering actionable insights and innovative investment strategies to clients, researching trends at the intersection of accelerating technological, demographic, and environmental change. Previously, Scott was responsible for building out the ProShares line-up of thematic ETFs. Prior to that, he served as Head of Thematic Portfolios and Co-head of Market Research and Strategy at Morgan Stanley, launching the firm’s thematic research and portfolios while managing a team that developed global multi-asset investment advice. Scott also held prior roles at BNY Mellon, Credit Suisse First Boston, and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. His work has appeared in numerous media outlets including Barron’s, Bloomberg, and Foreign Affairs. Scott is the co-chair of the Business and Security Roundtable at Fordham University’s Center for National Security and is a Fellow at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at Auburn University. He served as an Assistant Professor of Social Science at the U.S. Military Academy and the Director of Research at West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center, working across 60 government offices. He is also a member of the Economic Club of New York and was a Term/Corporate Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Scott holds a Joint Doctorate in Public Policy and Political Science from the University of Michigan, an MA in War Studies from King’s College (London), and a BBA in Finance from George Washington University.

Tejas Dessai leads Global X’s Thematic Research efforts as Director of Research. Tejas joined Global X in 2022 as a Research Analyst, covering technology themes and products, with a focus on disruptive technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, social media, gaming, and digital advertising. His research has been extensively covered in the tech and financial press, including the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, the Washington Post, Business Insider, and Reuters. Prior to joining Global X, Tejas worked as an Associate for SSR LLC, an independent research provider, covering mega and large cap TMT equities, specifically focusing on disruptive technology and emerging trends. Tejas holds a BTech in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Goa and earned his MEng in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University at Raleigh.