Orion's The Weighing Machine

Scott Helfstein of ProShares - How to Leverage and Position Thematic Funds

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In today’s episode, Rusty and Robyn talk to Scott Helfstein, Executive Director of Thematic Investing at ProShares.

Scott's military background and investing expertise paved the way for understanding the complexity of decision-making and resource allocation for individuals, especially in times of uncertainty. Recently, his focus has been on helping people build thematic portfolios that can boost long-term returns. Together with Proshares, Scott brings cutting-edge innovation to the ETF space.

Scott talks with Rusty and Robyn about the benefits of thematic investing, the positioning of thematic funds in portfolios, and the four themes to look out for when investing in the long-term.

Themes give people things they experience in the everyday world that they associate with. And I think that's really what's driven the growth. That’s part one. Part two is that most of the themes that are put out in the market are future-forward." ~ Scott Helfstein


Main Takeaways 

  • There are three selling points of thematic investing: secular changes to the global economy, long-term trends, and high-growth opportunities. 
  • Rather than anticipate linearly, learn to see the exponential changes—especially with regard to the four long-term themes: work, genomics & telehealth, digital consumer, and food revolution.
  • You can allocate 5-10% of your portfolio in thematic ETFs. However, do the basket approach first and weigh meticulously what would be an immense player in the long-term.
  • Whatever ETF you put out, make sure that you’re bringing in something new at the table—innovate.


    • Links

    • Scott Helfstein on LinkedIn
    • Right Now by Van Halen
    • Riding with the King by B.B. King and Eric Clapton
    • ProShares ETFs
    • Morgan Stanley
    • George Washington University
    • US Military Academy
    • Center for Cyber and Homeland Security - Auburn University
    • Federal Reserve
    • Barron’s
    • Wall Street Journal
    • Russell 1000 Index
    • S&P 500
    • Moderna
    • US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    • Zoom
    • Pet Care ETF
    • ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF (QQQA)


      • Connect with our hosts

      • Rusty Vanneman
      • Robyn Murray


        • Subscribe and stay in touch

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        • Google Podcasts


          • 1941-OAS-7/1/2021

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          Orion's The Weighing MachineBy Orion Portfolio Solutions
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