XTB and BlackRock collaborate to boost ETF investments in Europe; eToro explores virtual reality trading

XTB and BlackRock collaborate to boost ETF investments in Europe, starting with Spain.

XTB, a fintech company, has teamed up with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, to drive ETF investments among European investors. The partnership will commence in Spain and has the potential for expansion into other markets.

Having recently introduced passive investing instruments, XTB aims to promote savings and capital growth through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for retail investors. This initiative is particularly focused on Spain, where data indicates a relatively low savings rate compared to income, with a savings-to-income ratio of just 5.8% in 2023 according to Euromonitor.

ETFs have gained global popularity among investors seeking cost-effective and transparent diversification for their portfolios. XTB’s data reveals that nearly a quarter (25%) of its Spanish clients already regularly invest in ETFs.

eToro enters virtual reality with a trading app for Apple and Meta headsets.

eToro, known for its trading platform encompassing stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, is exploring augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). In an interview with CNBC, eToro CEO Yoni Assia discussed plans to integrate the retail trading app onto Apple and Meta VR headsets.

Despite challenges related to technology and user readiness, eToro aims to establish a virtual storefront accessible through Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest devices. Assia highlighted the company’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the intention to introduce voice interaction features within the app to enhance user engagement.

The CEO also hinted at the integration of natural language processing and VR capabilities into the app throughout 2024, signaling eToro’s move towards immersive trading experiences.