Defiance ETFs announced the launch of the Defiance Autism Impact ETF (Ticker: ASD), the first exchange-traded fund designed to provide targeted exposure to publicly traded companies developing products, therapies, services, technologies, and innovations that support individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
The ETF tracks the VettaFi Autism Impact Index and is intended to provide investors with exposure to companies operating across a broad autism-related ecosystem, including neurodevelopment therapeutics, behavioral and communication support tools, diagnostics, genetic technologies, specialized education platforms, neuroscience research, sleep and developmental support technologies, and digital health solutions.
Defiance ETFs also announced a philanthropic commitment tied to the fund. The firm plans to donate 100% of the ETF’s net profits during its first two years and at least 50% of annual net profits thereafter to autism-focused nonprofit organizations.
Founded in 2018, Defiance ETFs manages more than 75 ETFs and over $13.4 billion in assets under management, focusing on thematic and income-oriented investment strategies.
KEY QUOTES:
“As parents of a profoundly autistic child, this launch is deeply personal to our family. Families impacted by autism face challenges every single day, and after experiencing that firsthand, we became committed to helping drive greater awareness, innovation, research, and support for the autism community. Our hope is that the ASD ETF can help direct more long-term capital and investment toward companies and organizations working to improve quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.”
Matthew Bielski, CEO, Defiance ETFs, and Gabriella Zahn-Bielski, General Counsel, Defiance ETFs
