Archive for February 2013

iShares’ low-volatility ETFs breeze through $4 billion mark

Feb 28th, 2013 | By
iShares expands lineup of currency hedged ETFs

BlackRock’s US-listed suite of iShares minimum volatility exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has breezed past $4bn in assets under management just 16 months after the ETFs were introduced. Launched on the NYSE Arca in October 2011, the ETFs help investors reduce volatility and improve risk-adjusted returns across domestic and international equity markets. iShares also recently introduced a similar line-up in Europe, listed on the London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Börse. Since debuting in December 2012, these ETFs have accumulated $68m in assets.


Lyxor develops ETF efficiency indicator

Feb 28th, 2013 | By
Lyxor develops ETF efficiency indicator

The success of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has attracted a growing number of new providers to the market, offering investors a wealth of choice. Very often there are multiple providers offering ETFs on the same index. In theory, ETFs following the same index should provide very similar performance results. In practice, however, returns can vary. In this context, Lyxor, one of Europe’s leading ETF providers, has proposed a new efficiency indicator that takes into account performance difference, tracking error volatility and liquidity spreads.


Stoxx unveils blue-chip China A-share index

Feb 28th, 2013 | By

Stoxx has launched the Stoxx China A 50 Index, a blue-chip index that comprises 50 of the largest Chinese A-shares. The index follows Stoxx’s established blue-chip index methodology and is derived from the parent Stoxx China A Total Market Index, an index covering approximately 95% of the investable stock universe of Chinese A-Shares.


First Trust rolls out high-yield long/short junk bond ETF (HYLS)

Feb 28th, 2013 | By
NEOS debuts suite of option-enhanced income ETFs

First Trust Advisors has launched the First Trust High Yield Long/Short ETF (HYLS), an actively managed bond ETF designed to provide investors with current income and capital appreciation, while partly mitigating interest-rate risk.


Stoxx celebrates 15th anniversary

Feb 28th, 2013 | By
Stoxx celebrates 15th anniversary

Stoxx, a leading index provider, has reached its 15th anniversary. Part of the Deutsche Börse and SIX, the Zurich-headquartered firm launched its first own-branded indices on 26 February, 1998, in advance of the introduction of the euro single currency the following year. In the ensuing 15 years, Stoxx has developed from being the leading euro-focused index provider to becoming a global firm known for a range of innovative strategy indices.


ProShares debuts global private equity ETF (PEX)

Feb 28th, 2013 | By
Global private equity ETFs provide strong returns in 2015

ProShares, a leading US-based provider of alternative exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has launched the ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX), a new ETF providing exposure to companies that invest in private unlisted companies. The BATS-quoted fund tracks the LPX Direct Listed Private Equity Index, a portfolio of up to 30 listed private equity companies worldwide whose primary business is direct investments in private equity.


ALPS launches US Equity High Volatility Put Write Index ETF (HVPW)

Feb 28th, 2013 | By
Invesco launches US insurance ETF

ALPS, a US-based provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has announced the launch of the US Equity High Volatility Put Write Index ETF (HVPW) on the NYSE Arca. The fund provides investors with a regular income stream through the application of a put-write options trading strategy. This kind of strategy works well in trending bull markets, but can come under pressure when equity prices are declining.


Euro Stoxx 50 Index licensed to China Universal to underlie ETF

Feb 27th, 2013 | By
China Post Global embarks on European ETF venture

Stoxx has announced that its flagship index, the Euro Stoxx 50, has been licensed to China Universal to serve as the basis for an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Shanghai-based China Universal is one of the fastest-growing asset managers in China, with assets under management of $9 billion. Although the Euro Stoxx 50 is one of the most widely tracked indices – there are currently 21 ETFs linked to the index globally – this is the first time that the blue-chip eurozone benchmark has been licensed to underlie an ETF in China.


Horizons ETFs launches Auspice Broad Commodity Index ETF

Feb 27th, 2013 | By
UBS launches sustainable commodities ETF

Canada-based Horizons ETFs and its affiliate AlphaPro Management have announced the launch of the Horizons Auspice Broad Commodity Index ETF (HBR) on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The ETF tracks the Auspice Broad Commodity Excess Return Index, hedged to the Canadian dollar, and offers investors diversified, tactical long exposure to up to 12 different commodity futures in the energy, metals and agricultural sectors.


FTSE introduces UK and Italian equivalents of the VIX

Feb 27th, 2013 | By
FTSE unveils smart beta equal risk contribution indices

FTSE Group, a leading global index provider, has introduced the FTSE Implied Volatility Index Series (IVI), a new suite of indices that measure the implied volatility of the UK’s FTSE 100 and Italy’s FTSE MIB stock indices. The indices will likely be seen as local equivalents of the widely followed CBOE Volatility Index (VIX).