Lazard Enters US ETF Market with 3 New Active Strategies
- Lazard Asset Management has launched its first U.S. ETFs trading on Nasdaq.
- The new funds focus on global megatrends, Japanese equities and next-gen technologies.
- The move expands access to Lazard's active management expertise.
Investment firm Lazard Asset Management has made its first foray into the U.S. exchange-traded fund market with the launch of three actively managed ETFs: The Lazard Equity Megatrends ETF (THMZ), which targets global structural shifts; the Lazard Japanese Equity ETF (JPY), focused on Japan's changing economic landscape; and the Lazard Next Gen Technologies ETF (TEKY), which invests in automation and artificial intelligence innovations.
All three began trading on Nasdaq today, according to a company announcement.
The move comes as active management continues gaining traction in the ETF space, allowing Lazard to offer its institutional-quality strategies in a more accessible, transparent format that appeals to a broader range of investors.
ETFs Designed for Structural Growth Opportunities
THMZ
The THMZ fund employs a proprietary approach to identify major megatrends and invests in themes expected to benefit from these shifts, according to portfolio manager Steve Wreford, who noted in the announcement, "Technological, demographic and geopolitical shifts are reshaping the investment landscape."
JPY
The JPY fund targets Japan's evolving market, where portfolio manager June-Yon Kim pointed to "economic and policy changes, helping its companies recapture growth after decades of stagnation," according to the firm.
TEKY
TEKY provides exposure to companies developing automation-enabling AI technologies, with portfolio manager Tjeert Keijzer stating in the release that "recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are unlocking the next generation of automation applications."
Lazard's Best Ideas in ETF Format
"For decades, Lazard has helped clients build stronger portfolios with world-class actively managed equity strategies," said Jennifer Ryan, head of North America distribution, in the announcement. "These three new ETFs bring some of Lazard's best ideas to investors and financial advisors in a versatile, transparent, efficient format."
Lazard Asset Management, a subsidiary of Lazard, Inc. (LAZ), managed approximately $233 billion of client assets as of Jan. 30, according to the release. The firm has operations across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
