Sinful ETF Capitalizes on Our Vices

If you’ve had enough of those so-called "socially responsible" exchange traded funds (ETFs) and you want to add a little hedonism to your portfolio, there’s a new fund just for you. FocusShares ISE SINdex Fund (PUF) gives investors access to "sinful" industries, such as casinos, alcohol and tobacco.

Zoe Van Schnydel at the Motley Fool reports that sin funds can be profitable for investors, since their customers often are a captive audience and sometimes even addicted to these products. And most of those customers aren’t going to let a recession stop them from having a few margaritas or doubling down on 7 in Vegas.

Aside from the fact that some people may find the ETF morally objectionable, Gary Gordon at ETF Expert cites one other potential issue:  FocusShares is a new entity, and PUF has very light volume which could make it a challenge to buy or sell at a particular price. Gordon also says that some consumers might feel that they’ve got their recession bases covered with the S&P Select Consumer Staples Fund (XLP).