Archive for June 2016

European ETF assets record 20th consecutive month of net inflows

Jun 15th, 2016 | By
ETF industry robust in 2022 despite market challenges

European-listed exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded products recorded $2.68bn in net inflows during May, the 20th consecutive month of increases in net new assets for the region according to ETFGI, a leading consultant for the ETF industry. Year-to-date through end of May 2016, European ETFs/ETPs have seen net inflows of $17.32bn, bringing total assets to the region to over $530bn.


Corporate bond ETFs benefit from negative-yielding gov debt

Jun 15th, 2016 | By
Investors favour risk-on ETFs in preparation for Trump presidency

Negative-yielding government debt has risen to more than $10 trillion for the first time in history, pushing ETF investors into corporate bonds and other alternatives as they look for extra income. According to new data from Fitch Ratings, central bank stimulus like quantitative easing and cutting interest rates, as well as European regulations requiring banks to up their capital buffers, has fuelled a large investor appetite for safer, sovereign debt. Ursula Marchioni, chief strategist, EMEA at iShares, said: “As negative yields on government bonds reach record lows, investors are increasingly relying on fixed income ETPs – especially corporate bond exposures – to generate yield on their portfolios.”


Boost launches S&L volatility and emerging market ETPs

Jun 14th, 2016 | By
WisdomTree launches three inverse fixed income ETPs

Exchange-traded product provider Boost ETP, a WisdomTree Europe company, has listed three new ETPs on the London Stock Exchange. The three funds offer investors leveraged exposure to the VIX Index, as well as leveraged and short exposure to emerging market equity. Viktor Nossek, Director of Research at WisdomTree Europe, said: “This years’ volatility underpinned by China’s slowdown and slumping commodities has soured sentiment in risk assets, forcing global growth expectations down and creating opportunities to position bearishly in equities…These new products provide investors with a new set of momentum and hedging opportunities within the Boost S&L ETP range.”


Gold ETFs poised for next rally, according to Van Eck Global

Jun 14th, 2016 | By
Gold ETFs poised for next rally, according to Van Eck Global

Weaker than expected US economic fundamentals is setting the stage for the next gold bull market, according to exchange-traded fund provider Van Eck Global. A US jobs report in May that was significantly below expectations has resulted in lower expectations for the US economic recovery and an increase in the relative attractiveness of risk-off assets. Van Eck also believes this opens the door for further gains in gold mining equities.


WisdomTree Europe ETFs pass $1bn AUM milestone

Jun 14th, 2016 | By
WisdomTree Europe passes $1bn AUM milestone

Leading exchange-traded fund provider WisdomTree has surpassed $1bn in assets under management (AUM) in its European-listed products. The company has maintained steady asset growth in Europe with year-to-date net inflows of $220m contributing the final stretch to the milestone. David Abner, recently appointed to lead the WisdomTree business in Europe, commented in a statement: “Reaching $1bn in AUM is a major milestone and we are pleased to see growth across our product range, demonstrating the broad appeal of our diversified offerings across smart beta UCITS ETFs and ETPs in commodities, equities and fixed income.”


WisdomTree launches quality dividend growth ETFs on LSE

Jun 13th, 2016 | By
Viktor Nossek , director of research at WisdomTree in Europe.

Exchange-traded fund provider WisdomTree Europe has launched two ETFs targeting dividend-paying companies that have strong fundamental metrics with future dividend growth potential. Viktor Nossek, Director of Research at WisdomTree Europe, commented in a statement: “Investors are keen to explore more developed methodologies to gain access to dividend-related strategies and at WisdomTree, we believe in the power of dividends to deliver the potential for enhanced risk-adjusted returns.”


Janus Capital rolls out four demographic and consumer ETFs on Nasdaq

Jun 13th, 2016 | By
VelocityShares introduces first 4x leveraged ETPs to US

Global investment manager Janus Capital Group has rolled out four thematic exchange-traded funds offering exposure to companies whose businesses are involved in care for the elderly, health & fitness provisions, obesity treatments, and supplying organic consumer products. Each fund tracks a research-driven index compiled by Germany-based Solactive. Nick Cherney, Senior Vice President and Head of Exchange Traded Products for Janus Capital Group, commented in a statement: “Changes in demographics and lifestyle are altering the investment landscape. These thematic ETFs are designed to capitalize on those shifts to give advisors new tools that can help clients achieve better financial outcomes.”


ETF provider Ossiam signs UN Principles for Responsible Investment

Jun 13th, 2016 | By
Bruno Poulin, CEO of Ossiam.

Specialist smart beta exchange-traded fund provider Ossiam has signed the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), representing a global network of asset managers, owners and service providers working together to put ethical investment into practice. Bruno Poulin, CEO of Ossiam, commented in a statement: “Since establishment Ossiam has maintained a responsible ethos in the investment strategies and funds we develop, as well as in our interaction with clients and partners and our views on the future of smart beta and exchange-traded funds. We are therefore very pleased to formalise our alignment with these values by joining Principles for Responsible Investment.”


Aptus Capital enters ETF space with debut fund on Bats

Jun 13th, 2016 | By
Pacer ETFs modifies Trendpilot strategy with new ‘Extreme Valuation Trigger’

Independent investment manager Aptus Capital Advisors has become the latest US firm to launch an exchange-traded fund. The Aptus Behavioral Momentum ETF (BEMO), which tracks the proprietary Aptus Behavioral Momentum Index, was unveiled on the Bats ETF Marketplace on 9 June 2016. The fund adapts its strategy according to current market conditions. In favourable market environments, the Aptus Behavioral Momentum ETF seeks to own stocks that are making, or near, new highs, while in difficult environments seeks to preserve capital by gaining exposure to treasury securities.


ZyFin launches UCITS Turkish sovereign bond ETF

Jun 10th, 2016 | By
Chimera launches Shariah-compliant Turkish equities ETF in the UAE

Singapore-headquartered asset manager Zyfin has launched the first UCITS exchange-traded fund to offer exposure to the Turkish sovereign bond market. The LAM Alternatif ZyFin Turkey Sovereign Bond UCITS ETF (LSE: TRKY) has been listed on the London and Frankfurt stock exchanges and tracks the proprietary ZyFin Turkey Sovereign Bond Laddered Index. The fund will likely appeal to longer-term investors seeking growth opportunities in emerging market debt. “We have structured this attractive investment solution for investors who wish to participate in the growth momentum that we believe will unfold in Turkey,” said Sanjay Sachdev, Executive Chairman of ZyFin.