Innovation is reshaping industries, creating efficiency, and unlocking trillions in opportunities for those who embrace change. The Nikko AM ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund gives Kiwi investors access to early-stage and emerging companies leading the way in AI, energy storage, robotics, DNA sequencing, and blockchain technology. Stay ahead of the curve - sign up for our updates and invest in the future today.
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As always, Cathie shares her insights on market signals, economic trends, and the forces shaping tomorrow’s opportunities. We hope this monthly series helps you navigate uncertain times with a bit more confidence.
On Episode 66 of In The Know (April 4, 2025), ARK’s CEO/CIO Cathie Wood dives into why it’s so important to understand today’s political landscape—especially how tariffs could ripple through the economy. She also breaks down the big picture of the current economy, touching on fiscal and monetary policies, the ongoing “rolling recession,” and why innovation might be the key to powering future growth.
Since 2017, “Big Ideas” has been ARK’s flagship report, providing in-depth analysis of technological convergence and its potential to transform industries and economies worldwide. Backed by rigorous research from ARK’s investment team, it offers a forward-looking perspective on the innovations shaping the future. Download the 2025 report now!
ARK Invest’s Invest in Innovation strategy is about spotting the next big things—before they become big. They zero in on five explosive technology trends—AI, energy storage, robotics, DNA sequencing, and blockchain—that are driving down costs, shaking up industries, and setting the stage for even bigger breakthroughs.
Blending big-picture thinking with deep research, ARK hunts for early opportunities others might miss. Their mission? Help investors ride the next wave of innovation and capture the kind of growth traditional strategies often leave on the table.
ARK Invest sees four big reasons why investors often miss out on breakthrough opportunities. Many focus too much on short-term price swings, overlooking the long-term potential of disruptive technologies. Traditional investing also tends to silo sectors, missing the powerful convergence happening across fields like AI, robotics, and genomics.
At the same time, the rise of passive investing leaves many innovative companies underrepresented, while closed-off research approaches slow the recognition of true innovation. By thinking long-term, crossing disciplines, and staying open, ARK aims to uncover the technologies others miss.
ARK Invest sees sustainable investing as a way to tackle the world’s biggest challenges head-on. By backing disruptive innovation, they aim to invest in technologies that benefit the environment, society, and the future, all while aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Through areas like next-gen internet, DNA sequencing, fintech, and robotics, ARK targets investments that can boost productivity, improve healthcare, expand financial access, and cut carbon emissions—paving the way for a more sustainable, innovative future.
AI costs are plummeting—dropping over 90% each year—making it easier and more affordable for businesses to tap into AI’s power. This dramatic cost decline is accelerating the adoption of AI agents across industries, unlocking new efficiencies and enabling companies to leverage AI for everything from customer service to key business operations.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it’s becoming clear that AI agents could revolutionise enterprise spending, particularly in areas like customer service. Imagine AI handling 40% of customer interactions—that’s a massive potential cost saving of around $40 billion annually. As AI agents become more advanced, businesses will see even more opportunities to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. This shift is only the beginning, and it’s set to disrupt how companies operate on a fundamental level.
One of the key factors driving this transformation is the rapid decline in AI inference costs, which are falling by over 90% each year. What was once an expensive technology is now becoming more affordable and scalable for enterprises of all sizes. Not only can AI agents work around the clock, handling peak demand without the need for human intervention, but they also offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution compared to traditional customer service teams.
But the impact of AI agents doesn’t stop at customer service. These intelligent agents are beginning to infiltrate other critical enterprise functions, from research and coding to business operations. Major companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and UiPath are already at the forefront of developing and deploying AI agents, while innovative startups such as Sierra and Sakana are quickly catching up. This growing wave of AI adoption across industries suggests that the future of business is going to be far more automated and efficient.
Looking ahead, ARK Invest projects that AI agents will not only help companies cut costs but will also open up entirely new value streams. By automating repetitive tasks, human employees will be freed up to focus on more strategic, high-value work, paving the way for innovation and growth. This shift represents a fundamental change in the way businesses will operate in the future, making AI agents a key player in shaping the next wave of business efficiency and productivity.
Read the latest articles from the team at ARK covering current market news and expert insights on the latest research across the pillars of innovation.
For more in-depth research and reports, ARK's Innovation White Papers are downloadable resources for those with a deep interest in the key themes of innovative investing.
ARK and guests discuss the impact of disruptive tech and innovation. From expert talks on AI, blockchain, and more, these podcasts make complex topics easy and accessible for investors.
Watch a range of content on disruptive innovation - from In The Know with Cathie Wood for expert insights on economic trends - to the Big Ideas 2025 Webinar to explore the future of AI, robotics, and more.
By focusing on these three factors, investors can navigate the fast-paced world of disruptive innovation and position themselves for growth in tomorrow's most exciting industries.
Investing in disruptive innovation can offer incredible rewards, but it’s not without its challenges. ARK Invest, a leader in this space, highlights three key factors to consider for anyone looking to dive in:
Disruptive technologies often take time to fully develop. ARK stresses the importance of adopting a long-term view, as the path to widespread adoption can be bumpy, with volatility along the way. Patience is key.
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. ARK advises investors to keep an eye on the intersection of technologies like AI, robotics, and blockchain. These areas are where game-changing breakthroughs are most likely to occur, reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.
With technology evolving rapidly, passive investing isn’t enough. ARK recommends staying engaged with ongoing research and trends to actively adjust strategies. Being ahead of the curve can help investors capture new, emerging opportunities before they hit the mainstream.
