This ETF from RBC Aims to Capture Breakthroughs in Life Sciences and Technology

The actively managed RLST ETF aims to capitalize on the growth opportunities in this fast-moving sector.

by ETF Market Canada
 · 9/18/2024
advanced-healthcare-technology-with-robotic-surgery
diamonds

Recent and future rate cuts by major central banks will likely create a favorable environment for growth sectors like life sciences and technology. By lowering borrowing costs, these rate cuts can stimulate innovation and expansion within these industries.

ETFs offer an excellent opportunity to invest in these high-growth sectors, and there are numerous Canadian ETFs available that provide exposure to these areas.

One such ETF, recently launched by RBC Global Asset Management, is designed to capitalize on breakthroughs in scientific research and cutting-edge technological innovations.

Here’s all you need to know about their new actively managed Life Science & Technology Fund (RLST).

How Does RLST ETF Works

The RBC Life Science & Technology Fund (RLST) invests in a broad range of U.S. companies across the life sciences and technology sectors, focusing on innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and advanced digital technologies that are driving global industry change.

RLST is actively managed by RBC’s seasoned investment professionals, leveraging the expertise of their North American Equity team. This active approach allows the managers to capitalize on market shifts and adjust the portfolio to align with growth opportunities in fast-moving sectors.

The fund’s holdings span a range of sub-industries, offering exposure to companies developing revolutionary healthcare solutions, AI, robotics, and next-generation computing.

The fund’s top 10 holdings, as of September 18th, 2024, represent 53% of its total holdings. They are:

  1. NVIDIA Corp - 10.7%
  2. Apple Inc - 9.6%
  3. Microsoft Corp - 9.3%
  4. Alphabet Inc - Class A Shares - 7.6%
  5. Meta Platforms Inc - Class A Shares - 4.7%
  6. Eli Lilly & Co - 3.1%
  7. UnitedHealth Group Inc - 2.6%
  8. Broadcom Inc - 2.6%
  9. Adobe Inc - 1.4%
  10. Salesforce Inc - 1.3%

Holdings are subject to change.

Why You Should Consider This ETF

Investors looking to capitalize on the convergence of healthcare and technology should consider the RLST ETF for several compelling reasons:

  1. Exposure to High-Growth Sectors: The ETF focuses on life sciences and technology companies that are driving innovation in healthcare, biotechnology, and information technology, positioning investors to benefit from advancements like personalized medicine, AI-driven drug development, and disruptive healthcare technologies.
  2. Diversified Holdings: RLST offers a well-balanced mix of companies across various sub-sectors, from biotech firms to tech giants, helping to mitigate risk while capturing growth from multiple industries.
  3. Active Management: RBC’s experienced North American Equity team actively manages the portfolio, enabling dynamic allocation based on market trends and emerging opportunities. This active strategy enhances the potential for capturing upside in volatile and evolving sectors. As Mark Neill, Managing Director and Head of RBC ETFs and Strategic Alliances, states, “Investors are turning to active ETFs to help address of these challenges, such as home country bias, mega-cap concentration and an uncertain economic environment”.
  4. Long-term Growth Potential: The ETF targets sectors expected to experience sustained growth as technology continues to transform industries and healthcare innovations address the increasing global demand for better medical care.

About the Issuer

RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is a division of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of the world’s largest financial institutions. With over $660 billion in assets under management and a presence across North America, Europe, and Asia, RBC GAM offers a comprehensive range of global investment solutions to institutional, high-net-worth, and individual investors.

RBC GAM’s expertise spans a wide array of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and alternative strategies, with a strong commitment to providing innovative and differentiated products. The firm’s investment approach emphasizes long-term growth, risk management, and responsible investing principles. The RLST ETF is part of RBC’s broader suite of ETFs designed to help investors achieve their financial objectives through exposure to high-growth sectors and strategic asset allocation.

 Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decision.

Issuer insights

Partner content

Issuer Insights | Moats Mater in 2026: Meet FDIV

A closer look at FDIV’s three-pillar approach—quality, growth, and income—and how it can serve as a core or satellite allocation in U.S. equity portfolios.

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

issuer Insights | 2026: Global Diversification Is In

Issuer Insights | 2026: Global Diversification Is In

Looking beyond North America may be the smart move for 2026. In our recent Issuer Insights episode from ETF Market Canada, Ahmed Farooq of Franklin Templeton Investments highlighted how international markets, driven by European infrastructure and defense spending and Asia’s AI boom, are outperforming the U.S.

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

Alex Lee FLVI

Issuer Insights | FLVI and How Investors Can Tackle Volatility

In our latest episode of Issuer Insights, Alex Lee, Canadian Head of ETF Product Strategy at Franklin Templeton Investments, discusses how #investors are navigating uncertainty - from market volatility to global diversification trends.

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

V1 - FMID Issuer Insights Thumbnail

Issuer Insights | Navigating Bond Markets with Active Fixed Income ETFs

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

Isseur Insights - Volatility

Issuer Insights | Staying Resilient Through Market Volatility

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

Issuer Insights | Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FMID)

Issuer Insights | Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FMID)

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

Issuer Insights | Finding the Sweet Spot in Bond Investing

Issuer Insights: Finding the Sweet Spot in Bond Investing

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

Issuer Insights | Franklin Canadian Ultra Short Term Bond Fund (FHIS)

Issuer Insights: Franklin Canadian Ultra Short Term Bond Fund (FHIS)

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

Issuer Insights Thumbnail

Issuer Insights: Franklin Multi-Asset ETF Portfolio

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

ETF Education Centre

CboeTrackinsight
The ETF Market Canada is brought to you by Cboe in partnership with Trackinsight SA who is providing all the data, analysis and editorial content on this site. Unless explicitly stated as such, any information that you receive is not real-time.

All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.
diamonds
Get ETF updates by email

Never miss the latest Canadian ETF Investing news and updates