These days, A.I. is used in everything from smart home assistants to self-driving cars. And one newly-launched ETF is now using the technology to find investment opportunities for blockchain. "One of the tough things about thematic investing, is that thematics don't show up in 10-Ks and 10-Qs. They're not showing up in financials, so taking a traditional analytical approach is a little challenging," said Matt Markiewicz, managing director at Innovation Shares, which launched the A.I.-powered KOIN ETF this week. "By using machine learning and textual analysis, you're able to uncover securities that might not otherwise be too obvious to a CIO or a team of analysts." The algorithm scours online platforms and databases for indications that a company is involved in blockchain. Those that pass the screen are grouped into categories, ranked, and put into an index tracked by the ETF. While that process yields some obvious names such as IBM and Overstock, both of which have been actively involved in blockchain, it also includes what might be considered surprising choices: BP, DISH Network, and Expedia. For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/detecting-blockchain-investments-with-a-i).

Share:
More In Business
Starbucks’ Change Flushes Out a Debate Over Public Restroom Access
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
Trump Highlights Partnership Investing $500 Billion in AI
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Load More