Horizons ETFs Management Canada announces it is launching the Horizons Global Metaverse Index ETF (“MTAV”). Units of MTAV have been conditionally approved for listing by the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and are slated to begin trading on November 29, 2021, under the ticker symbol (TSX: MTAV).
MTAV will be Canada’s first index-based exchange traded fund (“ETF”) focused on the emerging metaverse opportunity. MTAV is an index ETF, which seeks to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the Solactive Global Metaverse Index (the “Index”). The Index is designed to provide exposure to global, publicly listed companies that potentially stand to benefit from the adoption and usage of technologies expected to grow and support the functioning of the metaverse. Steve Hawkins, President and CEO of Horizons ETFs, commented:
“The metaverse is the next frontier of the human experience and technological innovation. We believe that the metaverse will become an extremely important realm for social and economic interaction over the next decade. Even today, these technologies are already reframing the way that we engage with one another, from virtual reality to non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”). MTAV is the first index-based ETF in Canada to offer direct exposure to the global companies that are investing heavily in building and expanding the digital worlds that encompass the metaverse.”
The metaverse companies in the Index will be made up of the following key segments:
Augmented / Virtual Reality: Companies engaged in the production of technologies, software, and hardware that allow consumers and businesses to interact in immersive extended realities. This includes the production of wearable devices, specialized optics and displays, as well as, audio and sensory equipment. These companies are expected to allow end-users to transcend physical spaces and fully immerse themselves into the metaverse.
Creator Economy: Companies that offer consumer software tools, social media, and other distribution platforms that make it possible for individual creators to create, share, and transact directly with their consumers. This includes the provision of programs and services used for editing and sharing user generated content. These companies are expected to unlock the value chain of the creator economy in the metaverse.
Digital Infrastructure: Companies engaged in the development, operation and distribution of technologies, services and hardware related to network infrastructure, big data, digital platforms and cloud computing.
Digital Marketplace: Companies engaged in the provision of a digital economy including platforms and services to facilitate virtual interactions and online commerce, as well as the integration of social network platforms. These companies are expected to play a key role in the digital economy of the metaverse.
Gaming: Companies involved in the provision, development, and distribution of technologies, infrastructure and hardware used for the creation, streaming, and consumption of online gaming and e-sports content. This includes the development of online games, the production of gaming equipment, as well as, the provision of services and platforms necessary for the functioning of the gaming ecosystem expected to be central to the metaverse.
Digital Payments: Companies engaged in the development, distribution and integration of infrastructure, software, and applications related to digital payment services and blockchain technologies. This includes digital payment processes, platforms, including fiat currency “on-ramps” to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. These companies are expected to provide the payment rails for the metaverse.
