Wahed Launches Shariah-Compliant UCITS ETFs in Europe.

Wahed, a fintech company, is set to launch its first UCITS ETFs, a Shariah-screened global and US equity exposure. The ETFs will apply a Shariah screen and an additional layer of exclusions based on human rights lists. The Wahed S&P 500 Shariah UCITS ETF will exclude around 230 stocks from the parent index, leaving around 250 holdings. Wahed previously partnered with Leverage Shares to launch a Shariah ETP but opted for UCITS ETFs for efficiency and accessibility.

BlackRock has recently adjusted its $185 billion model-portfolio platform, raising its exposure to US stocks and AI funds BlackRock boosts AI and US equity exposure in $185 billion models^[1]. The portfolios are now 2% overweight equities, with allocations cut from international developed markets. This strategic shift reflects BlackRock's confidence in the US market's performance and the potential of artificial intelligence.

The rebalancing, executed on Tuesday, saw billions flowing into key exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as the iShares S&P 100 ETF (OEF), which brought in $3.4 billion, the largest single-day haul in its history. The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) collected $2.3 billion, while the iShares US Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF (DYNF) added nearly $2 billion. Conversely, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) lost $2.7 billion.

The decision to raise US equity exposure is driven by strong earnings and optimism around rate cuts. According to an investment letter obtained by Bloomberg, US companies have delivered 11% earnings growth since the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2% in other developed markets BlackRock boosts AI and US equity exposure in $185 billion models^[1]. This performance gap prompted BlackRock to drop international holdings in favor of American ones.

Michael Gates, lead portfolio manager for BlackRock’s Target Allocation ETF model portfolio suite, emphasized the US market's consistency in sales growth, profit delivery, and analyst forecast revisions. He noted that non-US developed markets lagged significantly, especially in sales BlackRock boosts AI and US equity exposure in $185 billion models^[1].

The rebalancing also reflects BlackRock's growing interest in artificial intelligence. The firm is shifting from offering exposure to its broad-based US tech ETF to an AI-focused fund. Nearly $1.4 billion flowed into the iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) on Tuesday, while the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) lost $2.7 billion BlackRock boosts AI and US equity exposure in $185 billion models^[1].

The shift in BlackRock's model portfolios is significant, as it influences investor flows across multiple funds. The models have grown rapidly, managing $185 billion as of this week, up from $150 billion earlier this year BlackRock boosts AI and US equity exposure in $185 billion models^[1].

Wahed, a fintech company, is set to launch its first UCITS ETFs, providing Shariah-screened global and US equity exposure. The ETFs will apply a Shariah screen and an additional layer of exclusions based on human rights lists. The Wahed S&P 500 Shariah UCITS ETF will exclude around 230 stocks from the parent index, leaving around 250 holdings. Wahed previously partnered with Leverage Shares to launch a Shariah ETP but opted for UCITS ETFs for efficiency and accessibility .