Top Hydrogen ETF To Buy For Long-Term

As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change, green hydrogen technology has emerged as one of the few alternatives showing remarkable potential. In fact, Hydrogen ETFs have provided a convenient and diversified option for investors looking to participate in this green energy revolution. In this article, the experts will help you understand the top ETFs that grant access to this sector. These funds offer the potential for significant growth and a chance to be part of the global transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. By the end of the article, you will get the idea whether hydrogen ETFs are for you or not.

What are hydrogen ETFs

A Hydrogen ETF is an exchange-traded fund designed to give investors exposure to companies involved in the hydrogen industry. These ETFs concentrate on businesses engaged in various aspects of the hydrogen sector, including production, distribution, and application. They typically hold a portfolio of stocks, allowing investors to diversify their investments across multiple companies related to hydrogen.

Hydrogen ETFs play a crucial role in diversified investment portfolios by offering exposure to a niche sector. It offers exposure to the growing hydrogen industry and makes it an attractive option for those looking to align their investments with sustainable and renewable energy trends. Hydrogen ETFs also offer the potential for long-term growth in this sector as countries and industries increasingly turn to hydrogen solutions.

Top hydrogen ETFs to consider

L&G Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF (Ticker: HTWO)

L&G Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF

Expert insight: The L&G Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF boasts net assets of $454.7M, a NAV of 4.22, a PE ratio of 0.11, and operates with an expense ratio of 0.49%.Though the price trend has been on a continuous downtrend since inception, the prospects of the industry must be considered to take a comprehensive view of the ETF.

This ETF primarily invests in companies that span the hydrogen value chain, including those engaged in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization. Additionally, it is also one of the biggest hydrogen ETF with an AUM of $431M. The managers of HTWO follow full replication method, mainly by tracking Solactive Hydrogen Economy Index.

However, investors should be mindful of the fact that this fund may have underlying investments that are valued in currencies that are different from the currency of its share class. In this case, exchange rate fluctuations can impact the value of your investment.

VanEck Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF (Ticker: HDRO)

VanEck Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF

Expert insight: VanEck Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF stands with total net assets of $87.6 million, featuring a net asset value (NAV) of $7.86. The fund operates with a total expense ratio of 0.55%. Though the price trend has been on a continuous downtrend since inception, the prospects of the industry must be considered to take a comprehensive view of the ETF.

This ETF aims to track MVIS Global Hydrogen Economy Index through physical full replication process. It has low tracking error, as the returns of the fund for the year 2022 differ by 0.2% with the returns of the benchmark index.

The portfolio composition of the fund consists of stocks and cash with no exposure to any debt instruments. In stocks, the fund has around 39% exposure to large-cap (>$5B market cap), around 29% exposure to mid-cap ($1B - $5B market cap), and around 32% exposure to small-cap (<$1B market cap). This signifies that the fund is almost equally distributed to different strata of stocks. However, this fund experiences currency risk as returns may increase or decrease because of currency fluctuations.

Global X Hydrogen ETF (Ticker: HYDR)

Global X Hydrogen ETF

Expert insight: The Global X Hydrogen ETF showcases net assets amounting to $32.2M, a NAV of 6.36, and operates with an expense ratio of 0.50%. Though the price trend has been on a continuous downtrend since inception, the prospects of the industry must be considered to take a comprehensive view of the ETF.

This ETF also invests in companies which operate in the hydrogen value chain, storage, transportation, and utilization. Though their move towards sustainable energy is not limited to one sector or location. HYDR's investments reflect this by offering global exposure across various industries. This fund’s inception date is 12th August, 2021 which makes it new to the market and consequently giving it a limited proven track record. However, the future prospect of the fund looks promising depending on the overall growth of the hydrogen industry.

Amundi Global Hydrogen ESG Screened UCITS ETF (Ticker: ANRJ)

Amundi Global Hydrogen ESG Screened UCITS ETF

The Amundi Global Hydrogen ESG Screened UCITS ETF holds a NAV of 353.70 with net assets totalling $31.77M. This ETF aims to promote sustainable and responsible investment practices by employing ESG screening. It offers a diversified approach to gain exposure to the hydrogen sector and aims to closely replicate the performance of Bloomberg Hydrogen ESG Index in USD.

The maximum tracking error objective between the growth of the net asset value of the Fund and that of the Index is 2%, which is on the higher end when compared to other industry players. Also, investors may remain exposed to currency risk between the currencies of the equities that make up the index and the currency of the Fund. However, they will not be exposed to the currency risk between the currency of the index and the currency of the fund. So why is this ETF a part of this list, even after these negative observations? Well, because even though the entire industry is currently experiencing a downtrend, this ETF has been outperforming, potentially on the back of prospects.

Direxion Hydrogen ETF (Ticker: HJEN)

Direxion Hydrogen ETF

Expert insight: Direxion Hydrogen ETF reports net assets of $26.23M, a NAV of 11.36, and operates with a net expense ratio of 0.45%. Though the price trend has been on a continuous downtrend since inception, the prospects of the industry must be considered to take a comprehensive view of the ETF

This ETF provides investors with exposure to five key sub-themes within the hydrogen industry, namely hydrogen production and generation, hydrogen production and storage, fuel cell and battery technologies, hydrogen systems and solutions, as well as membrane and catalyst innovations. Effectively, it offers a diversified investment approach allowing individuals to participate in various segments of the hydrogen sector.

Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF (Ticker: HDRO)

Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF

Expert insight: HDRO Fund reports net assets of $22.62M, a NAV of 6.01, and an expense ratio of 0.30%.Though the price trend has been on a continuous downtrend since inception, the prospects of the industry must be considered to take a comprehensive view of the ETF.

This ETF tracks BlueStar Global Hydrogen & Next Gen Fuel Cell Index. It is a rules-based index and monitors the performance of publicly traded companies. These companies derive a minimum of 50% of their revenue from activities related to the development of hydrogen-based energy sources, fuel cell technologies, and industrial gases. This ETF truly diversifies across the companies as the companies are weighted, with a maximum of 10% for any single stock (4% for industrial gas stocks).

Invesco Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF (Ticker: HYDE)

Invesco Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF

Expert insight: Invesco Hydrogen Economy UCITS ETF showcases a net asset value (NAV) of 285.0339 and total assets amounting to 2.1160 million USD. It operates with a total expense ratio of 0.60% p.a. Though the price trend has been on a continuous downtrend since inception, the prospects of the industry must be considered to take a comprehensive view of the ETF.

This ETF replicates the WilderHill Hydrogen Economy Index, which aims to track the progress of companies that are in the business of developing innovative technologies related to hydrogen, fuel cells, and the potential hydrogen economy. It achieves this by assigning equal weight to each security in the index with a small margin for overweighting and underweighting certain companies. It undergoes rebalancing on a quarterly basis which makes it a better candidate against ETFs which do annual rebalancing.

What sets it apart from other ETFs on the list is that it is invested in 55+ constituents, offering the broadest diversification prospects to the investors.

Comprehensive analysis: Word of the experts

By looking at the graphs provided above, it is clear that the entire industry is currently facing a downtrend. This is primarily due to the existing lack of infrastructure, technology adaptation and high costs associated with this industry. However, past returns do not dictate future returns, and in the coming years, as these shortcomings will be dealt with, these ETFs are likely to reverse their trend.

Another reason for their underperformance is lack of options. If you analyse the constituents of these funds, you will find plenty of companies common in every ETF. This is discouraging, as these funds are not truly differentiated. As this industry will gain traction, more and more companies will join, and then these ETFs will have plenty of options to choose from.

This also creates a viscous cycle, where investors are not pumping in money as the industry currently at its nascent stage, and as a result, it doesn’t get the required capital to flourish, which in turn disincentivizes the investors. But this cycle can be easily broken once everyone starts to see that their future will revolve around cleaner and sustainable sources of energy.

How to choose Hydrogen ETFs

To analyse hydrogen ETFs effectively, an investor must judge them with these points in mind

Industry Exposure

Look for ETFs that offer broad exposure to the hydrogen industry. Consider whether the ETF includes companies involved in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, fuel cell technology, or related sectors.

Expense Ratios

Pay attention to the ETF's expense ratio, which represents the annual fees charged by the fund. Lower expense ratios can lead to higher returns over time. Compare expense ratios among different ETF options.

Historical Performance

Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but reviewing an ETF's historical performance can provide insights into how it has reacted to market conditions and whether it aligns with your investment goals or not.

Liquidity

Ensure that the ETF has reasonable liquidity, meaning there is adequate trading volume and tight bid-ask spreads. High liquidity can help you buy and sell shares at competitive prices.

Assets Under Management

A larger AUM typically indicates greater investor interest and confidence in the ETF. However, it's essential to balance AUM with other factors as a higher AUM doesn't always translate to better performance.

Once you’ve identified which Hydrogen ETFs align with your strategy, the next step is selecting a reliable broker that provides access to global exchanges where these ETFs are listed. The comparison table below outlines the top-rated stock brokers offering ETF trading, including their minimum deposits, trading conditions, and regulatory details.

Is investing in hydrogen ETFs a smart move?

Investing in Hydrogen ETFs can be a smart move but it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks, especially given the current state of the hydrogen industry. Here's a balanced perspective by the experts.

Potential Benefits

Green Energy Growth

Hydrogen is hailed as a clean energy solution with diverse applications, including transportation and industrial processes. As countries strive to reduce carbon emissions, the hydrogen sector's growth potential is significant. As per PRNewswire, the global hydrogen generation market is estimated to grow from USD 158.8 billion in 2023 to USD 257.9 billion by 2028. It is expected to record a CAGR of 10.2% during this period. Maybe, you can also be interested in information about the best carbon capture technology stocks.

Diversification

Hydrogen ETFs provide diversification by including companies across the hydrogen value chain. This diversification can help spread risk and reduce the impact of poor-performing stocks. But one should be mindful of not over allocating it for the sake of better diversification as it may lead to a lop-sided portfolio. Somewhere around 5-8% of hydrogen holding can be considered as healthy diversification.

Exposure to Innovation

Investing in hydrogen ETFs offers exposure to companies engaged in cutting-edge technologies for hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. This can be an opportunity to benefit from technological advancements.

Long-Term Sustainability

With the global push for sustainability and renewable energy, the hydrogen sector aligns with long-term investment goals and the transition to greener energy sources. Today, many profitable companies are now getting negatively screened by ESG criteria and hydrogen sector can provide a long-term sustainable angle to one’s portfolio.

Potential Risks

Market Volatility

The hydrogen industry is known for its volatility, influenced by factors like government policies, infrastructure development, and energy trends. Investments in this sector can be subject to significant price swings. Therefore, it is advisable to keep its allocation to the modest levels for avoiding its volatility.

Regulatory and Policy Risks

Changes in regulations or shifts in government support can impact the sector's growth and profitability. Also, hydrogen industry is highly capital intensive in nature which makes it more dependent on the regulatory policies of the government.

Industry Maturity

The hydrogen industry is still in its infancy compared to other energy sectors. Only the early adaptors are experimenting in this industry. This can present challenges and uncertainties for investors as it has not proven its track record.

Tips for beginners: How to invest in hydrogen ETFs

For beginners looking to invest in Hydrogen ETFs, here are some expert tips to help you get started and build a diversified portfolio.

• Before you start investing, take the time to understand the hydrogen industry and how ETFs work. Explore resources, read expert analyses, and stay updated on market trends.

• Clarify your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Knowing your goals will guide your ETF selection and investment strategy. You can also opt for goal-based investing strategies.

• Diversification is key to managing risk. While hydrogen ETFs can be a part of your portfolio, avoid putting all your investments in this sector. A diversified portfolio includes various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to spread risk.

• Start with a small investment. This approach allows you to learn without risking a significant portion of your capital.

• Select hydrogen ETFs that align with your investment goals. Look for low expense ratios and consider funds with a broad range of holdings in the hydrogen industry.

• Instead of investing a lump sum, consider using a dollar-cost averaging strategy. Invest a fixed amount at regular intervals which can help reduce the impact of market volatility.

• Keep a watchful eye on your investments. Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your goals.

• If your chosen ETFs offer dividends, consider reinvesting them to harness the power of compound growth.

• Investing in hydrogen ETFs is typically a long-term endeavor. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Risks and challenges of hydrogen industry

Investing in the hydrogen industry presents numerous opportunities but it also comes with several risks and challenges that investors should be aware of.

High Initial Costs

Hydrogen technology, including production, storage, and transportation, often requires substantial upfront investments. For companies involved in hydrogen production, building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure can be costly. This cost can impact the profitability of companies operating in this sector.

Competitive Pressures

The hydrogen industry is growing rapidly and it is becoming increasingly competitive. Companies face the challenge of staying ahead in terms of technological innovation and cost efficiency. Intense competition can exert pressure on profit margins.

Energy Source Dependency

The production of hydrogen often relies on specific energy sources, such as natural gas or renewable energy. Fluctuations in the availability and price of these energy sources can impact the hydrogen production process.

Infrastructure Challenges

Developing a robust hydrogen infrastructure, including transportation and storage, is a complex and costly business. The lack of adequate infrastructure can hinder the industry's growth as it is highly capital-intensive industry.

Market Demand and Consumer Adoption

The success of the hydrogen industry depends on market demand and consumer adoption. It can pose challenges for companies and investors if the market for hydrogen-based products and technologies grows slower than expected.

Geopolitical Factors

Geopolitical tensions or global events can influence the hydrogen market. For example, disruptions in the supply chain or international relations can impact the industry's stability and profitability which was recently experienced during the Russia-Ukraine war.

I recommend viewing hydrogen ETFs as a strategic allocation

Anastasiia Chabaniuk Educational Content Editor

​​I believe hydrogen ETFs represent a long-term opportunity – but one that demands patience and clear expectations. Investors often overestimate short-term growth potential while underestimating how early the hydrogen industry still is in its development cycle. The infrastructure, policy support, and technological breakthroughs needed for large-scale adoption are still taking shape.

For those considering entry into this space, I recommend viewing hydrogen ETFs as a strategic allocation rather than a core holding – ideally no more than a small percentage of your portfolio. Focus on funds with broad diversification and strong liquidity to reduce concentration risk.

Finally, remember that success in thematic investing doesn’t come from timing the market but from identifying durable trends and holding through their maturation. Hydrogen is one such trend – slow to rise, but with transformative potential over the next decade for investors willing to think long-term.

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