Hancock Prospecting continues to add tech-focused investments to its portfolio.
What happened
Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd disclosed a significant purchase of Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ +0.22%), acquiring 1,447,190 shares with a net position change of approximately $71.75 million, according to a Nov. 14, 2025, SEC filing.
The new position value is $73.82 million, up from the prior quarter’s stake, reflecting both share purchases and changes in market price.
What else to know
The AIQ position increased to 2.4% of Hancock Prospecting’s $3.07 billion 13F reportable AUM as of Sept. 30, 2025.
Top holdings after the filing:
- MP Materials Corporation (MP +5.26%): $997 million (32.5% of AUM)
- Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQ 0.09%): $767 million (25% of AUM)
- Teck Resources (TECK +0.97%): $343 million (11.2% of AUM)
- Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM 0.29%): $220 million (7.2% of AUM)
- State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 400 Mid Cap ETF(SPMD +0.48%): $81 million (2.6% of AUM)
As of Dec. 4, 2025, shares of AIQ were priced at $50.94, down 5% from their 52-week high.
AIQ posted a one-year total return of 30%, outperforming the S&P 500 by 15 percentage points over the same period.
The ETF currently trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.
ETF overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| AUM | $5.98 billion |
| Price (as of market close 12/2/25) | $50.94 |
| Dividend yield | 0.12% |
| 1-year total return | 30% |
ETF snapshot
The X Global Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF:
- Tracks an index of global companies involved in artificial intelligence and big data, seeking to provide exposure to technological innovation.
- Consists primarily of equity securities from firms advancing AI and related technologies, with a non-diversified structure emphasizing targeted sector allocation.
- Has a low dividend yield and a focus on growth, appealing to investors seeking thematic exposure to AI and technology trends.
The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) offers investors targeted access to companies at the forefront of AI development and big data utilization.
With a market capitalization of $5.98 billion and a 1-year total return of 30%, the fund demonstrates strong growth in a rapidly evolving sector.
The ETF tracks an index designed to capture companies involved in the development and utilization of AI and big data. Its non-diversified approach allows for concentrated exposure to key technology themes, positioning the fund as a specialized vehicle for capturing AI-driven market opportunities.
Foolish take
While Hancock Prospecting’s investment in the X Global Artificial Intelligence and Technology ETF (AIQ) may seem like a major deal, it is worth noting that its tech-heavy QQQ holding remains 10 times its size.
Yes, it is an additional bet on the technology sector, but not a massive one, comparatively speaking.
That said, AIQ is up 30% over the last year, outpacing QQQ’s returns of 21% and even the S&P 500’s Technology Sector’s 24% mark.
However, since 2018, AIQ has lagged the returns of these two peers, so its track record is still being developed.
While I certainly understand Hancock’s interest in gaining exposure to the world of AI, most of AIQ’s largest holdings are a who’s-who of the major tech companies out there today.
I’m not sure it offers a significant amount of pure-play AI upside compared to simply holding QQQ.
Furthermore, AIQ’s expense ratio is 0.68% compared to QQQ’s 0.2%, and its 0.12% dividend yield is one-quarter of QQQ’s. Additionally, it holds a higher beta, meaning it is slightly more volatile than its tech-focused peer.
Ultimately, AIQ is a solid choice for gaining some exposure to the AI space. However, I’d rather buy my favorite AI stocks individually or purchase QQQ as a whole, due to its higher expense ratio and minimal differentiation from the major tech stocks.
Glossary
13F reportable assets under management (AUM): The portion of a fund’s assets required to be disclosed in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings.
Net position change: The difference in the value or number of shares held in a security after recent transactions.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by a fund or stock, expressed as a percentage of its current price.
Forward price-to-earnings ratio: A valuation metric comparing a company’s current price to its projected future earnings per share.
Total return: The investment’s price change plus all dividends and distributions, assuming those payouts are reinvested.
Non-diversified structure: A fund investing heavily in a limited number of securities or sectors, increasing potential risk and reward.
Thematic exposure: An investment strategy that focuses on specific trends or themes, such as artificial intelligence or technology innovation.
Equity securities: Financial instruments representing ownership in a company, such as common or preferred stock.
Index tracking: An investment approach aiming to replicate the performance of a specific market index.
Stake: The amount or percentage of ownership an investor holds in a particular security or fund.
