The Indexes Behind the ETFs

We all know exchange traded funds (ETFs) track indexes. As the number of ETFs grow, so too does the interest behind the indexes they are tracking. This December marks the 12th Annual Super Bowl of Indexing conference, where discussions, panels and debates will get to the heart of indexing and quantitative investment products and strategies.

Sessions include a debate between Burton Malkiel and Jeremy Siegel on fundamental indexing vs. tridiagonal capitalization-weighted indexing. The keynote presentation will cover strategies and tactical value in commodity indexing.

Differences of opinion exist between fundamental and traditional indexing, actively managed ETFs and passive ETFs. As the growth of ETFs continues, the debate will go on. Individual investors will have access to markets for the first time, competition will heat up and there should be an ETF for everyone’s taste.  But the important thing is to keep the lines of communication open so we can educate ourselves and feel right about the ETFs we choose for our portfolios.  This conference is one way to keep the conversation flowing.