Archive for April 2016

First Trust cross-lists thematic ETFs to Mexican Bourse

Apr 28th, 2016 | By
First Trust cross-lists three thematic ETFs on Mexico’s Exchange

First Trust Advisors, a global exchange-traded fund provider and asset manager has cross-listed the First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund (QABA), the First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN) and the First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. These ETFs present an opportunity for Mexican investors to access niche sectors of the economy while diversifying risk and maintaining lower costs than traditional mutual funds.


China fundamentals improving, says ETF provider Source

Apr 28th, 2016 | By
Hang Seng launches China new economy index

Positive first quarter economic data from China suggests the market is set to once again find favour with investors in 2016, according to exchange-traded funds provider Source. Investment spending has grown 10.7% year-on-year to March 2016, while industrial production rose 6.8% and retail sales climbed 10.5% in the same time period. Aggregate financing also rose to CNY6.5tn in Q1, up from CNY4.6tn a year ago. This is perhaps the best indication that local financial institutions believe the economy will expand over the medium term. However, the sharp increase in aggregate financing may also be viewed negatively by some investors who perceive it as further increasing China’s already ballooned debt pile.


iShares launches sustainable MSCI global impact ETF

Apr 28th, 2016 | By
BlackRock: “Homing” in on brokerage fees

iShares has expanded its suite of socially responsible exchange-traded funds with a new fund targeting global companies that enable positive social and environmental change. Martin Small, Managing Director and Head of US iShares, said : “The iShares Sustainable MSCI Global Impact ETF provides an easy way for investors to gain exposure to companies that have a record of positive environmental and social impact, and further strengthens our suite of socially responsible ETFs. These ETFs in particular are seeking to meet growing demand from investors who are looking to have a positive impact and seek global equity market returns.”


FTSE Russell launches green index

Apr 28th, 2016 | By
Goldman Sachs unveils global clean energy ETF

Global index provider FTSE Russell has launched a new index reducing investor exposure to fossil fuel companies while increasing exposure to companies with green revenues. The FTSE Divest-Invest Developed 200 index is launched on the back of the provider’s new LCE green investment data model. The new index is made up from the largest 200 companies in the FTSE Developed All-Cap Index. Constituents that are not eligible for inclusion are categorised under Industrial Classification Benchmark (ICB) sectors and sub-sectors – they include, oil and gas producers, oil equipment services and distribution providers, and coal and general mining.


Deutsche launches currency hedged version of global fixed income ETF

Apr 28th, 2016 | By
Deutsche roll out MSCI USA Sector ETFs on Xetra

Deutsche Asset Management has launched a GBP-hedged share class on the London Stock Exchange of one of its most high profile fixed income exchange-traded funds, the db x-trackers II Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index UCITS ETF (XBGG). The fund mimics the performance of the Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks the market for government, governmental, supranational, corporate, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities across the full spectrum of maturities in the BBB to AAA credit rating range, and on a global basis.


Deutsche launches smart beta EM equities ETF

Apr 26th, 2016 | By
DWS lists international and EM ESG ETFs on NYSE

Exchange-traded fund provider Deutsche Asset Management has launched the Deutsche X-trackers FTSE Emerging Comprehensive Factor ETF (DEMG), which provides exposure to emerging market companies that have demonstrated relatively strong exposure to factors such as value, momentum, quality, low volatility and size. The ETF is the latest multifactor fund from the provider and will track the FTSE Emerging Comprehensive Factor Index. The ETF’s total expense ratio is 0.50%. Fiona Bassett, Head of Passive in the Americas, said in a statement: “Emerging market equities may be an interesting opportunity for diversification or growth.”


FTSE Russell adds to its ESG FTSE4Good Indices

Apr 26th, 2016 | By
Emerge rolls out sustainable multi-manager global equity ETF

Global index provider FTSE Russell has launched the FTSE4Good ASEAN 5 Index, adding to its existing FTSE4Good family of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) themed indices. The new index tracks the performance of companies listed on the five ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) exchanges: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Using FTSE Russell’s ESG ratings methodology, companies are assessed on over 300 indicators, both qualitative and quantitative, covering 14 themes. The FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to help investors integrate ESG factors into their investment decisions. The indices identify companies that better manage ESG risks and can be used as a basis for tracker funds, exchange-traded funds, structured products and as performance benchmarks.


CrowdInvest unveils smart beta crowd sentiment ETF

Apr 26th, 2016 | By
The pressure of the crowd: Stress testing thematic indexes

New-York based company CrowdInvest, the creator behind stock sentiment rating program Crowd-Invest Mobile App, has launched a new exchange traded fund that tracks the performance of US equities with the most bullish sentiment as determined by an independent, diverse crowd. The CrowdInvest Wisdom ETF (NYSE: WIZE) attempts to provide superior returns compared to similar US market cap-weighted benchmarks. The fund works by recording activity on the mobile application of users’ independent opinions. The app asks users to state whether they hold a bullish or bearish view for a particular stock and use the cumulative responses to approximate the population’s outlook for those securities.


WisdomTree to launch ETF operations in Canada

Apr 26th, 2016 | By
WisdomTree cross-lists global ex-Mexico ETF on Bolsa Mexicana de Valores

US exchange-traded fund provider WisdomTree has announced its intention to enter the Canadian ETF market with the launch of its subsidiary WisdomTree Canada, pending approval from local regulators. The move marks the second foray into a foreign market for the firm this year following the launch of WisdomTree Japan in February. WisdomTree CEO and President Jonathan Steinberg, commented: “Canada represents an exciting opportunity for WisdomTree. As a pure-play ETF provider, WisdomTree sees great potential to help grow the ETF market and to deliver our innovative and highly differentiated products to Canadian investors.”


First Asset launches actively managed global financials ETF

Apr 26th, 2016 | By
First Asset rolls out tactical rotation, low vol and multi-factor ETFs

Canadian investment manager First Asset has unveiled the First Asset Global Financial Sector ETF (FSF) following its conversion from a closed-end fund called the First Asset Hamilton Capital European Bank Fund. The fund is composed primarily of global financial services firms across developed and emerging markets and seeks total return from long-term capital appreciation and regular dividend income. Barry Gordon, President and CEO of First Asset, said in a statement: “FSF represents an exciting opportunity to combine the strengths of the Signature Global Asset Management team and First Asset. FSF is an actively managed ETF that delivers to investors the benefits of ETFs, including tax efficiency, liquidity, and low cost.”