May 2008
Natural Gas ETFs Could Burn Bright In Growing Shortage
May 31, 2008 – Natural gas exchange traded funds (ETFs) certainly haven’t been shouting as loud as those for other commodities (hello, oil), but they’ve been delivering the returns.
The commodity has been a standout in what has been... Continue Reading »
Water ETFs a Way to Capitalize on Shortage of Resource
May 31, 2008 – Talk about the global water shortage mixed with major companies talking of combating a water crisis has exchange traded funds (ETFs) focused on H2O flowing.
Recent news of General Electric (GE) and Pentair (PNR) agreeing... Continue Reading »
Five More ETFs Closing Up Shop
May 30, 2008 – Some more exchange traded funds (ETFs) are closing their doors.
This time, it’s five Treasury bond ETFs that launched last June:
Ameristock/Ryan 1 Year Treasury (GKA)
Ameristock/Ryan 2 Year Treasury (GKB)
Ameristock/Ryan 5 Year Treasury (GKC)
Ameristock/Ryan 10 Year... Continue Reading »
May ETF Performance Report
May 30, 2008 – Overall, May wasn’t a bad month for exchange traded fund (ETF) investors, but the economy still faces some hurdles. Two of the major indexes finished higher while the Dow Jones industrial average lost 1.4%.... Continue Reading »
Coal ETF Is Smokin’ This Week
May 30, 2008 – As financials continue to be battered, the energy sector seems to have most of the positive activity on Wall Street of late and the coal-focused exchange traded fund (ETF) is no exception.
A jump mid-week... Continue Reading »
Penny-Pinching Could Help Some Food ETFs
May 30, 2008 – When the economy gets tough, the tough get cheap, and that could help some exchange traded funds (ETFs) that contain fast-food companies.
Jonathan Lansner for the Orange County Register keeps one eye on fast-food joints while... Continue Reading »
Some ETFs Might Be Up, But Consumers Are Feeling Down
May 30, 2008 – Feeling a little crabby lately, even though your commodity exchange traded funds (ETFs) are putting up decent numbers? You’re not alone: consumer sentiment is at a 28-year low.
The reading for May was the lowest... Continue Reading »
Austria Knows Its Own Backyard, and ETF Benefits
May 30, 2008 – Improved feelings about the telecommunications and banking sectors in Austria delivered a boost to its exchange traded fund (ETF) on Wednesday, and it’s just the latest good news for the country.
Erste Bank... Continue Reading »
ETFs Prove Their Worth Here, And Overseas
May 30, 2008 – In this volatile market, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are getting a chance to prove that their benefits are for real.
Australian financial planners have become fearful of direct shares investment because of near corporate... Continue Reading »
S&P Launches Commodities and Natural Resource Indexes, Perhaps ETFs For Them Will Follow
May 30, 2008 – Standard & Poor’s has launched two new indexes which may someday give exchange traded fund (ETF) investors a benchmark with some more exposure to commodities and natural resources.
The S&P Global Natural Resources Index provides... Continue Reading »
ETFs Get a Rise from Japan’s Stock Performance
May 29, 2008 – Japan’s stocks rose by their largest amount in two months, giving a lift to their exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The jump came after orders for durable goods in the United States notched an unexpected... Continue Reading »
As Israel Grows, and So Do ETF Options
May 29, 2008 – Israel’s economy is surpassing expectations, and if it continues this way, it could deliver solid performance to its exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The country saw growth in the first quarter, even though it was... Continue Reading »
Exploration ETFs Helped By Rising Cost of Finding New Oil
May 29, 2008 – You’d think the rising cost of oil and the big returns the related exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been dishing out year-to-date would have led to bigger efforts to look for more of the... Continue Reading »
Food Prices May Fall, But Demand Could Continue Feeding ETFs
May 29, 2008 – It’s good news for your disposable income, but if it’s so good for agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs) is a question mark: a report released today says food prices are going to come down.
However,... Continue Reading »
Market Movements and Numbers Sending ETFs in Mixed Directions
May 29, 2008 – The revised first quarter GDP numbers are out, and the markets and certain exchange traded funds (ETFs) mostly seem to be reacting positively.
The initial GDP numbers were up 0.6%, but the revised number... Continue Reading »
ETF Providers Out to Give Advisors an Edumacation
May 29, 2008 – Financial advisors are becoming increasingly interested in exchange traded funds (ETFs), but many don’t completely understand them. So, some providers have been stepping forward to deliver a more thorough education.
The latest is State Street Global... Continue Reading »
Nuclear Energy and ETFs Moving On Ahead
May 29, 2008 – Nuclear energy and its related exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue moving forward, regardless of sentiment toward the sector.
The latest push came last Friday, when China signed a pact with Russia for $1 billion to... Continue Reading »
Portugal Now Accessible With New NETS ETF
May 29, 2008 – The Portuguese economy has experienced short-term inflation along with a slight slowdown because of the international credit crisis, but investors still find this country agreeable for investment and worthy of its own exchange traded... Continue Reading »
Financial ETFs Fall on Renewed Worries About the Sector
May 28, 2008 – Worries about the financial sector were renewed today, and those concerns pulled down its related exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Several banking stocks were lower, including American International Group (AIG). Citigroup (C) said the world’s... Continue Reading »
China and Taiwan’s Historic Meeting Could Impact ETFs
May 28, 2008 – A historic meeting between China and Taiwan to discuss cross-strait transport links may have big implications for the countries and their exchange traded funds (ETFs).
It’s the highest-level meeting since the countries split in 1949,... Continue Reading »
Potential UPS Deal With DHL Could Deliver Transportation ETF
May 28, 2008 – UPS (UPS), a component of the transportation exchange traded fund (ETF), is whipping up a deal with DHL that could translate into $1 billion in annual revenue for UPS.
The contract would mainly involve transporting... Continue Reading »
Steel Is Solid, But Metal’s Volatility Could Impact ETF
May 28, 2008 – Already up 24.6% year-to-date, the steel exchange traded fund (ETF) has been going strong.
But analysts see a weakening ahead that’s some investors wondering if they should keep their eye on this material or look... Continue Reading »
Aerospace and Defense ETF Holdings Making Moves
May 28, 2008 – Some of the largest components of the aerospace and defense exchange traded fund (ETF) have been making some news that could impact the iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace and Defense (ITA).
Boeing (BA) has... Continue Reading »
17 Commodity ETFs to Help Hedge Your Portfolio
May 28, 2008 – Americans are being hit by rising inflation and the subsequent explosion in commodity prices where it hurts most—at gas stations and grocery stores. Right alongside this growth have been the opportunities available to investors... Continue Reading »
Oil And Stocks Might Tell The Future Of The U.S. Dollar
May 28, 2008 – Can the future of the greenback be foretold by indicators such as crude oil, the stock market and exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
The U.S. dollar has suffered the brunt of the latest credit meltdown, and... Continue Reading »
All-World ETFs: Just Add Water, Instant Diversification
May 28, 2008 – All-world exchange traded funds (ETFs) are the latest industry hot spot, and providers are lining up to launch them.
The two-month-old Barclays fund iShares MSCI ACWI Fund (ACWI) holds 694 stocks from the 2,736-stock underlying... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon on Taiwan Stock Market
May 27, 2008 – Last Friday afternoon, Tom Lydon appeared on the “ETF Tracker” segment of CNBC’s Closing Bell to discuss the Taiwan economy. Video of Tom’s segment appears below:
Continue Reading »
Brazil and Its ETF Reaping Rewards of Natural Resources
May 27, 2008 – Global demand for Brazil’s exports are leading to strong economic growth for the country and its related exchange traded fund (ETF).
Commodities such as iron ore, beef, ethanol, soy and copper are trading... Continue Reading »
Gold, Silver ETFs Lose Some Luster As Dollar Firms Up
May 27, 2008 – Gold and silver exchange traded funds (ETFs) were down by as much as 5% in trading today as prices for the metals fell and the dollar showed signs of life.
Spot gold fell to $903.50... Continue Reading »
Vodaphone Turns a Profit, But Power Shift Could Affect ETFs
May 27, 2008 – Could the return to profitability by the world’s largest mobile phone company boost global telecom exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
Vodaphone (VOD) delivered a return to full-year profitability, but at the same time, CEO Arun Sarin... Continue Reading »
Rising Gas, Food Prices Squeeze Consumers and ETFs
May 27, 2008 – If you’re feeling sad about the rising cost of living, you’re not alone - the pinch is being felt everywhere, from the gas pump to exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Consumer confidence has sunk to... Continue Reading »
Broker-Dealer ETF Feels Financial Sector’s Pain
May 27, 2008 – Since the Bear Stearns (BSC) collapse earlier this year, the broker-dealer exchange traded fund (ETF) has been getting kicked up and down.
Year-to-date, the iShares Dow Jones US Broker-Dealers (IAI) is down 23.6%. It’s been... Continue Reading »
Real Estate ETFs Digest Home Price and Sales Reports
May 27, 2008 – Some real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) were up slightly on the news that home prices sank while sales rose.
For the first quarter, the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index showed that home prices fell 14.1%... Continue Reading »
Alternative Energy Sector Attracts Investors, But Stocks and ETFs Can Be Volatile
May 27, 2008 – Alternative-energy stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been one of the beneficiaries of the rising cost of energy as consumers clamor to find some relief.
But Eleanor Laise for the Wall Street Journal warns that... Continue Reading »
Short And Leveraged ETFs Pave A Two-Way Street In April
May 27, 2008 – The market’s performance in April soaked short exchange traded funds (ETFs), which highlights the caveats of these types of funds.
However, on a week such as the one we just had, the benefits can come... Continue Reading »
Single-Country ETFs Need A Closer Look Before Leaping
May 26, 2008 – Hot spots within financial markets across different countries may be easier to spot than you think and exchange traded funds (ETFs) may help guide you.
Ron DeLegge of ETFGuide says there are certain things... Continue Reading »
Memorial Day, the Travel Season and Your ETFs
May 26, 2008 – It’s the unofficial start of summer, so what are your plans this Memorial Day? If you are focused on your investments and exchange traded funds (ETFs), you are probably within the minority. For those... Continue Reading »
ETFs As A One-Stop-Shop
May 25, 2008 – Can exchange traded funds (ETFs) with a broad-base, covering the entire globe, act as a one-stop-shop for investors? There are several ETFs that are in registration with the SEC or are available that give... Continue Reading »
Platinum ETFs In London Squeeze A Tight Market
May 25, 2008 – One commodity in particular seems to be paying the price for the growing popularity of exchange traded funds (ETFs): platinum.
There are platinum ETFs listed in both London and Zurich. The two funds together... Continue Reading »
PowerShares Celebrates Landmark 5 Years For PWC ETF
May 24, 2008 – PowerShares is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its first exchange traded fund (ETF) and the index upon which it is based.
PowerShares Dynamic Market Portfolio (PWC) launched on May 1, 2003.
Since then, PWC has... Continue Reading »
Gambling Industry and ETFs Aren’t Hitting the Jackpot So Far This Year
May 24, 2008 – The gambling industry is known for a little resilience during economic downturns, which might make related exchange traded funds (ETFs) seem like a decent bet. But it finally looks like some casinos in Vegas... Continue Reading »
ETFs Reflect Technology Sector’s Push Past Financials
May 23, 2008 – Winning is an elusive act, so if you change your perspective on what sector is ahead, which exchange traded fund (ETF) is actually ahead?
Most investment professionals use the S&P 500 to gauge the performance... Continue Reading »
New ETFs Are Reaching Untapped Markets, Offering Innovative Strategies
May 23, 2008 – So far, 2008 has been an interesting year for exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Between Dec. 28, 2007, and May 16 of this year, 50 new ETFs have launched. Matthew Hougan for Index Universe counts... Continue Reading »
Short ETFs Stand Tall on a Rough Market Day
May 23, 2008 – While the Dow Jones industrial average and other major indexes sank in trading today, exchange traded funds (ETFs) that short the markets reaped the rewards.
The strongest 20 ETFs in trading today were all funds... Continue Reading »
Oil, Gas ETFs Keep Ticking Up Along With Prices
May 23, 2008 – Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you know gas and oil prices are higher than ever and that one of the few ways to take the sting away (aside from hoofing it everywhere)... Continue Reading »
Backlog of Unsold Homes Rises, Homebuilder ETFs Fall
May 23, 2008 – Real estate and homebuilder exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down sharply midday after reports that there are more unsold homes in the United States than there have been for 23 years.
The National Association of... Continue Reading »
Gaming ETFs Slowly But Surely Regaining Lost Ground
May 23, 2008 – Software stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) were socked at the beginning of 200, but so far they’ve seemed to recover most of those losses.
It is too soon to tell if the market is recovering,... Continue Reading »
Micro-Cap ETFs Will Have Their Day (It’s Just Not Today)
May 23, 2008 – Lately, mid-cap exchange traded funds (ETFs) have surged on ahead of all the other caps. Bringing up the rear are the microcaps.
Five years ago, that wasn’t the case and microcaps, those companies with market... Continue Reading »
Proposed Leveraged ETFs Put the Pedal to the Metal
May 23, 2008 – An investment manager has plans for a new type of exchange traded fund (ETF) that may give Speed Racer a run for his torque.
Direxion Funds has proposed the first turbocharged portfolio, that includes an... Continue Reading »
Active ETFs Gaining a Tepid Response So Far
May 22, 2008 – After all that talk, actively managed exchange traded funds (ETFs) are so far bringing passiveness from investors now that they’re here.
Ian Salisbury for the Wall Street Journal reports that these funds, after years of anticipation... Continue Reading »
Clean Energy, Health Care ETFs Looking for Revival
May 22, 2008 – Two exchange traded funds (ETFs) representing two different sectors - health care and clean energy - had a slow, rough start for the first part of 2008.
These funds probably want to put those days... Continue Reading »
PowerShares Launches Line of ETFs of ETFs
May 22, 2008 – PowerShares has broken some new ground in the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry their launch of the first line of ETFs of ETFs in the United States.
The new funds are:
PowerShares Autonomic Growth NFA Global... Continue Reading »
Global Supply and Demand Could Keep Coal ETF From Getting Sooty
May 22, 2008 – Global warming fears don’t seem to have affected the coal exchange traded fund (ETF) just yet, as investors seek to harness the benefits of soaring oil prices and a global coal shortage.
Market Vectors... Continue Reading »
ETFs Standing Still As Home Prices Post Record Quarterly Drop
May 22, 2008 – Some real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down slightly in early trading after the latest round of bad news from the sector.
Home prices in the United States posted their sharpest first-quarter drop since... Continue Reading »
In Mexico, Foreign Investment Falls But ETF Could Get Help From Housing Boom
May 22, 2008 – Could a falloff in direct foreign investment to Mexico hurt the country’s exchange traded fund (ETF)?
The country’s economy ministry said that such investment fell 36% in the first quarter of this year, owing much to... Continue Reading »
Emerging Markets ETF Weighs In On the Small Caps
May 22, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) provider State Street Global Advisors delivered the first cap-weighted, small-cap emerging markets ETF last week.
The SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap (EWX) tracks an index of 1,660 holdings, reports Heather... Continue Reading »
With ETFs, You Gotta Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em
May 22, 2008 – Knowing when to hang on to your exchange traded funds (ETFs) and when to let them go is one of the hardest things for an investor to do.
This is why it’s so imperative... Continue Reading »
Northern Trust Delivers Three More Single-Country ETFs
May 21, 2008 – Northern Trust continues apace with its exchange traded fund (ETF) launches with three new launches this week, this time covering China, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The funds are:
NETS Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Fund (SNO)
NETS... Continue Reading »
HOLDRs: Do They Have A Hold On You?
May 21, 2008 – HOLDRs, or Holding Company Depositary Receipts, are one of the most popularly traded exchange traded funds (ETFs) on the American Stock Exchange on any given day.
However, the HOLDRs are not technically ETFs. They... Continue Reading »
Will Transportation ETF Keep Momentum Going As Fuel Prices Rise?
May 21, 2008 – Airlines are hurting, and even though they’re a small component of the transportation exchange traded fund (ETF), continued troubles could eventually manage to weigh down on the fund.
American Airlines (AMR) announced this morning that... Continue Reading »
Do You Trade Commodity ETFs? NPR Wants You
May 21, 2008 – Adam Davidson, economics correspondent for National Public Radio, is hoping to interview active commodity exchange traded fund (ETF) traders.
He’d like to talk to a few people who have recently begun trading commodity ETFs.... Continue Reading »
Investors Run to Gold ETFs, but Tonnage Demand Is Down
May 21, 2008 – The ongoing market volatility and investor worries are continuing to fan the flames for growth in gold exchange traded funds (ETFs).
But while the demand for gold ETFs is up, demand for gold in terms... Continue Reading »
WisdomTree Enters Into The Money Market With ETFs
May 21, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) provider WisdomTree has stepped into the actively managed fund ring with a money market ETF.
The WisdomTree U.S. Current Income Fund (USY) launched on the NYSE Arca on Tuesday, reports the... Continue Reading »
Planning for Your Golden Years With ETFs
May 21, 2008 – When it comes to individual money management, the first item on your list should be your retirement, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are just one option to help get you started.
Managing your money and saving... Continue Reading »
Taking the Okie out of Oklahoma With An ETF
May 21, 2008 – When you think of Oklahoma, does your mind conjure images of farmland and dust as far as the eye can see, or large companies with great market capitalizations and potential for a winning exchange traded... Continue Reading »
Fund’s Conversion to ETF Explained
May 20, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) provider Claymore announced last week that one of their closed end funds (CEFs) will be converting to an ETF.
But Heather Bell for Index Universe says this isn’t so radical as... Continue Reading »
Leveraged ETFs Take Center Stage Of Industry
May 20, 2008 – Leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs) are taking center stage of the industry as one of the fastest-growing segments.
Although investor sentiment is generally moving away from these high performance products, they’re being offered at... Continue Reading »
401(k) Administrator In Talks With ETF Providers to Get the Funds In Plans
May 20, 2008 – Another company is stepping forward to aid in the push to get exchange traded funds (ETFs) into 401(k) retirement plans.
Alvin Rapp, CEO of RPG Consultants in New York, tells us the firm is... Continue Reading »
Agriculture Research Cuts Lead to Crop Damage, But Could Lift ETFs
May 20, 2008 – As though weather events and unexpected demand weren’t enough of a threat to the world’s food supply, rampant crop disease and the scaling back of research have become additional factors threatening to drive up... Continue Reading »
Wholesale Inflation Slows, But Numbers Could Still Affect ETFs
May 20, 2008 – Wholesale inflation slowed down some in April, which may ease a little of the pressure on the wallets and affect retail and consumer exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.2% in... Continue Reading »
With ETFs, Sometimes It’s Good to Be the Middle Child
May 20, 2008 – The trouble with mid-caps and their exchange traded funds (ETFs) is that they don’t get the same coverage in the financial media as the large-caps. Even small-caps get more attention as investors mine through... Continue Reading »
Whether You Go for Single-Country or Regional ETFs Is Up to You
May 20, 2008 – When it comes to accessing a particular country through an exchange traded fund (ETF) investment, is it better to choose a single-country fund or a regional?
It depends on you.
Regional ETFs give more diversified exposure... Continue Reading »
Digging Deeper Into Metals And Mining ETFs
May 20, 2008 – As commodities become all the rage with investors, commodities exchange traded funds (ETFs) have proliferated alongside them.
ETF Expert’s Gary Gordon for Equities Magazine has five mining-focused funds that might fit an investor’s risk... Continue Reading »
Are Bond ETF Investors Giving a Thumbs-Up to the U.S. Economy?
May 19, 2008 – Are exchange traded fund (ETF) investors giving a vote of confidence to the U.S. economy by moving their money away from Treasury bonds and back into corporates?
Since mid-March, yields on 10-year Treasury notes have... Continue Reading »
Japan’s ETF Enjoys a High From GDP Numbers
May 19, 2008 – One of Japan’s exchange traded funds (ETFs) is touching new highs after the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) numbers came out.
The first quarter GDP rose 0.8% from the last quarter of 2007, which was... Continue Reading »
Food Shortage, Fuel Prices Keep Transportation ETF Chugging
May 19, 2008 – One would think that airlines would be dragging down the transportation sector and its exchange traded fund (ETF), but that isn’t the case in trading today. The iShares Dow Jones Transportation Average (IYT) is... Continue Reading »
Global Infrastructure ETFs Could Build Up If Steel Will Level Off
May 19, 2008 – Infrastructure spending around the globe is booming, as developed nations are maintaining what they have while emerging countries are building up, meaning that those related exchange traded funds (ETFs) could rally both now and... Continue Reading »
Long-Term Impact of China’s Quake on Country and ETFs May Be Limited
May 19, 2008 – The economic damage as a result of China’s earthquake last week has been tallied, but can their exchange traded funds (ETFs) plow ahead in spite of it? So far in trading today, the answer... Continue Reading »
Prices Vex Economy and Help ETFs; Forecasts Are That Next Year May Be Better
May 19, 2008 – Another week, another round of rising prices that may affect exchange traded funds (ETFs) across the board.
It’s the same-old, same-old with oil and gas prices: high, higher and highest. Americans are now paying an average... Continue Reading »
Sector ETFs Gain Financial Advisors’ Preference
May 19, 2008 – Statistics reveal that financial advisors are starting to prefer sector-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) over individual stocks. Broad-based ETF assets are down lately due to the state of the market, reports Jesse Emspak for... Continue Reading »
Germany Leads Russia Into Modernization Of Energy Sector, Perhaps Assisting Both ETFs
May 19, 2008 – The German industry is aiding Russia modernization of its energy sector and in energy efficiency, an alliance that could boost their respective exchange traded funds (ETFs).
German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier traveled to Russia... Continue Reading »
Things You Oughta Know About ETFs
May 18, 2008 – Are you one of the many investors who each day are discovering exchange traded funds (ETFs)? You might know about their advantages and how they work, but there may still be a lot you... Continue Reading »
Investors Gravitating to Water ETFs
May 18, 2008 – One of the larger components of a water exchange traded fund (ETF) is actually better known for its creation of technology for modern warfare.
ITT (ITT) also derives 39% of its revenue from the water... Continue Reading »
WisdomTree Files for Growth Funds, Launches Actively Managed Currency ETFs
May 17, 2008 –
Fundamentally weighted exchange traded funds (ETFs) tend to be tilted toward the value end of the spectrum.
But WisdomTree has filed for two growth funds, since demand for growth is picking up after having outperformed... Continue Reading »
Will Singapore’s Telecom Company Help or Hurt ETF?
May 17, 2008 – Southeast Asia’s largest telecommunications company had a stellar first quarter - could it benefit Singapore’s exchange traded fund (ETF) down the road?
Singapore Telecommunications is 15.2% of the iShares MSCI Singapore (EWS), and is... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon on the Booming Mexican Economy
May 16, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on CNBC’s “ETF Tracker” segment of Closing Bell earlier today to discuss the booming Mexican economy and some possible ETF plays in the region. Video of Tom’s segment appears below:
Continue Reading »
Spain’s Economy And ETF Slow, Mirroring The U.S.
May 16, 2008 – Spain’s economy is still growing, but at a slower pace, and it could reflect in the country’s exchange traded fund (ETF).
Ben Sills for Bloomberg reports that the Spanish economy grew only 0.3% in... Continue Reading »
Malaysia ETF Might Grow With New Rice Trade Offer
May 16, 2008 – Malaysia is working hard to stabilize their rice imports, prices and supplies, all the while affecting exchange traded funds (ETFs) within agriculture.
The country is ready to trade palm oil to any rice-exporting country... Continue Reading »
GE to Leave Ailing Appliance Business; Will It Impact ETFs?
May 16, 2008 – General Electric (GE) is planning to leave the appliance business, but what will it mean for exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count the company as a holding?
General Electric was once best known for its appliance... Continue Reading »
Some Good News For Housing and ETFs, But It’s Still Mostly Bad
May 16, 2008 – The housing sector finally delivered some good news, but so far in trading today the exchange traded funds (ETFs) related to the sector aren’t having it.
Home construction saw its biggest increase in more than... Continue Reading »
Oil Prices, ETFs Resume Their Flight After Breather
May 16, 2008 – One day, oil prices and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down, the next day, they soar again. Today is no exception: oil jumped more than $3 a barrel and set a new record:... Continue Reading »
BRIC ETFs Could Strengthen After Countries Meet
May 16, 2008 – The BRIC countries and exchange traded funds (ETFs) might be seeing even better days as the four countries meet this week to discuss economics and international cooperation.
The foreign ministers of the four BRIC countries... Continue Reading »
Steel Prices and ETF Spike Are Matter of Cause and Effect
May 16, 2008 – The steel exchange traded fund (ETF) jumped 3.7% yesterday as steel supply continues to be outpaced by demand.
But now steel may have hit a breaking point: it’s become so expensive that major construction projects... Continue Reading »
South Korea’s ETF Boosted By Retail Numbers
May 16, 2008 – South Korea’s exchange traded fund (ETF) shot up a nice 3% in trading yesterday, possibly owing in part to expanding department store sales.
They expanded for the fourth consecutive month, reports Seyoon Kim for Bloomberg.... Continue Reading »
Solar ETFs Glimmer With The Help Of High Oil Prices
May 15, 2008 – Solar exchange traded funds (ETFs) appear to be basking in the sun as ever-rising energy prices are sending people looking for less expensive alternatives.
Two companies of interest are JA Solar (JASO) and Evergreen Solar... Continue Reading »
Everyone Is Talking About the Dollar. Let’s Talk About Currency ETFs.
May 15, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) investors are fully aware of the value of the dollar these days as they snap up products that allow them to hedge its losses. But now more than ever, even... Continue Reading »
Will ETF Investors Be Saying Yahoo If Board Gets the Hook?
May 15, 2008 –
One of Yahoo’s biggest shareholders is hopping mad, and he’s taking steps that could ultimately affect some technology and internet exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Carl Icahn, a billionaire investor, is gearing up to oust Yahoo’s... Continue Reading »
Podcast: New Frontiers for ETFs
May 15, 2008 – Listen in as Tom Lydon joins in on a discussion about where exchange traded funds (ETFs) are headed.
Also featured on the panel are PowerShares CEO Bruce Bond and author/CEO of Portfolio Solutions Richard Ferri.
... Continue Reading »
Good Morning! A Vietnam ETF Is In Registration
May 15, 2008 – There seems to be great interest in a Vietnam exchange traded fund (ETF), if the search engines are any indication. Week after week, "Vietnam" turns up as one of our top ten search words.
Market... Continue Reading »
Bond Indexes Are Broke, and He Says His ETFs Can Fix It
May 15, 2008 – Ron Ryan says there’s a problem with bond indexes that are tracked by exchange traded funds (ETFs). In fact, the CEO of Ryan ALM says that there are several problems and he’s out to... Continue Reading »
Playing Defense With the Domestic Portion of Your ETF Portfolio
May 15, 2008 – Have you been playing defense with your exchange traded fund (ETF) portfolio lately?
If so, good. The time to dribble to the other side of the court has not occurred, as the domestic market... Continue Reading »
State Street Goes Down The International ETF Road
May 15, 2008 – State Street Global Advisors is going down the real estate and mid-cap road on an international scale, with new exchange traded funds (ETFs) that invest overseas.
The new funds, according to Reuters, are:
SPDR DJ... Continue Reading »
A Claymore Closed-End Fund Could Convert to An ETF
May 15, 2008 – In yet another sign of the exchange traded fund (ETF) times, Claymore could be converting a closed-end fund (CEF) into an ETF.
The board of trustees approved the conversion of the Claymore/Raymond James SB-1 Equity Fund... Continue Reading »
Tom Lydon Discusses ETFs on CNBC
May 14, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on CNBC’s “ETF Tracker” segment of Closing Bell earlier this afternoon to discuss how different ETFs may become beneficiaries of new presidential policy with the inauguration of a new president in 2009.... Continue Reading »
Individual Investors Seem to Gravitate to ETFs
May 14, 2008 – The stock rating system on the Motley Fool is slowly seeing exchange traded funds (ETFs) making up the top ten. And now, six of the top ten stocks are actually ETFs.
Before we proceed, CAPS... Continue Reading »
Protect Your ETF Portfolio If That Boom Goes Bust
May 14, 2008 – When a particular "boom" goes "bust", what should investors do with their related exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
Gary Gordon for ETF Expert takes us back to 2000: the dot-com bulls were running rampant, convinced... Continue Reading »
Northern Trust Launches Three More International ETFs
May 14, 2008 – Northern Trust is providing more choices for investors who want international exposure in their exchange traded fund (ETF) portfolios with the launch of three more funds.
The new funds, which cover Italy, South Africa and... Continue Reading »
As ETFs Have Evolved, So Have Investors
May 14, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are such phenomenal investing tools they
are actually changing the way investors invest.
They’ve come a long
way since they first landed on the scene in 1993. Billy Fisher for The Street... Continue Reading »
Financial ETFs: Is It Safe to Go In the Water?
May 14, 2008 – The depressed financial sector has investors champing at the bit to get back into those exchange traded funds (ETFs). The sector is ripe for temptation: after all, once it does turn around, it could... Continue Reading »
Home Foreclosures and Food Prices Up and ETFs Are Mixed
May 14, 2008 – Real estate and home builder exchange traded funds (ETFs) are mostly higher this morning, even after foreclosures shot higher in April.
The number of U.S. homeowners falling behind on their mortgage payments rose 65% last... Continue Reading »
Run On Food Prices, Agriculture ETFs, Leads to a Tiff
May 14, 2008 – The rising cost of food that has benefited agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs) seems to have led to a squabble between India and the United States over who’s to blame.
Indian politicians, economists and academics... Continue Reading »
With ETNs, Risk Is Small, But It’s There
May 14, 2008 – Exchange traded notes (ETNs) are distant relatives of the exchange traded fund (ETF) and they come with their own unique issues attached.
Matthew Hougan for Index Universe points out that while the credit risk is... Continue Reading »
Oil Futures ETFs Aren’t the Only Ones Affected As the Price Moves
May 13, 2008 – The retreat of oil service-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) yesterday was a reminder for investors to not get so hung up on the price of oil that they ignore all else.
While funds such as... Continue Reading »
China Plans To Launch Planes of Their Own, Denting Aerospace Stocks And ETFs
May 13, 2008 – The newly-created Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China is planning to assemble jets on their home turf in an attempt to lessen the nation’s dependency on Western-made planes - might the move put a dent... Continue Reading »
The Market Will Eventually Swing Back, But Which ETFs Can We Turn To?
May 13, 2008 – It doesn’t seem like it now, but the markets won’t always be depressed and there will come a time to get back into exchange traded funds (ETFs).
But will the ETF marketplace benefit when the... Continue Reading »
Sprint Dials a Loss and Telecom ETFs Sit On Hold
May 13, 2008 – Sprint (S) seems to be hurting if the numbers are any indication - what could the number three wireless carrier’s woes mean to the telecom exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
In short, the carrier needs more... Continue Reading »
Hewlett-Packard Tying the Knot With EDS; How Will ETFs View It?
May 13, 2008 – A move that will create the second-largest technology services provider could affect related exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) announced today that it’s going to buy Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) for $13.2 billion, reports Michael... Continue Reading »
Home Sales and Retail Numbers Drop, But ETFs Trying to Keep Status Quo
May 13, 2008 – The markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs) appear to be mostly chewing on the news about retail and housing before they make any rash moves.
The price of a single-family home dropped 7.7% in the first... Continue Reading »
More Costly Natural Gas and Electricity Could Burn Cash, But Help ETFs
May 13, 2008 – Get ready for a spike in electricity costs - it might hurt wallets more, but it could at least benefit exchange traded funds (ETFs).
California State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore says in Red County that if you... Continue Reading »
Next Growth Area Could Be Muni Bond ETFs
May 13, 2008 – Are municipal bonds the next growth spot within the fixed-income exchange traded funds (ETFs) area?
In the last year, the fixed-income ETF market has ballooned. In 2007, there were fewer than 12 such funds. Today,... Continue Reading »
Middle East Is the New Frontier for ETF Providers
May 12, 2008 – The Middle East is the latest hot spot for exchange traded fund (ETF) investors.
WisdomTree has filed for a Middle East Dividend Fund, which includes exposure to Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt, Jordon, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco,... Continue Reading »
Will China’s Inflation Halt Bull Run of ETFs?
May 12, 2008 – China wasn’t just rattled by a major quake today: inflation is also shaking up the country and its exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Trade in the shares of 45 listed Chinese companies will be suspended... Continue Reading »
As the Dollar Ticks Up, Picking An ETF Can Be a Challenge
May 12, 2008 – After months of a downhill slide, the dollar is making gains again and it’s benefiting some exchange traded funds (ETFs).
It lost a little ground last week, but so far in trading today, it seems... Continue Reading »
Nuclear Energy Poised For a Comeback, and ETFs Capitalize
May 12, 2008 – They say that everything eventually comes back in style, and nuclear energy is no exception now that there are two exchange traded funds (ETFs) available to take advantage of the sector.
Nuclear was once the... Continue Reading »
Could ETFs Save The Baby Boomers’ Retirement?
May 12, 2008 – A recent study released by Barclay’s Global Investors tells that baby boomers set to retire may not be as well-prepared as they think, possibly causing some to reconsider how they use their exchange traded... Continue Reading »
Talks Between Two European Utilities Might Affect Global ETF
May 12, 2008 – European utilities may be on some investors minds, as the biggest power producer in Europe gets ready to offer a takeover, lighting up related exchange traded funds (ETFs). Electricite de France S.A., the biggest... Continue Reading »
Dipping Your Toes In the Water With Funds of ETFs
May 12, 2008 – If you are too timid to try your luck with an exchange traded fund (ETF) but have heard about all of their benefits, there are now funds-of-ETFs to quell your curiosity while giving you... Continue Reading »
Financial ETFs Can’t Get A Break
May 12, 2008 – That glimmer of hope the financial sector had experienced seems to have stopped for now, as financial stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) began their downward slide on Thursday, and it continued on into... Continue Reading »
Will ETFs Remember Mother’s Day When the Numbers Come Out?
May 11, 2008 – All those cards, flowers and assorted other gifts you picked up for your mom might benefit retail exchange traded funds (ETFs) when the numbers come out.
You splurged, right? Some of you waited until the last... Continue Reading »
Oil, the Dollar and Gold ETFs Are Working Together
May 11, 2008 – Slight upticks in the dollar against the euro this week may be in sync with investors timing their re-entry into the market and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
On Thursday, the U.S. dollar was up... Continue Reading »
When the Price of Oil Goes Crazy, What Happens to the ETFs?
May 10, 2008 – We all know how oil futures and exchange traded funds (ETFs) that contain them operate. But if you’ve ever wondered if the markets could ever "stop the madness" that is the rising price of... Continue Reading »
Biotech ETFs Could Get A Shot In The Arm From Acquisition
May 10, 2008 –
Biotechnology is rising up to analyst’s predictions that a near future run could send related stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) up. The latest April announcement that Takeda Pharmaceutical would buy Massachusetts-based Millennium Pharmaceuticals... Continue Reading »
European Large-Caps On Their Way Up To Help ETFs
May 9, 2008 – Although the U.S.dollar is weak, and the credit crunch has tightened the cash flow, European large-caps don’t seem to be feeling this.
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold European large-cap stocks include Vanguard European Stock... Continue Reading »
ETFs Adapt To Ever-Changing World and Business Dynamics
May 9, 2008 – Mutual funds don’t seem to be stepping up to the challenge that a global economy presents, possibly creating a wide-open door for the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry.
The power of global business has arrived, with... Continue Reading »
New ETF Provider Comes Bearing International Real Estate Fund
May 9, 2008 – A new global real estate exchange traded fund (ETF) is in town, along with a new ETF provider.
The Cohen & Steers Global Global Realty Majors (GRI) from ALPS Advisors provides exposure to the global... Continue Reading »
Using Energy ETFs To Offset Gas and Oil Prices
May 9, 2008 – Frenzy in the energy sector has reached a fever pitch, but are exchange traded funds (ETFs) that allow investors to hedge those prices necessarily a great idea?
The summer driving season is going to kick... Continue Reading »
Insurer AIG’s Losses Leave ETFs Mixed; Citigroup Making Changes
May 9, 2008 – Insurance exchange traded funds (ETFs) were mixed in early trading today after insurer American International Group Inc. (AIG) announced larger-than-expected losses.
The company lost $7.81 billion, the second consecutive quarterly loss. The losses did send... Continue Reading »
Power Shift Seems to Agree With Russia ETF
May 9, 2008 – On May 7, Vladimir Putin stepped down and Russia’s new president became Dmitry Medvedev - is it any coincidence that in one day, the Russia exchange traded fund (ETF) rose 4.4%?
Market Vectors Russia (RSX)... Continue Reading »
Israel Emerges As A Strong ETF Industry Leader
May 9, 2008 – Tucked away in the heart of the Jewish country is Tali 25, an exchange traded fund (ETF) that is already 8 years old. It was Israel’s first fund to market.
Since then, the Israel... Continue Reading »
Winners of Second ETF Contest Announced
May 9, 2008 – Two students at York University in Toronto, Canada, are the winners of the second exchange traded fund (ETF) contest.
Clear Indexes sponsored the contest, and Sean Vrbica and Vlad Berbece joined forces in their idea:... Continue Reading »
Morgan Stanley’s New ETNs Go Long Or Short On The Euro
May 8, 2008 –
Morgan Stanley
has joined the exchange traded note (ETN) game, with the announcement
of two new notes, based on the euro. They’re both now trading on the
NYSE Arca.
The new notes are:
Market Vectors Double Short Euro... Continue Reading »
Homebuilders ETFs Don’t Seem to Be Reaping Rewards of Rate Cuts
May 8, 2008 – Homebuilders stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are going to need more than the total of 3.25% interest rate cuts if they are going to be helped.
That’s according to Nicholas Yulico for The... Continue Reading »
Investors Might Take a Shine to New Platinum ETNs
May 8, 2008 – Investors have been salivating for an exchange traded product that gives access to platinum, and now UBS is granting it with two new exchange traded notes (ETNs).
The E-TRACS UBS Long Platinum (PTM) and the... Continue Reading »
It’s Anybody’s Guess Which Way Oil Will Go and Which ETFs Will Benefit
May 8, 2008 – If you believe oil is in an increasingly fragile bubble that’s fixin’ to burst, there is an exchange traded funds (ETFs) out there for you.
On Wednesday, oil nearly hit a record $124 a barrel,... Continue Reading »
Retail Numbers Looking Better, But ETFs Are Weighing Down
May 8, 2008 – Retail exchange traded funds (ETFs) were down midday today despite better-than-expected numbers from retailers.
Despite the more positive numbers, though, it was still suggested that consumers are curbing their spending in the wake of higher... Continue Reading »
HOLDRs Are Very Different From ETFs
May 8, 2008 – Recently, an acquisition between two companies illustrated how HOLDRs are different from exchange traded funds (ETFs).
BEA Systems Inc. (BEAS) was acquired by Oracle Corp. (ORCL) on April 29, 2008. BEAS was deleted from the... Continue Reading »
Commodities Sector Has Many Access Points With ETFs
May 8, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) investors have the most simple and diversified tool to access commodities at their disposal.
The commodity expansion taking place is evidenced by people passed out from sticker shock in the... Continue Reading »
April ETF Inflows Shower Industry With Growth
May 8, 2008 – U.S.-listed exchange traded fund (ETF) and exchange traded note (ETN) assets climbed upward for the month of April, according to the National Stock Exchange.
Total assets reached $609 billion at the end of April, a... Continue Reading »
Turkey and Its ETF May Need More Time In The Oven
May 7, 2008 – Are you brave enough to grow your nest eggs with a Turkey exchange traded fund (ETF)? If you want to invest some of your time and money into the Turkish stock market, it... Continue Reading »
Now Is It Time to Invest in Financial ETFs?
May 7, 2008 – Everyone’s looking for signs that the markets have rebounded and some stocks are at rock-bottom prices, but does that mean it’s a good idea to get in on financial stocks and exchange traded funds... Continue Reading »
Real Estate, Homebuilder ETFs Fall With Pending Home Sales Numbers
May 7, 2008 – Homebuilding and real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) reeled from the news that pending home sales hit a new low in March.
It was the second consecutive months in which a new low was hit,... Continue Reading »
City’s Bankruptcy Shows Risks of Municipal Bonds and Related ETFs
May 7, 2008 –
The economic downturn has hit some municipalities, illustrating the risks of municipal bonds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold them. But it also highlights the opportunities for investors willing to take on risk.
The... Continue Reading »
South African ETF Digging Its Way Up
May 7, 2008 – The South African benchmark rose its highest since March 25, mining strong performance for its exchange traded fund (ETF).
The FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index rose by its largest amount since March 25 yesterday.... Continue Reading »
BRIC ETFs Were Anything But In April
May 7, 2008 – BRIC exchange traded funds (ETFs) showed themselves to be solid in April. Investor interest and enthusiasm for the funds has peaked over the past several years, with outstanding sector-leading performances in 2007.
Richard Widows for... Continue Reading »
ETFs Affected by the Consumer Price Index, But How Is It Put Together?
May 7, 2008 – When the Federal Reserve makes decisions that cause the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs) to move, one of the things they consider before making that call is the rate of inflation.
One facet of the... Continue Reading »
Filipinos in Austria and ETF Feel Effects of Inflation
May 7, 2008 – Rising inflation in Austria could help eat the way to a rise in the related exchange traded fund (ETF).
Filipino workers there are getting creative on ways to satisfy their daily dietary needs. For... Continue Reading »
Happy 5th Anniversary To The Equally-Weighted ETF
May 7, 2008 – Happy Anniversary to the equal-weight exchange traded fund (ETF) strategy, which marked the beginning five years ago.
The Rydex S&P Equal Weight (RSP) started the trend on May 2, 2003, and has since opened the... Continue Reading »
Media ETFs Poised To Benefit From Higher Oil Prices
May 6, 2008 – Disney (DIS) demonstrated the importance of being diversified with your exchange traded funds (ETFs) when it announced its earnings today.
The numbers came in better-than-expected, with a 22% rise in quarterly earnings, reports Gina Keating for... Continue Reading »
Oil Prices, ETFs Rise On $200 Barrel Predictions
May 6, 2008 – Oil exchange traded funds (ETFs) rose higher after futures (yawn) hit yet another record. What else is new?
Investors were snapping them up because Goldman Sachs predicted that oil prices rise to anywhere from $150... Continue Reading »
Control of Russia Changes Hands, But Will the Growth In Russian Related ETFs Be Sustained?
May 6, 2008 – The Russian economy is shifting leadership while the economy is booming under Vladimir Putin’s hand, with the focused exchange traded fund (ETF) on a run. But can it sustain momentum under the next President?... Continue Reading »
Steel ETF Is Getting Hot to the Touch
May 6, 2008 – Describing something as "steely" is usually a synonym for "coldness," but not when it comes to the steel exchange traded fund (ETF).
Market Vectors Steel (SLX), which launched in October 2006, is at record... Continue Reading »
Disappointing Homebuilding Earnings Drags ETFs
May 6, 2008 – The homebuilding industry announced disappointing first-quarter earnings, dragging down related exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The markets were feeling optimistic in the last few weeks because of positive earnings numbers from industries that don’t count themselves... Continue Reading »
Energy ETFs Can Be Equal Parts Brutal and Rewarding
May 6, 2008 – Admit it - you’re tempted to invest in some energy exchange traded funds (ETFs). After all, gas and oil are hitting record highs and rising.
It’s only natural that you would be, because investors tend... Continue Reading »
Think You’re Diversified Enough With ETFs?
May 6, 2008 –
How diversified is your exchange traded fund (ETF) portfolio? No matter how well you think you have your bases covered, every portfolio is vulnerable to something, cautions Roger Nusbaum for The Street.
Many investors who... Continue Reading »
ETF Industry Experts Feeling Positive About the Future
May 6, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) industry appears to be fully on board for continued growth in the marketplace.
A recent article in Index Universe posed the same questions to six industry experts. Although some of... Continue Reading »
The Commodity ETF Picture Looks Different This Week
May 5, 2008 – Gold futures and exchange traded funds (ETFs) began to stage a turnaround in trading today after the dollar once again fell and oil futures hit new records.
Gold today rose to $870.70, reports Bob Ewing... Continue Reading »
Financial ETFs, Markets Stumble After Buyout Deal Rumored to Be Failing
May 5, 2008 – Financial stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) fell midday after investors became worried that Bank of America (BAC) might not complete a proposed buyout of Countrywide Financial (CFC).
A brokerage said Bank of America was... Continue Reading »
Why Aren’t ETFs In Your 401(k) Plan? The Answer Is Simple!
May 5, 2008 – The debate over exchange traded funds (ETFs) in 401(k) plans is intensifying. Many people want, even demand, a law that balances the cost and benefits of the transparency of investment and transaction fees. Experts... Continue Reading »