U.S. Global Investors' Thematic ETFs Deliver Strong Performance in 2024

U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (Nasdaq: GROW) has announced that its thematic, smart beta 2.0 ETFs ended 2024 on a positive note, highlighting the effectiveness of the Company's quantitative strategy for selecting high-quality stocks and building robust portfolios. The U.S. Global Jets ETF (NYSE: JETS), U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (NYSE: GOAU), and U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (NYSE: SEA) all delivered positive total returns for the year, with JETS outperforming the broader market.



JETS ETF: Record-High Travel Demand and Lower Fuel Costs

The U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) delivered a total return of 33.21% in 2024, outpacing the broader market, which also saw strong gains. The airlines industry soared in 2024, fueled by a favorable economic backdrop and record-high passenger traffic. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported screening over 900 million passengers in U.S. airports during the year, representing a 5% increase over 2023 figures. Declining global oil prices further supported the sector, as lower fuel costs directly impact airlines' operating expenses. United Airlines exemplified the industry's achievements in 2024, with its stock soaring approximately 135%, making it the fifth-best performance in the S&P 500.

GOAU ETF: Gold's Historic Rise and Central Bank Purchases

The U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) achieved a total return of 13.80% in 2024, marking its second consecutive year of positive annual performance. 2024 was a milestone year for gold, with prices soaring from approximately $2,000 per ounce to an all-time high of $2,787 on October 30. The yellow metal finished the year up 27.22%, while silver also posted strong gains, rising 21.46%, according to Bloomberg data. Total gold demand in the third quarter exceeded $100 billion for the first time, reinforcing the metal's investment appeal. Reflecting this strength, GOAU achieved a total return of 13.80% in 2024, driven by global central banks' net purchases of gold and interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.



SEA ETF: Resilience and Adaptability in the Cargo Industry

The U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) ended the year in positive territory, with dividends reinvested, delivering a total return of 2.23% and a $2.10-per-share dividend. The Company is particularly pleased to see that SEA ended the year in positive territory, with dividends reinvested, despite the industry facing challenges such as geopolitical instability and labor disputes. Frank Holmes, the Company's CEO and Chief Investment Officer, commented on the industry's resilience: "Cargo shipping companies have been known to pay out consistent dividends, even in a slow economy. The industry faced a number of challenges in 2024, from geopolitical instability to labor disputes. Despite these headwinds, I’m pleased to see how agile the industry has been in rolling with the punches, so to speak. Companies adapted quickly to rerouted trade routes, managed rates proactively and continued investing in sustainability, even under immense pressure. The SEA ETF’s positive performance, up 2.23% with dividends reinvested, underscores the strength and adaptability of this critical sector."



U.S. Global Investors' quantitative strategy for selecting high-quality stocks differs from traditional indexing or passive investing by focusing on active stock selection, factor-based investing, thematic investing, and robust portfolio construction. This approach has been successful in delivering positive total returns for the Company's smart beta 2.0 ETFs in 2024, as demonstrated by the performance of JETS, GOAU, and SEA. As the Company continues to expand its offerings, investors can expect to see more innovative and successful thematic ETFs in the future.