ETF Securities enters Belgian market

Oct 28th, 2013 | By | Category: Commodities

ETF Securities, a leading provider of commodities-linked exchange-traded products (ETPs), has cross-listed the Gold Bullion Securities (GBS), the world’s first physically-backed gold ETP, on the Brussels market of the NYSE Euronext.

ETF Securities enters Belgium market  (© Ben2)

The Brussels Stock Exchange, now part of NYSE Euronext.

The London-headquartered provider has also passported over 100 ETPs in Belgium, further reinforcing its commitment to the Belgian market.

The passported products include a full range of physically-backed precious metals, single commodities and currency ETPs.

Commenting on the initiative, Philippe Roset, Head of Benelux, ETF Securities said: “The ETP industry has grown dramatically in recent years with approximately $370 billion invested in Europe alone. The Belgian market has picked up on this trend and we have seen increasing appetite for these types of products in the region. ETF Securities has built a strong reputation in commodities and currencies over the years and we are delighted to now offer some of our most popular products to Belgian investors.”

The Gold Bullion Securities product was first listed in London in 2004 and is among the most actively-traded ETPs in Europe by volume, with current assets under management of $4.5 billion.

Most recently, ETF Securities partnered with The Royal Mint of Great Britain to offer investors the opportunity to exchange securities in GBS for Britain’s pre-eminent, investment-grade bullion coins, thereby linking the popularity of the gold coin market with the transparency and efficiency of gold ETPs.

UCITS eligible, the product is designed for investors who seek liquid exposure to physical gold and has been listed on the exchange segment following an increase in demand from Belgian investors wishing to hold gold as part of a broader and more diversified portfolio.

Discussing the outlook for gold, Nicholas Brooks, Head of Research at ETF Securities, said: “Gold is a unique asset and long-term wealth preserver. Over the centuries, while some government-created currencies have either disappeared or seen massive declines in their real purchasing power as governments have monetized their debt, gold has held its value.  It is this characteristic of gold, more than any other, that causes investors with long-term time horizons to hold gold as fundamental part of their portfolios.  With developed economy debt levels currently at historically high levels and growing, the need for insurance against the temptation of debt monetization and currency debasement have never been higher.”

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