Weekly newsletter | ETF Express

Alternative energy rebrands as low carbon

Thu, 18/07/2019 - 12:52

This week we bring you a rebrand of an original alternative energy ETF which is driven by the evolving consumer approach and demand from the sector. It’s been over 10 years since VanEck launched its alternative energy ETF and now it is a low carbon energy ETF, with the ticker SMOG, reflecting increased demand from investors for low carbon investment opportunities. »

Non-transparent ETFs coming soon

Thu, 11/07/2019 - 12:56

The move towards producing more actively managed ETFs through limiting the vehicle’s famed transparency has taken one step further with the SEC’s exemptive relief granted to non-transparent ETFs. »

It’s all about liquidity

Thu, 04/07/2019 - 12:43

This week sees the launch of a new series of interviews with the buyside of the ETF industry. Our first, somewhat controversial, outing is with Louis Gargour of LNG Capital, a fixed income hedge fund manager who worries that ETFs pose unappreciated financial risk. In his own column, Allan Lane, replies to his concerns defending ETFs, their liquidity and their transparency. Readers, feel free to join in this debate, which is one that is sure to run and run. »

Top dogs aim for performance and low correlation

Thu, 27/06/2019 - 12:57

This week, Philippa Aylmer talks to Joe Barrato of Arrow Funds on their Arrow Dogs of the World ETF which aims to achieve high performance and low correlation to US equities by investing in 44 countries globally. The methodology means that Greece and Argentina are the top performing countries year to date. »

AI and technology ETFs go beyond the FAANGs

Thu, 20/06/2019 - 12:20

Two ETF providers who are right at the heart of the artificial intelligence and new technology industries are interviewed in this week’s ETF Express newsletter. »

Pressure mounts on fund platforms

Thu, 13/06/2019 - 12:07

The investment news this week has been dominated by the suspension of the Equity Income Fund from Neil Woodford with ETF providers and users stepping up to demonstrate the superior nature of the ETF wrapper. This is a big story for our industry with many knock-on effects. Over 10 years on from the financial crisis, it seems extraordinary that a long only mutual fund can cause its investors such harm. »

Morningstar reports Europe dominates in ESG investing

Thu, 06/06/2019 - 11:30

This week, we welcome our new staff writer Philippa Aylmer who starts with an interview with Hortense Bioy, Director of Passive Strategies and Sustainability Research, and an examination of Morningstar’s latest ETF report. Bioy reports that assets in European ETFs have doubled in the past five years, with Europe leading the way in ESG investing. »

The Investment Association includes ETFs

Thu, 30/05/2019 - 12:02

News came this week that ETFs are to be included in the sectors identified by the UK’s The Investment Association (IA). The association says that savers and their advisers will be able to compare ETFs against the 3,500 funds already in the IA’s 37 fund sectors from the first quarter of next year. This means that ETFs will now sit within the existing IA sectors, allowing them to be compared with open ended funds. »

US advisers struggle to recognise smart beta providers

Thu, 23/05/2019 - 13:57

This week we see research from the US from Columbia Threadneedle showing that advisers are familiar with smart beta but loathe to use it. »

Navigating the ETF approach to marijuana

Thu, 16/05/2019 - 13:08

The sensationalist press, us included, can’t help but write about this subject – filling it with heavy puns, as we go. However, the increasing legalisation of marijuana, either as a medical drug or for recreational use, is creating a decent sized market for investors who want to be ahead of the trend. »