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
Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed tourist rentals
Spain's government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros or $75 million for advertising unlicensed tourist rentals. The consumer rights ministry announced the fine on Monday. The ministry stated that many listings lacked proper license numbers or included incorrect information. The move is part of Spain's ongoing efforts to regulate short-term rental companies amid a housing affordability crisis especially in popular urban areas. The ministry ordered Airbnb in May to remove around 65,000 listings for similar violations. The government's consumer rights minister emphasized the impact on families struggling with housing. Airbnb said it plans to challenge the fine in court.
Roomba maker iRobot files for bankruptcy protection; will be taken private under restructuring
Roomba maker iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but says that it doesn’t expect any disruptions to devices as the more than 30-year-old company is taken private under a restructuring process. iRobot said that it is being acquired by Picea through a court-supervised process. Picea is the company's primary contract manufacturer. The Bedford, Massachusetts-based anticipates completing the prepackaged chapter 11 process by February.
Serbia organized crime prosecutors charge minister, others in connection with Kushner-linked project
Serbia’s prosecutor for organized crime has charged a government minister and three others with abuse of position and falsifying of documents related to a luxury real estate project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The charges came on Monday. The investigation centers on a controversy over a a bombed-out military complex in central Belgrade that was a protected cultural heritage zone but that is facing redevelopment as a luxury compound by a company linked to Kushner. The $500 million proposal to build a high-rise hotel, offices and shops at the site has met fierce opposition from experts at home and abroad. Selakovic and others allegedly illegally lifted the protection status for the site by falsifying documentation.
Load More