Horizons ETFs Management Canada is launching two exchange-traded funds that give investors exposure to lithium and hydrogen, tapping into two fast-growing markets that are key to weaning the world off of fossil fuels.
The Horizons Global Lithium Producers Index ETF and Horizons Global Hydrogen Index ETF make their Toronto Stock Exchange trading debut Wednesday, Horizons ETFs said in a statement.
The lithium ETF, which will trade under the symbol HLIT, offers exposure to companies primarily focused on mining or production of the world’s lightest metal, as well as lithium compounds and lithium-related components. The hydrogen ETF, with ticker HYDR, offers exposure to hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen, technology, equipment, generation, storage and transport companies in developed and emerging markets.
Interest in lithium, key for rechargeable batteries, is resurgent as electric-vehicle targets set by big automakers and governments’ green initiatives signal that a battery boom is gathering momentum, pushing up prices for the silvery white metal. So-called green hydrogen, which is produced using technology powered by renewable sources, is seen as key to curbing carbon emissions from the industrial sector.
“Clean energy is certainly becoming more and more front and center,” Nick Piquard, a portfolio manager at Horizons ETFs, said in an interview. “All three of the sections of the economy: government, business, household, have been more focused on those things.”
Horizons ETFs, a unit of Seoul-based Mirae Asset Global Investments, added these funds that are a first for Canada because “investors want more options in the alternative energy space,” Piquard said.