HANetf co-CEO Hector McNeil talked with Proactive about the launch of the Future of Defence Indo-Pacific ex-China UCITS ETF (ISE:QUAD).
McNeil explained the motivation behind targeting the Indo-Pacific region, following the success of HANetf’s NATO and European defence ETFs. He highlighted that geopolitical dynamics, particularly the rising pressure from the US on its Asian allies to increase military spending, are shaping long-term defence investment themes.
“The next stage of this global macro story is going to be the US regime, Trump, etc., putting pressure on their Asian allies,” McNeil said. He pointed to recent regional tensions — including India-Pakistan conflicts, China’s aggression in the Taiwan Strait, and clashes between Thailand and Cambodia — as catalysts supporting a sustained defence ramp-up.
McNeil named key companies in the ETF, such as Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace, Mitsubishi, and Austal Limited. He emphasised that some of these firms have seen limited valuation increases, suggesting significant upside potential.
He added that the QUAD ETF could benefit from first-mover advantage, stating, “I think we can… capture the lion’s share of money in this space.”
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