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Iran war volatility lifts oil and rattles stocks. But tech ETFs, powered by AI, cloud and cybersecurity demand, are emerging as surprising defensive plays.
A specter is haunting Wall Street—the specter of the “SaaSpocalypse.” Since the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) peaked on September 19, 2025, it has fallen roughly 30%.
Cybersecurity stocks and shares in providers of software-development tools retreated after Anthropic released "Claude Code Security."
HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (NYSEARCA:HACK) by 9.4% in the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 339,601 shares of the company's stock after purchasing an additional 29,171 shares during the period.
CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amplify ETFs , leading provider of breakthrough ETF solutions, announces the launch of the Amplify HACK Cybersecurity Covered Call ETF (HAKY). HAKY seeks to balance high income, targeting 15% or greater annualized option premium income, and capital appreciation through investment exposure to cybersecurity companies using a covered call writing strategy.
Dan Ives, Wedbush, joins 'Power Lunch' to talk how cybersecurity plays could be the next frontier for AI investing in 2026.
The First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF is rated a buy due to superior performance, lower risk, and higher liquidity versus the Amplify Cybersecurity ETF. CIBR offers greater international exposure, stronger concentration in high-margin software, and better risk-adjusted returns, making it more attractive for long-term investors. HACK is rated hold, hindered by lower liquidity, higher expense ratio, weaker performance, and greater downside risk, despite slightly broader sector diversification.
Amplify Cybersecurity ETF remains a "Buy" as it tests key long-term support despite recent underperformance versus the S&P 500. HACK's premium valuation and increased volatility warrant caution, but the sector's growth prospects, especially with AI, remain compelling. Technical analysis shows HACK near its 200-day moving average, with support likely to hold and potential for a year-end rally.
As AI adoption surges and cyberattacks escalate, cybersecurity ETFs like CIBR and HACK stand out as investors seek digital defense gains.
CHICAGO, Oct. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative to spotlight digital security. Amplify ETFs, a leading provider of breakthrough ETF solutions, is marking the occasion by spotlighting HACK, the first-to-market cybersecurity ETF, which provides investors a way to participate in the fast-growing cybersecurity sector.1 Projected at $454 billion in 2025, the global cybersecurity market is expected to hit over $1 trillion by 2031, expanding at nearly a 15% CAGR.2 Government spending reflects the same trend with the overall U.S. Department of Defense proposed budget growing 3.2% for 2024 vs.
Cybersecurity demand is set to rise, driven by AI threats, making the sector a long-term investment priority. Amplify Cybersecurity ETF has an odd selection process, including 33% of AUM in non-cybersecurity companies, diluting its sector focus. HACK's upside is limited by its methodology, missing out on higher-growth small-cap cybersecurity stocks.
The recent SharePoint breach indicates the urgent need for cybersecurity. Investors can use ETFs like HACK and CIBR to position themselves for the future of digital infrastructure.
Cybersecurity remains a durable growth industry, driven by the transition to single-platform solutions, autonomous operations, and the growing need for identity management solutions like Zscaler and CyberArk. HACK ETF offers concentrated exposure to top cybersecurity players, with diversification benefits from holdings like Broadcom and defense companies. Despite the relatively higher fees, HACK has outperformed peer ETFs and provides ample liquidity for active investors.
Rising Middle East tensions should spur gains in energy, gold, defense, and cybersecurity ETFs amid Israel's strike on Iran. These ETFs include the likes of XLE, AUMI, ITA and HACK.
Remarkably, the market is edging closer to record territory, following an impressive V-shaped reversal off its 52-week lows. Many investors may be seeking ways to gain exposure, particularly with the potential for a pullback and consolidation before another leg higher.
For investors seeking momentum, Amplify Cybersecurity ETF HACK is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 44.4% from its 52-week low price of $58.33/share.
The April price drop in HACK may have brought the ETF closer to its fair value, aligning its PEG ratio with the Nasdaq 100. HACK is a thematic ETF focused on cybersecurity, with strict rebalancing and weighting rules, predominantly holding U.S.-based large caps. Despite higher expenses, HACK shows strong 3-year performance compared to peers like CIBR, benefiting from AI adoption growth.
I maintain a buy rating on the Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK), which has outperformed the S&P 500, returning 2% in the past six months. HACK benefits from strong secular tailwinds in global cybersecurity investment, with the market projected to grow from $236.75 billion in 2023 to $506.79 billion by 2032. Despite valuation concerns, HACK's technical indicators are bullish, with the ETF bouncing back 25% recently and maintaining a positive long-term trend.