April 2008
Dollar Up, Gold Down, While ETFs Reflect Activity
April 30, 2008 – The U.S. dollar is toughening up, much to the dismay of gold which hit a three-month low on Tuesday, weakening the focused stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Also on the decline were oil prices... Continue Reading »
Biotech Sector And ETFs Suffer Failed Study
April 30, 2008 – The biotechnology sector suffered after a Genetech Inc. (DNA) study regarding treatment of Lupus failed, letting down related exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The study of Rituxan was in the later stages, reports Wanfeng Zhou for Thomson... Continue Reading »
April ETF Performance Report
April 30, 2008 – The markets were a little sunnier this month, improving on the gains they had made in March, and most exchange traded funds (ETFs) finished in brighter territory. That’s despite bad news about consumer confidence,... Continue Reading »
Fed Cuts Rates; Will the Seventh Time Be a Charm for ETFs?
April 30, 2008 –
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) and the markets waited with optimism for the Federal Reserve’s rate cut today, which was the quarter point that had been expected.
This puts the federal funds rate at its lowest level... Continue Reading »
Could Consumer Staple ETFs Be a Portfolio Staple?
April 30, 2008 – Consumers who are worried or skeptical about the economy may want to turn to exchange traded funds (ETFs) holding stock of companies that supply household necessities.
Consumer staples include toothpaste, detergent, toilet paper and batteries.... Continue Reading »
BRIC ETFs Have Many Access Points for Investors
April 30, 2008 – A reader wrote in recently wanting to know more about BRIC and the related exchange traded funds (ETFs). We’re here to help!
BRIC stands for four of the fastest-growing emerging markets out here: Brazil, Russia,... Continue Reading »
Energy-Focused ETFs Capitalize on a Booming Sector
April 30, 2008 – Commodity
exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs) have come
a long way since Nov. 18, 2004. That’s when the first single-commodity
ETF - streetTRACKS Gold Shares (GLD) - was launched.
(more…)
Continue Reading »
European Regulators Want to Ease Fund Rules For ETFs, Much Like The U.S.
April 30, 2008 – European regulators are seeking to follow in the footsteps of their U.S. counterparts and seeking methods to ease restrictions on the ability of fund managers to invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Fund managers... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon with Neil Cavuto
April 29, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on Neil Cavuto’s show on Fox Business earlier this afternoon to discuss rising food prices. Video of Tom’s segment appears below:
Continue Reading »
Surely, Transportation ETF Gets a Lift from Airline Stocks (Don’t Call Them Shirley)
April 29, 2008 – The transportation exchange traded fund (ETF) wrapped up trading today slightly higher after oil prices took a breather.
The iShares Dow Jones Transportation Average (IYT) was up 0.8% after three of its airline holdings blasted... Continue Reading »
Semiconductor ETFs Are A Bright Spot For Tech Sector
April 29, 2008 – The technology sector and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) seems to be losing some of the steam it had gathered toward the end of 2007.
The tech-obsessed Nasdaq composite index is down 8.6% year-to-date.... Continue Reading »
Agriculture, Energy ETFs Soar, But Consumers Lose Confidence
April 29, 2008 – Soaring prices for the basic necessities might be helping your agriculture and energy exchange traded funds (ETFs), but the trade-off is beaten-down consumer confidence.
A research group reported today that consumer sentiment has dropped to... Continue Reading »
Rising Interest Rates In Bond ETFs Signaling Strength As Fed Meets?
April 29, 2008 – Rising interest rates within the bond market are signaling a change within investor sentiment that could possibly boost stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the coming months. It appears that the financial sector... Continue Reading »
Stronger Dollar Leads to Asset Decline In Gold ETF
April 29, 2008 –
The top gold exchange traded fund (ETF) experienced its largest-ever three-day decline in its physical holdings.
streetTRACKS Gold Shares (GLD) is the world’s biggest and oldest gold-focused ETF. Between April 21 and 24, a company... Continue Reading »
Real Estate ETFs Fall After Two Left Hooks
April 29, 2008 – Yesterday, they moved higher, but in midday trading so far today, real estate-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down what they gained and in some cases, more. Blame the one-two punch of bad housing... Continue Reading »
Being In the Middle Better for ETFs Than Jan Brady
April 29, 2008 – Among the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that focus on a particular company size and investing style, mid-cap growth seems to be leaving the others in the dust lately.
In the last three months, mid-cap growth... Continue Reading »
ETF Providers Growing Strong Around the World
April 29, 2008 –
It’s no shock to hear that exchange traded funds (ETFs) are growing in number, but the number of providers is exploding, too.
According to Morgan Stanley, 14 companies launched their first ETFs in 2007, bringing... Continue Reading »
Future Webcast Sheds Light on Active ETFs; Register Now
April 28, 2008 – This Wednesday, listen and look in on a live webcast about actively managed exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Active ETFs are something you might want to learn more about, as
they’re an entirely new breed of ETF.... Continue Reading »
If Commodity ETF Bubble Bursts, Your Strategy Can Be Used As a Flotation Device
April 28, 2008 – Market turmoil is leading to more and more investors turning to agriculture ETFs and exchange traded notes (ETNs), reports Hannah Glover for Ignites.
Especially in places such as China and India, a rising middle... Continue Reading »
Can the Rally in Silver ETF Keep It Up?
April 28, 2008 – Silver and its exchange traded fund (ETF) were among the strongest performers in the first quarter of this year, outperforming most other metal-focused ETFs.
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) finished up the first quarter 12.3% higher. streetTRACKS... Continue Reading »
Understanding Moving Averages Can Help Your ETF Strategy
April 28, 2008 – When you’re looking at charts tracking the performance of exchange traded funds (ETFs), do you ever wonder how the moving averages for them are calculated?
They’re one of the simplest ways for investors to... Continue Reading »
Your Rebate Check Could Stimulate ETFs
April 28, 2008 – Will exchange traded funds (ETFs) find the stimulus package stimulating?
Tax rebates will start going out today, even earlier than reported, in the hopes that they will inject a shot in the arm into our... Continue Reading »
ETFs Shrug at Record Vacant Home Highs
April 28, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) seemed to sigh "Ho-hum" at the news that the percentage of vacant homes in the United States has reached a record high.
The Census Bureau says that 2.9% of U.S. homes... Continue Reading »
Has the Bottom Arrived for Financial ETFs?
April 28, 2008 – Are financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) turning the corner?
Steve Halpern for Blogging Stocks reports that the Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) has barely fallen since the Bear Stearns (BSC) collapse. In fact, the fund... Continue Reading »
Fundamentally Weighted Bond ETF Index In The Works
April 28, 2008 – Fundamental indexes tracked by exchange traded funds (ETFs) are nothing new under the sun. Now the father of fundamental weighting is looking to do the same thing for bonds.
Robb Arnott, chairman of Research Affiliates, says... Continue Reading »
Washington, Speculators and Supply and Demand All Affect Commodities and ETFs
April 27, 2008 – Commodities investors have had the great option of using exchange traded funds (ETFs) to get easy and efficient access in one single transaction. Now insiders are wondering if money-making commodities can continue their golden... Continue Reading »
Private Equity Savior To Financial Sector And ETFs
April 27, 2008 –
Private-equity exchange traded funds (ETFs) have had a difficult time providing the exact targeted exposure that ETFs normally deliver, but investors willing and brave enough to call the bottom in financials could benefit. It’s... Continue Reading »
Mexico and Its ETF Has One Caliente Decade
April 26, 2008 – Nine out of the top ten exchange traded funds (ETFs) with high yearly returns actually tracked overseas markets, with one of the hottest markets and funds just south of the border. That’s according to... Continue Reading »
ETFs Might Benefit From Global Water Shortage
April 26, 2008 – A water shortage has wide implications that hurts many while benefiting water-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the long run.
In Yemen, Mohammed Nasser has had to change his way of life, abandoning traditional customs... Continue Reading »
State Financials Look Dismal; Perhaps State ETFs May Want to Hold Off
April 25, 2008 – State-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) are currently in registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). But maybe no one is in a hurry to launch them just yet - some states look like they’re... Continue Reading »
Foreign Currency ETF Offerings to Pour In Next Month
April 25, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) providers Dreyfus and WisdomTree are teaming up to offer five actively managed foreign currency ETFs next month.
They will include the WisdomTree Dreyfus Euro Fund, Japanese Yen Fund, Indian Rupee Fund,... Continue Reading »
Mutual Fund Industry Losing Investor Trust; Book Might Make You Ponder ETFs Instead
April 25, 2008 – Investors who haven’t yet discovered or considered exchange traded funds (ETFs) might be inclined to after checking out a new book that performs a scathing examination of the mutual fund industry.
The Investor’s Dilemma: How... Continue Reading »
Gold ETFs Are the Squeaky Wheels, But Other Metals Might Deserve Some Grease
April 25, 2008 – Gold and its exchange traded funds (ETFs) are real attention hogs. Sure, the metal is pretty to look at. It’s shiny. But it’s also being outperformed by other decidedly less sexy metals.
streetTRACKS Gold Trust... Continue Reading »
Nasdaq, Dow and ETFs Close at Three-Month Highs
April 25, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) that tracks the Nasdaq 100 hit a three-month high in trading yesterday after its 10 most-heavily weighted components moved higher. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to stick if... Continue Reading »
Stocks, ETFs Down on Consumer Confidence Numbers and Microsoft/Yahoo Battle
April 25, 2008 – Some exchange traded funds (ETFs) headed lower this morning after consumer sentiment dropped to its lowest point in nearly 26 years. Technology ETFs weren’t helped by Microsoft’s disappointing earnings forecast.
The Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment... Continue Reading »
Can Actively Managed ETFs Beat the Market?
April 25, 2008 –
The actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) doesn’t seem to be turning any heads.
After all, we’ve heard it all before. First, actively managed mutual funds can be the market. Then, hedge funds can... Continue Reading »
Take Off Your Shades And Look Directly At The Solar ETFs
April 25, 2008 – The recent rise in energy consciousness has given way to more solar energy-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The latest slew of funds invest in specific technologies, and Matthew Hougan for Index Universe analyzes the... Continue Reading »
PowerShares Registers for Frontier Countries ETF
April 24, 2008 – The possible choices for exchange traded fund (ETF) investors interested in the Middle East/Africa region continues to grow.
On Monday, Invesco PowerShares registered to launch a new ETF that would focus on companies domiciled... Continue Reading »
What Do Expense Ratios Have To Do With It?
April 24, 2008 – There are big discrepancies between assets and revenues, as analysts point out, but do expense ratios really matter to investors when it comest to investing with exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
Matthew Hougan for Index... Continue Reading »
Rationing Leads to Hoarding of Rice and Possibly ETFs, Too
April 24, 2008 –
The commodities craze spread to exchange traded funds (ETFs) awhile ago - now it’s reached Sam’s Club.
A worldwide rice shortage has led the warehouse unit of Wal-Mart (WMT) to start rationing some types of... Continue Reading »
Oil Prices May Get Worse; Steel and Natural Gas ETFs Are Keeping Pace
April 24, 2008 – The price of oil has slipped some over the last few days, but it’s projected to soar even higher - what will it mean for its exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
The reports on fuel got... Continue Reading »
Real Estate ETFs Spike Higher After Dismal Home Numbers
April 24, 2008 – Homebuilding and real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) were up by as much as 2.5% or more in midday trading, despite a dismal report saying that new home sales were perched at their lowest level... Continue Reading »
Gold and Silver ETFs Tumble as Dollar Toughens Up
April 24, 2008 –
While the dollar strengthened yesterday and the price of oil pulled back slightly, the price of gold and its exchange traded funds (ETFs) took the hit.
June gold fell to $909 an ounce, and at... Continue Reading »
Strong Coal Profits Stoke the KOL ETF
April 24, 2008 – Coal prices are getting fired up, as demand for steel products and supply disruptions in Australia are aiding the rise of the fossil fuel’s exchange traded fund (ETF). It looks like the commodity is... Continue Reading »
REIT ETFs Looking Up, But Not Out of the Woods Yet
April 24, 2008 – Is it time to say "right on" for REIT exchange traded funds (ETFs) yet?
After a bumpy ride in 2007, the REIT ETFs are showing signs of life this spring, reports Billy Fisher for... Continue Reading »
Investor Surveys Find ETF Users Are Wealthier, Smarter and Trust ETFs More Than Conventional Mutual Funds
April 23, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) provider iShares recently conducted a survey of affluent investors and found that, overall, they’re none too pleased with the fund industry. That’s lead to low levels of trust.
But ETFs come... Continue Reading »
Apple, Amazon Come Out With Earnings Numbers; Could Tech ETFs Hop?
April 23, 2008 – Two highly anticipated earnings reports came out after the market close, and the good news could lift related exchange traded funds (ETFs).
First, Amazon.com (AMZN) came out with its numbers. The web retailer says its first-quarter... Continue Reading »
Government Tax Cuts on Stocks Make China ETFs Soar
April 23, 2008 – China’s exchange traded funds (ETFs) are making a big rally today after the government lowered taxes on stock transactions.
The share-trading stamp tax was cut by the government from 0.1% from 0.3%, reports John Spence... Continue Reading »
Boeing Lifts Aerospace ETFs, But Will Airline Woes Ground Them?
April 23, 2008 – Boeing’s stronger-than-expected earnings numbers this morning cleared aerospace and defense exchange traded funds (ETFs) for takeoff.
Boeing (BA) is the world’s second-largest commercial airplane manufacturer, reports Ashley M. Heher for the Associated Press. Its... Continue Reading »
Technology ETFs Inch Up as Yahoo and Microsoft Lock Antlers
April 23, 2008 – The battle between two giants continues, and technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) are enjoying the view from the sidelines.
Yahoo (YHOO) yesterday reported its first quarterly profit increase in two years. Surely this would encourage Microsoft... Continue Reading »
ETNs Picking Up Where ETFs Left Off?
April 23, 2008 – Are exchange traded notes (ETNs) the new exchange traded fund (ETF)?
Lauren Young for Business Week points out that new ETF issues are down so far this year, but filings for ETNs are gathering steam.... Continue Reading »
Renewed Cooperation Between Singapore and Malaysia Can Help ETFs
April 23, 2008 – Malaysia and Singapore have been working together to benefit their economies and, in turn, their exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Carl Delfeld for ETFfolio feels investors have finally begun to appreciate that Malaysia offers attributes that... Continue Reading »
ETF Awards Honor Industry’s Top Players Around the World
April 23, 2008 – The 4th Annual Global ETF Awards took place in New York on April 17, where the best, brightest and most innovative in the exchange traded fund marketplace were honored.
The winners were chosen from more than... Continue Reading »
Rydex Disclaimer
April 22, 2008 – The opinions and forecasts expressed are those of Mr. Thomas Lydon,
President of Global Trends Investments, and may not actually come to
pass. Mr. Lydon serves on the Board of Directors for Rydex Funds
although he is not... Continue Reading »
Is It Hot In Here, or Is It Just Solar ETFs? (Updated)
April 22, 2008 – A software glitch at the American Stock Exchange held up the launch of the newest solar exchange traded fund (ETF) today.
When it does launch, the Market Vectors Solar Energy (KWT) will the Claymore/MAC... Continue Reading »
Party on Earth Day With ETFs
April 22, 2008 – There are numerous ways one can celebrate Earth Day: take out the recycling, turn off the lights, carpool to work or buy green exchange traded funds (ETFs).
After all, ETFs don’t emit anything, so you... Continue Reading »
Silver, Base Metals ETFs Reflecting Strong Demand
April 22, 2008 – Demand for silver is on the rise and it’s reflected in its exchange traded fund (ETF).
Gene Arensberg for Resource Investor says the rise in demand is evident because the paper silver market isn’t... Continue Reading »
Planes, Trains, Automobiles and ETF Feel the Fuel Pinch
April 22, 2008 – Airlines aren’t the only ones feeling grounded by soaring fuel costs: the transportation exchange traded fund (ETF) is in a holding pattern.
Record high prices led to three U.S. airlines reporting big quarterly losses today.... Continue Reading »
ETFs Aren’t Lovin’ Good Earnings Numbers from McDonalds, AT&T
April 22, 2008 – Despite positive numbers from both AT&T (T) and McDonald’s (MCD), the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count them as major components seem to be unmoved by the news.
AT&T reported that its first quarter profit... Continue Reading »
Existing Home Sales Numbers Put Damper On Housing ETFs
April 22, 2008 – The housing slump continued through March, and home-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) reflected this morning’s latest numbers.
The National Association of Realtors said sales of existing single-family homes and condominiums fell by 2% in March.... Continue Reading »
Commodities, Natural Resources Keep Chile ETF On Fire
April 22, 2008 – In these commodity-crazy times, Chile and its exchange traded fund (ETF) might be something to think about.
The iShares MSCI Chile (ECH) launched on Nov. 20, and it’s been up 14.4% since then. Year-to-date, it’s... Continue Reading »
What’s Next for the MacroShares ETFs? Version 2.0
April 22, 2008 – Last week, the price of oil topped $111 for three consecutive days, setting off a termination trigger for two unusual exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The last trading day for MacroShares Oil Down (DCR) and MacroShares... Continue Reading »
Could Spreading Wealth Make China’s ETFs Go ‘Vroom’?
April 21, 2008 – Could China’s economy and exchange traded funds (ETFs) be faltering like some think? Perhaps not. One sign: sport utility vehicle sales are taking off.
Two of the fastest growing segments in the Chinese market, in... Continue Reading »
Gas Tax Holiday Could Be Boon to ETFs
April 21, 2008 – If a plan to eliminate the gas tax this summer goes through, what could it mean for exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
Sen. John McCain proposed ditching the tax, which would shave 18 cents per gallon... Continue Reading »
Using the Moving Average When Investing In ETFs
April 21, 2008 – Some investors want to use exchange traded funds (ETFs) to exploit short-term movements in the markets.
Loren Fleckenstein for Trading Markets gives a primer on using 10-day and 30-day moving averages and the crossovers as... Continue Reading »
Will the Active ETFs Do a Belly Flop or Fly? You Will Decide
April 21, 2008 – Was the first actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) a good idea after all? Chuck Jaffe doesn’t think so.
The Bear Stearns Current Yield (YYY) debuted on March 25, and it’s not going to look... Continue Reading »
Bank of America’s Dismal Earnings Drags Financial ETFs
April 21, 2008 – Financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) took a hit in midday trading after Bank of America (BAC) reported that its profit fell 77% in the first quarter.
It was worse than expected, as analysts had... Continue Reading »
Agriculture ETFs May Mean If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
April 21, 2008 – If you’ve ever strolled through the grocery store wondering if there’s anything you can do about those ridiculous prices, there is: agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs).
ETFs that invest in agriculture should benefit from global... Continue Reading »
Brazil ETF Benefits From Economics and Agriculture
April 21, 2008 – As exchange traded fund (ETF) investors look across the globe for investment opportunities, its hard to not take a second look at Brazil. The economic leadership has enabled the country to grow and attract new... Continue Reading »
The Actively Managed ETF Is A Kick In The Pants For Mutual Funds
April 21, 2008 – The advent of the actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) is a kick in the pants for traditional mutual funds, as the market competition for market share will continue to heat up. PowerShares’ four actively... Continue Reading »
Be Part Of The Solution With A Biotech ETF
April 20, 2008 – The best approach to being involved with the advent of a breakthrough medicine, or a cure for cancer, as an investor, would be to consider a biotech-focused exchange traded fund (ETF).
The most impressive... Continue Reading »
Getting Your Edu-ma-cation With ETFs
April 20, 2008 – Did you know you can save for college with exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
iShares has an iShares 529 College Savings plan that’s built around its ETFs. The cost of college is getting more expensive every... Continue Reading »
Bond ETFs: Just Add Water, Instant Portfolio
April 19, 2008 – Bond exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a solid way to take the hassle out of buying individual bonds, which can be costly and time-consuming for individual investors.
Heather Bell for Index Universe sat down... Continue Reading »
Platinum Demand to Remain High; Could It Lead Investors to ETN?
April 19, 2008 – Platinum is projected to maintain a supply deficit this year, and one way for investors to benefit is with exchange traded notes (ETNs).
There is currently a deficit of 360,800 ounces this year, and it’s... Continue Reading »
ETFs Give Options for Intenational Investing
April 18, 2008 – With the U.S. economy questionable lately, it might be the time to look into international investments through exchange traded funds (ETFs). The U.S. economy may not be experiencing much growth right now, but overseas... Continue Reading »
Lowered Mutual Fund Expenses Brought On By ETF Competition?
April 18, 2008 – Here is another reason to invest your money into an exchange traded fund (ETF) instead of an actively managed mutual fund: declining mutual fund expenses probably won’t go lower, they may actually go higher.... Continue Reading »
Currency ETFs Watching if the Dollar Rebounds
April 18, 2008 – Is there hope for the U.S. dollar and if so, what about the currency exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs)?
The dollar has hit lows against major currencies such as the yen... Continue Reading »
Oil Prices Up, Earnings Up, So Are Oil Related ETFs
April 18, 2008 – As oil prices hit new highs in today’s trading, the oil related exchange traded funds (ETFs) also rose on earnings reports and merger talks.
Schlumberger (SLB) was the first oilfield services company to report first... Continue Reading »
Earnings Show Good Signs And Help Tech and Financial ETFs
April 18, 2008 – First quarter earnings reports are lifting exchange traded funds (ETFs) today. Reports from Google (GOOG) and Citigroup (C) helped ease investors minds about corporate profits, so much so that it has sent the Dow... Continue Reading »
The Long and Short of Long and Short ETFs
April 18, 2008 – Everyone knows about short and leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs), but some might be wondering "How do they do that?"
Michael Sapir, CEO of ProFunds, gave us a call and explained it. "The best way... Continue Reading »
Nuclear Energy ETFs Have Interest Generating Potential
April 18, 2008 – Two pure plays on the nuclear energy sector can be found in the Market Vectors Nuclear Energy (NLR) as well as the PowerShares Global Nuclear Energy Portfolio (PKN) exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The nuclear... Continue Reading »
TIP ETFs Can Be a Savior In Inflationary Periods
April 18, 2008 – Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS, have made their way into exchange traded funds (ETFs).
These U.S.-government issued bonds are issued by the Treasury and they are sellable in the "after" market. Designed in terms... Continue Reading »
In the Press
April 17, 2008 – ETF Trends has been mentioned in various print, electronic, and television media, including:
Continue Reading »
Google Gives Earnings; Will Tech ETFs Party Tomorrow?
April 17, 2008 – What was with all the hand-wringing? Google’s numbers finally came out after the market close, they were good and technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) liked it.
Google (GOOG) put the kibosh on rumors that its advertising... Continue Reading »
Menu of Agriculture ETFs and ETNs Expands
April 17, 2008 – Some crops might not be growing, but lots of agriculture-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs) are sprouting up.
Deutsche Bank launched a smörgåsbord of ETNs this week, just in time for the... Continue Reading »
Transportation ETF Down Today, But Could Fueled If Oil Cools Off
April 17, 2008 – The nearly weeklong winning streak for the transportation exchange traded fund (ETF) seems to have ground to a halt. After rising 5.2% since April 11, the iShares Dow Jones Transportation Average (IYT) is down... Continue Reading »
South Korea’s ETF Hit By Samsung Head’s Troubles
April 17, 2008 – Samsung’s chairman is in hot water, and it’s weighing on South Korea’s exchange traded fund (ETF), which counts the company as a major component.
Chairman Lee Jun-hee was indicted on tax evasion and breach of trust... Continue Reading »
Mixed Earnings Reports Give Mixed ETF Results
April 17, 2008 – Merrill Lynch (MER ) posted a first-quarter loss this morning, but so far the broker-dealers exchange traded fund (ETF) seems to be keeping quiet.
The world’s largest brokerage said it would cut 3,000 jobs after more... Continue Reading »
Will the Pope Bless These ETFs?
April 17, 2008 – The pope’s visit got us to thinking about exchange traded funds (ETFs) that invest with Catholic values in mind.
Why go socially responsible? If, for example, you’re anti-smoking, would you feel comfortable holding stock for... Continue Reading »
The Asian Tiger ETFs Aren’t Roaring As Loud
April 17, 2008 – Many Asian-country focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) are giving back their 2007 gains. Are the Asian tigers of 2007 going to become the sleeping tigers of 2008?
A standout such as iShares MSCI Singapore... Continue Reading »
London Calling To Be The Biggest ETF Market
April 17, 2008 – London is calling for the reign of the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry, but the struggle will be long and uphill, say analysts.
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is aiming at becoming the number... Continue Reading »
Tech ETFs Holding Their Breath For Google Earnings Report Tomorrow
April 16, 2008 – Investors, technology exchange traded fund (ETF) investors and computer junkies alike are anticipating the first quarter earnings from Google (GOOG).
The numbers are due out tomorrow.
Wendy Tanaka for Forbes reports that the number of... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon Talks Oil ETFs on CNBC
April 16, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on CNBC’s "ETF Tracker" segment of Closing Bell earlier today to discuss how near-record oil prices has been making oil ETFs look pretty attractive lately. Video of Tom’s segment appears below:
Continue Reading »
Oil Tops $111 for Three Days; Two Oil ETFs Terminate
April 16, 2008 – It’s "termination day" for a couple of oil exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Last week, we reported that the MacroShares Oil Down (DCR) and MacroShares Oil Up (UCR) would terminate if the price of oil reached... Continue Reading »
Steel ETF Keeps Its Momentum Strong
April 16, 2008 – The broader markets have been shifting all over for the first half of 2008, while the steel sector has remained solid, helping to anchor the related exchange traded fund (ETF).
Market Vectors Steel (SLX)... Continue Reading »
Rising Prices Hit Everything from Wallets to ETFs
April 16, 2008 – We know you’re going to be shocked - shocked! - to hear this: consumer prices rose last month, no doubt weighing on consumer exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The Labor Department says prices rose 0.3% in... Continue Reading »
Home Construction Falls Off, ETFs Shoot Up
April 16, 2008 – Are investors finding bargain opportunities with home construction exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
The Commerce Department reported today that home construction dropped in March to a 17-year low, by 11.9%, reports Martin Crutsinger for the Associated... Continue Reading »
Survey Says! Financial Advisors Love ETFs
April 16, 2008 – A survey by Charles Schwab Institutional confirmed it: financial advisors are digging exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The survey asked 1,006 independent investment advisors, "Which types of investments do you plan to put more of your... Continue Reading »
The Dow Theory and ETFs Explained
April 16, 2008 – Admittedly, our post on the Dow Theory and exchange traded funds (ETFs) was a bit unclear. A few commenters specifically questioned the "new high" determination.
"New high" in this case does not mean the same... Continue Reading »
Intel’s News Boosts Stocks, Semiconductor ETFs
April 16, 2008 – Semiconductor maker Intel Corp (INTC) reported a lower quarterly net profit and revenue ahead of expectations, sending shares and semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) higher in after-hours trading.
Intel is one of the bellwethers for... Continue Reading »
If Investment Remains Solid, Infrastructure ETFs Could Gather Strength
April 15, 2008 – An exchange traded fund (ETF) can be a better proxy for a sector than a single stock. It takes the guesswork right out of investing.
Diversification is another element that is added when using... Continue Reading »
Sugar Might Sweeten Agriculture ETF Performance
April 15, 2008 – Sugar is one commodity whose price remains relatively low when compared with historic highs, but it may not remain that way for long, leaving room to grow for exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Take Baltimore’s famous... Continue Reading »
International Markets, ETFs Catching U.S. Housing Disease
April 15, 2008 – The U.S. housing crisis is taking its toll on other countries, and it could hit their exchange traded funds (ETFs) if it persists for long.
Real estate prices are plummeting in the Irish countryside, the... Continue Reading »
Proposed ETF Rules Could Be Dawning of a New Era
April 15, 2008 –
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is always amending and changing rules to be useful to current market conditions, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been the recent focus. Two new rules under the... Continue Reading »
A Rise In Prescription Costs May Take ETFs Up, Too
April 15, 2008 – The problem of expensive health care may soon cut into people who are fully insured, as health insurance companies adopt a new pricing system, sending focused stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) into more... Continue Reading »
Agriculture ETFs Are Hungry For Higher Food Prices
April 15, 2008 – The United States is dealing with the gnarliest food inflation seen in 17 years, and Wall Street and exchange traded fund (ETF) investors may be the only side winning out.
New data to be... Continue Reading »
Just In Time for Warm Weather, Claymore Launches Solar ETF
April 15, 2008 – While there are several clean energy exchange traded funds (ETFs) out there, none of them have focused solely on one aspect of the sector until now.
Claymore this morning launched the Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy... Continue Reading »
UltraShort Real Estate ETF Could Be Haven From Commercial Contraction
April 15, 2008 –
Inverse or leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs) are on investors’ radar these days and real estate is no exception.
UltraShort Real Estate ProShares (SRS) is an ETF that tracks twice (2x) the inverse of... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon on ETF Tracker
April 14, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on CNBC’s "ETF Tracker" segment of Closing Bell earlier today to discuss the economies of the Middle East and Africa and potential ETF plays in that region. Video of Tom’s segment appears... Continue Reading »
Blue Chip ETFs or Not, Stick to the Strategy
April 14, 2008 – According to some, opportunity is knocking for blue-chip stocks and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count them as components.
The S&P is around 14% undervalued right now, according to Morningstar Analyst Jeffry Ptak.... Continue Reading »
ETNs Elbowing Their Way Into Competition With ETFs
April 14, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) could have another competitor if things keep going the way they are: exchange traded notes (ETNs).
The industry was once small, but has slowly been picking up steam. The first ETNs launched... Continue Reading »
Bond ETFs Are A Sign Of The Times
April 14, 2008 – Bond exchange traded funds (ETFs) have sparked investor interest across the board. It’s largely a by-product of the world we’re living in these days, since people turn to bonds during volatile times.
Just look... Continue Reading »
Wachovia’s Gloomy Report a Drag for Financial ETFs
April 14, 2008 – Wachovia (WB) reported a surprise first-quarter loss, hitting financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) hard.
The Regional Bank HOLDRs (RKH) fell to its lowest point since March 17, reports Wanfeng Zhou for Thomson Financial. Wachovia is... Continue Reading »
Retail Numbers Rise, ETFs Yawn
April 14, 2008 – Retail numbers were up slightly in March, which gave mixed results to related exchange traded funds (ETFs), but it’s not what you think.
The 0.2% gain in sales primarily is the result of the higher... Continue Reading »
It’s Not Doomsday for ETFs
April 14, 2008 – After a few months of lost assets, some are asking if exchange traded funds (ETFs) have become victims of their own success.
A landmark year in 2007 has led to a weaker success in 2008, amplified... Continue Reading »
ETNs Can’t Get A Break - Taxes, That Is
April 14, 2008 – The Investment Company Institute (ICI) has been trying to convince lawmakers to take tax advantages away from exchange traded notes (ETNs). But Thomas Humphreys, a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP in New York,... Continue Reading »
Will Italian Elections Deliver Some Amore to Its ETF?
April 14, 2008 – Upcoming elections are leaving the fate of economic reforms that could affect its exchange traded funds (ETFs) hanging in the balance.
The crop of candidates aren’t exactly setting Italians’ hearts on fire: A lackluster... Continue Reading »
Telecommunications ETFs on Line One
April 13, 2008 – Few sectors have taken as much of a beating as telecommunications and its related exchange traded funds (ETFs). But is a turnaround in the offing?
Some analysts seem to think so. One for Citigroup upgraded telecom... Continue Reading »
Switzerland and ETF Could Be On the Mend, But More Woes Predicted
April 13, 2008 – Switzerland recently got socked by the global credit crunch, but the country and its exchange traded fund (ETF) seem to be in recovery mode.
The Swiss bank UBS (UBS) had write-downs in the billions last... Continue Reading »
Indexes Cover African Economies - Could ETFs Be Far Behind?
April 12, 2008 – Africa could soon be a player within the exchange traded fund (ETF) market. Standard & Poor’s Indexes has launched three new indexes and benchmarks spanning the continent.
HedgeWeek gives the rundown:
S&P Pan Africa... Continue Reading »
Is It Stupid to Keep It Simple With ETFs?
April 12, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) industry is currently brimming with excitement over a couple of new all-world funds.
But can keeping it too simple be a wise strategy? Gary Gordon for ETF Expert doesn’t... Continue Reading »
PowerShares Launches Its Actively Managed ETF Line
April 11, 2008 – The long-awaited actively managed exchange traded funds (ETFs) from Invesco PowerShares are here. They’re billed as the industry’s first three actively managed equity ETFs, and they began trading on the NYSE Arca today.
All of... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon Talks Transport ETFs on ETF Tracker
April 11, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on CNBC’s "ETF Tracker" segment of Closing Bell today to discuss how the transportation sector might be the first to rebound after a recession.
For full disclosure, some of Tom Lydon’s clients... Continue Reading »
Wal-Mart Supplier ETF: A Haven In a Recession?
April 11, 2008 – Wal-Mart (WMT) seems to so far be benefiting from the tough economy, so how is the Wal-Mart supplier exchange traded fund (ETF) doing?
Yesterday’s retail report, which delivered the weakest numbers in 13... Continue Reading »
GE Earnings Reports Don’t Bring Markets and ETFs To Life
April 11, 2008 – General Electric (GE) reported disappointing profits today, dimming stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The reading was weaker than expected, reports Tim Paradis for the Associated Press. The report sent the markets south, as the... Continue Reading »
Copper and Other Resources Enrich Chile’s ETF
April 11, 2008 – With a reputation as one of the world’s most economically progressive free market-focused
nations in Latin America, the global commodities market could take Chile’s exchange traded fund (ETF) to new levels.
The country’s economy has grown... Continue Reading »
Biofuels Responsible for Higher Food Prices and Agriculture ETFs?
April 11, 2008 –
Once hailed as something that could help reverse global warming, biofuels are now being blamed for much of the high cost of food and the resulting strong performance of agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs).
World Bank... Continue Reading »
It’s Bond ETF Time - Munis Are Yielding More Than Treasuries
April 11, 2008 – It’s an event like Halley’s Comet, although with a little more frequency: municipal bond yields are higher than those of treasury bonds. For that reason, it makes more sense than ever to grab exchange... Continue Reading »
Health Care Revenues, ETFs At The Mercy Of Presidential Candidates
April 11, 2008 – Health care exchange traded funds (ETFs) are non-discretionary, have a projected growth rate at 6.6%-6.7% from 2008 through 2017. It could also get a boost from specific reforms, if those reforms come to pass.... Continue Reading »
Feeling Bearish or Bullish? There’s An ETF For Every Mood
April 11, 2008 – Last week’s stock surge has caused a pullback for some of the leveraged and inverse exchange traded funds (ETFs), the same funds that were earning traders so much money.
David Penn for Trading Markets explains... Continue Reading »
Recent Oil Prices Make Up, Down ETFs Tricky
April 10, 2008 – The inverse/down oil exchange traded fund (ETF) from MacroShares appears to have a mind of its own.
There are actually two funds designed to move along in a given direction according to what oil... Continue Reading »
The Dow Theory Does Good For Modern Day ETF Investors
April 10, 2008 – The Dow Theory is one of the most respected trend systems in the investment world, leading exchange traded fund (ETF) investors and others in their market-related decisions.
Charles Dow, founder of the industrial average... Continue Reading »
If Food Prices Only Get Higher, Agriculture ETFs Can Rise, Too
April 10, 2008 – One expert doesn’t see the price of food coming off its high horse anytime soon, which makes agriculture-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) especially timely.
Jim Rogers, who co-founded the Quantum Fund in 1969, says that... Continue Reading »
Semiconductor’s Upgrade Gives ETFs a Jolt
April 10, 2008 – The semiconductor sector and exchange traded funds (ETFs) got a boost early today after a brokerage upgrade.
Banc of America Securities said a modest inventory buildup in the sector has eased, leading to an upgrade.... Continue Reading »
Retail Sales Drop In March; ETFs Up Midday
April 10, 2008 – The retail sales picture didn’t change much last month, but exchange traded fund (ETF) investors don’t appear to be so discouraged.
Despite retailers reporting the weakest March sales in 13 years, retail ETFs were up... Continue Reading »
Twists and Turns in Microsoft vs. Yahoo Benefits Tech ETFs
April 10, 2008 – The Yahoo (YHOO) plot thickens, and it’s sending the technology-related stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) higher in midday trading.
For those playing along at home, Microsoft (MSFT) is threatening a hostile takeover bid. Yahoo... Continue Reading »
ETFs VS. OEFs: Which Will Be The Last Fund Standing?
April 10, 2008 –
Are exchange traded funds (ETFs) taking the place of open-ended index mutual funds? The answer is "no," at least for now. A recent study conducted by McCombs School of Business students at the University of... Continue Reading »
Who’s Big In The European ETF Circle?
April 10, 2008 – The European exchange traded fund (ETF) market is just as hot as its U.S. counterpart. The European market is capitalizing on the rapid growth of the industry, as major providers have adopted some very... Continue Reading »
Everyone, Welcome the New ETF Provider Northern Trust (Hi, Northern Trust)
April 9, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) industry has a new provider. It’s Chicago-based Northern Trust, and the launch of their funds have been anticipated since last winter.
Murray Coleman for Index Universe reports gives the lowdown... Continue Reading »
New Heating Oil ETF Captures White-Hot Energy Sector
April 9, 2008 – There’s another entry in the category of energy commodities-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs), this one covering heating oil.
The United States Heating Oil Fund (UHN) holds futures contracts for the commodity, reports Murray Coleman for... Continue Reading »
Will Election-Year Good Times for Defense Sector and ETFs Continue?
April 9, 2008 – It’s election time and a recession looms - is it a good time for aerospace and defense exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
Billy Fisher for The Street says it may be. The two aerospace and... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon Talks ETFs on Fox Business
April 9, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on Fox Business Network earlier today with anchor Cheryl Casone. Tom discussed hot ETFs in Asia and Latin America as well as poorly performing ETFs in the retail sector. Video of Tom’s... Continue Reading »
Transportation ETF Hit By UPS’s Lower Outlook
April 9, 2008 – The transportation exchange traded fund (ETF) is down 2.8% midday after UPS (UPS), a major component of the fund, announced a lowered outlook.
The world’s largest shipping carrier blamed a weak economy and the skyrocketing... Continue Reading »
March Was Mad for ETFs and ETNs; Total Numbers Top 700
April 9, 2008 –
As far as exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs) go, how lucrative was March madness? National Stock Exchange (NSX) announced that U.S.-listed ETF and ETN assets totaled $583 billion at the... Continue Reading »
Core Index ETFs Have It All
April 9, 2008 – Summer is on the way, so isn’t it time to do some work on your core…core exchange traded funds (ETFs) within your portfolio, that is.
The underlying indexes within these ETFs are blended with United... Continue Reading »
Making Sense of the Growing ETF Marketplace
April 9, 2008 – In the last year, the number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) and assets have quickly gathered steam. Outflows have lately vexed the industry, but it’s just a sign of the times as investors have... Continue Reading »
Ask ETF Trends!
April 8, 2008 – Often, we’ll get questions about exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the comments. While we try to answer them all, we realize that many of you might not ever see the questions or the answers.... Continue Reading »
Plop-Plop, Fizz-Fizz - Can You Handle Short and Leveraged ETFs?
April 8, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that use leverage and short-selling have the ability to reward investors with high profits, but they can also hit them hard with big losses.
They are meant for investors with a... Continue Reading »
SEC Commissioner Wants a New-Product Czar, But Not Everyone Is Excited
April 8, 2008 – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) commissioner, Paul S. Atkins, is campaigning for a "new-product czar," who will help usher along the approval process for products such as exchange traded funds (ETFs).
David Hoffman for... Continue Reading »
Sweden Has More Than Ikea - It Has Lessons for Financial Sector and ETFs, Too
April 8, 2008 – The financial meltdown in the United States has wreaked havoc on the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs). At times, it might have seemed that there would be no end to this, but all anyone... Continue Reading »
Food Shortage Has Many Roots; ETFs Could Grow From It
April 8, 2008 – The financial crisis is the talk of the country, but another crisis might be helping some exchange traded funds (ETFs), but it’s hurting people around the world.
Food prices have skyrocketed over the last few... Continue Reading »
787 Program Embarrasses Boeing, Delays ETF Gains
April 8, 2008 – Aerospace exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down slightly this morning after reports that Boeing (BA), a major component of both, is once again delaying plans for its 787 Dreamliner.
The delay is putting the lightweight,... Continue Reading »
Pending Home Sales Hit Low; ETFs Aren’t Out of the Woods Yet
April 8, 2008 – Homebuilder and real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) may have been showing strong performance over the last month, but that doesn’t mean our housing problem is over.
In February, pending home sales hit a new... Continue Reading »
ETFs Hold Steady While Earnings Reports Are Awaited
April 8, 2008 – There was no rally in the first day of trading this week for stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) like the one last week, in which the Dow Jones industrial average skyrocketed nearly 400... Continue Reading »
Small-Caps vs. Large-Caps Are a Tale of David and Goliath This Year
April 8, 2008 –
Small-cap value stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been benefiting from having less to lose than large-caps and so far this year, they’ve been outpacing them handily.
In the last month, small-cap value... Continue Reading »
Basic Materials ETFs’ Mettle Tested As Alocoa Reports Lower Profits
April 7, 2008 – Materials exchange traded funds (ETFs) fell slightly on the news that Alcoa (AA) reported a 50% profit loss from a year ago. The higher cost of energy and raw materials, coupled with the weak... Continue Reading »
More ETF Data for You to Geek Out On
April 7, 2008 –
Last month, Jim Wiandt at Index Universe put together a table for exchange traded fund (ETF) data nerds. It was such a hit, he’s got more for you.
He put all 664 ETFs on a spreadsheet,... Continue Reading »
iShares Seeks to Continue Its World Travel With New ETFs In Registration
April 7, 2008 – Two weeks ago, iShares launched more single-country exchange traded funds (ETFs), but they’re not done traveling around the world just yet.
According to Matt Hougan for Index Universe, the provider filed with the Securities and... Continue Reading »
Technology ETFs Don’t Move Much While Microsoft Woos Yahoo
April 7, 2008 – Yahoo (YHOO) is playing hard-to-get with Microsoft (MSFT), and the coyness is having mixed results in the technology exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Microsoft has given Yahoo a three-week deadline to accept its $42 billion takeover... Continue Reading »
Are WaMu Talks a Sign Wall Street and ETFs Are Picking Up the Subprime Pieces?
April 7, 2008 –
Corporate wheeling and dealing is boosting stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) today, particularly in the financial sector.
Washington Mutual Inc. (WM) could get a $5 billion investment from private equity firms, reports Tim... Continue Reading »
UBS Enters Commodities Arena With ETN Line
April 7, 2008 – UBS is getting into the exchange traded game with commodities exchange traded notes (ETNs).
Last week, the firm launched eight ETNs focused on commodities, and the plan is to venture into other asset classes,... Continue Reading »
The Newest Members Of PowerShares ETF Family
April 7, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) provider PowerShares announced two new funds to be listed on NASDAQ. The company states that this will bring the ETF family to more than 110.
The new ETFs are:
PowerShares NASDAQ... Continue Reading »
India ETFs Serve As Gateway For Investors
April 7, 2008 – India has always been just out of reach for many U.S. investors, but the newest India exchange traded funds (ETFs) are making it much easier to gain access to this rapidly growing market.
Although the... Continue Reading »
What Type Of ETF Investor Are You?
April 6, 2008 – When it comes to trading your exchange traded funds (ETFs) are you a mechanical type, or a discretionary?
A discretionary trader uses experience and judgments to make trading decisions, with a documented trading plan set... Continue Reading »
Oil Has IYE ETF Slipping All Over The Place
April 6, 2008 – It seems like the skyrocketing cost of energy is getting more headlines than Britney Spears, and the related exchange traded funds (ETFs) can’t seem to decide what they want to do about it.
The iShares... Continue Reading »
Are You Ready To Bond WIth Your ETFs?
April 5, 2008 – Bond exchange traded funds (ETFs), known for their defensive or conservative strategies, are starting to feel the impact of the lopsided market. Credit quality, inflation and the uncertain economy are starting to affect the... Continue Reading »
While the Financial Mess Hurts Markets and ETFs, Our Responses are Human Nature
April 5, 2008 – The financial system is in a mess, and it’s taken a toll on the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs), among many other things. Financial regulation in our country, as a result, is facing... Continue Reading »
Dividend ETFs Have a Range of Applications
April 4, 2008 – The choices and types of dividend stocks available are numerous, and there’s an exchange traded fund (ETF) for many of them.
A dividend is a payment that a company makes to you as a shareholder.... Continue Reading »
Gas Hits New Record, ETF Moves Up Slightly
April 4, 2008 – The price of a tank of gas hit a new recor