UBS has launched a suite of options-strategy-based ETFs offering a defensive play on equity markets.

Lyxor Asset Management has cross-listed the Lyxor 1 DAX 50 ESG UCITS ETF on SIX Swiss Exchange. The fund provides exposure to large- and mid-cap German equities with robust ESG characteristics.

Franklin Templeton has unveiled two new ETFs in Europe that provide exposure to European and US equity markets while tracking low carbon indices designed in accordance with the Paris Agreement – a framework to limit global warming to below 2°C. Julie Moret, Global Head of ESG, Franklin Templeton, said, “The EU Climate Benchmark regulation suggests we will see a significant uplift in the adoption of climate-aligned investments across European markets with investors moving away from the notion that they are niche products to building portfolios with sustainable finance at their core.”

Amundi has introduced a new range of ETFs that help tackle climate change by tracking low carbon indices designed in accordance with the Paris Agreement – a framework to limit global warming to below 2°C. The Amundi Climate Paris Aligned ETFs consists of three funds providing exposure to European, eurozone, and global developed equity markets. Fannie Wurtz, Head of Amundi ETF, Indexing and Smart Beta, said, “Expanding our toolbox with cost-effective, climate-positive ETFs provides investors with additional opportunities to translate their goals and beliefs into investment strategy.”

Taipei-based investment manager Yuanta Securities has launched a new ETF in Taiwan providing access to a globally diversified portfolio of companies that are driving technological advancement in the telecommunications industry. The Yuanta Global Nexgen Communication Innovative Technology ETF (00876 TT) has listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and comes with an expense ratio of 0.90%.

BetaShares has introduced a currency-hedged version of its global quality ETF. The BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF – Currency Hedged (HQLT AU) has listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and comes with an expense ratio of 0.38%.

Qontigo has launched socially responsible versions of STOXX factor indices constructed using Axioma equity risk models. The STOXX ESG-X Factor Indices target similar levels of factor exposure to the STOXX Factor Indices it unveiled in January while also screening constituents according to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) characteristics.

BlackRock has unveiled three new ETFs in Europe as part of the issuer’s growing suite of environmental, social, and governance products. Two of the ETFs are ESG equivalents of existing iShares ETFs that provide broad exposure to eurozone equities and investment-grade USD corporate bonds, while the third ETF targets companies that are aligned with the theme of ‘smart cities’. Stephen Cohen, Head of iShares EMEA at BlackRock, commented, “Providing ESG equivalents to our flagship products while providing innovative thematic products will further steepen the ETF adoption curve.”

Index provider Qontigo has introduced a sustainable alternative to the DAX, providing exposure to a selection of liquid large- and mid-cap German equities with robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) characteristics. Stephan Flägel, Global Head of Indices & Benchmarks at Qontigo, commented, “The demand for sustainable indices among investors has been growing for years. That is why we have decided to launch an ESG-DAX index that meets the same high standards as its name sponsor.”

Qontigo has launched a suite of factor indices combining STOXX’s data and index technology with Axioma’s equity risk models. The suite has been launched with 30 indices covering six factors (value, momentum, size, low risk, quality, and a multi-factor strategy) across five developed market equity universes (global, global ex-US, US, Europe, and Asia Pacific).