Podcast: Forget Bitcoin, Consider Blockchain ETFs

• (0:45) - What Is Blockchain Technology?
• (3:50) - Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF: BLCN
• (8:30) -  Blockchain Hype: Screening Out Fly By Night Stocks
• (11:00) - International and Sector Exposure
• (17:35) - Current Performance of BLCN
• (20:10) - Takeaways on Blockchain: Podcast@Zacks.com

In this episode of ETF Spotlight, I talked with Eric Ervin, President and CEO at Reality Shares. Earlier this year, Reality Shares launched a blockchain ETF-- the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF BLCN.

Blockchain is the technology that underpins bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. After reaching record highs above $19,000 in December, bitcoin is now trading at around $8,000.

While bitcoin is notorious for its extreme volatility, even bitcoin's harshest critics recognize the extraordinary potential of the blockchain.

The technology is still very new and its full potential is not yet known but many experts say it could change the global economy.

Not surprisingly, investors are very excited about companies that are poised to benefit from the blockchain revolution.

Eric explained the blockchain technology and its transformative potential. He compared blockchain to the internet in early days and added blockchain is going to do for assets what the internet did for information.

We then discussed the BLCN ETF. The fund has 65 holdings as of now which are weighted using a proprietary "Blockchain Score" designed to identify the companies that may benefit most from blockchain technology.

Additionally, there is a committee of experts that analyzes and includes companies that are genuinely developing and using these technologies and screens out fly-by-night blockchain companies.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report