I’ve been watching this one and would like to put some into it but I don’t know whether it is safe or not. I would feel better if it was Ishares or Spyder or somebody I had heard of. I think automation is goiung to see some major growth in the future.
Robo-Stox Glbl Robotics&Automation ETF (ROBO)
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=robo&ql=1
I have thought about adding it as a very tiny sliver of my portfolio.
The only problem with ROBO holdings is that the real excitement is in 3-D printing (DDD and SSYS), and I just can't tell if 3-D printing is ready for prime time.
Yes, it is fascinating and seemingly miraculous...but is it ready to create real value among manufacturers and designers such that it can bring home some bacon.
Go watch videos on 3D Systems and Stratasys and ask yourself if you feel that their promotional videos are substantial or if they are all sizzle and no steak.
I got the feeling that they are still selling sham-wow.
I have no doubt that one day (perhaps soon) this industry will strike gold...but when...and what other industries and companies may arise to push them aside.
Just saying.
Take a gander at biotech ETF's in NASDAQ and S&P.
In my mind they are a little bit like Coca-Cola. Once they find a popular recipe, they can produce it like flavored water.
Robotics companies are basically machine tool companies which have a software component. Even Intuitive Surgical (maker of Da Vinci surgical robot) has suffered lately (from attacks by greedy lawyers).
BTW, if said lawyers claims are eventually deemed frivolous, Intuitive Surg. will recover nicely IMHO.