First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF

CIBR

Valor de mercado US$ 17,1 bi

AI safety concerns and rising cyber threats are fueling demand for cybersecurity. Here are ETFs positioned to benefit from growing security needs.

September proved to be a transformative month for the First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR), and with concerns over the dangers of AI unlikely to subside anytime soon, investors are remaining bullish on a fund that's simultaneously an AI play and a hedge against changing high-tech sentiment.

Agentic AI took center stage as Zscaler (NASDAQ:ZS | ZS Price Prediction) hosted its Investor Day in New York City and reaffirmed its guidance for the current quarter and the full fiscal year. Zscaler stock is at $207.

AI agents are raising new safety concerns, potentially boosting demand for cybersecurity, AI infrastructure and NVIDIA-powered solutions.

A potential AI slowdown could shift investor focus from capital-intensive chipmakers toward software, cybersecurity and established tech platforms.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary technology, but it can also be a powerful tool for hackers and criminals. Cybersecurity stocks have soared this year as enterprises try to fortify their networks against the growing threat from AI-amplified incursions.

AI safety concerns are rising, but that could create another tailwind for cybersecurity. Here are ETFs positioned to benefit from growing security needs.

Cybersecurity is the top play in AI because AI can not exist without it. Labs need the highest-quality protection to ensure their models are well-trained and reliable; enterprises need protection from the proliferation of agents and lightning-fast attacks; and everyone needs to ensure data is safe and reliable so models work.

September may bring seasonal volatility, but strong earnings and key growth themes could support these ETFs.

I rate First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF a Buy, citing its leadership in platform consolidation and strong sector positioning. CIBR's 27% allocation to PANW, FTNT, and CRWD aligns with CISO demand for streamlined, all-suite cybersecurity solutions amid rising AI-driven threats. Despite recent shocks, the ETF has outperformed peers in 6 of 8 years, demonstrating resilience and superior risk-adjusted returns.