Why So Serious? The Dark Knight Can’t Help Media ETF
July 31, 2008 – You’d think that some record-setting numbers for one of the summer’s hottest and most entertaining movies would be delivering some hope to exchange traded funds (ETFs). This weekend,The Dark Knight raked in another $10.5 million to... Continue Reading »

Goldman Sachs’ Predictions Could Have Implications for ETFs
July 31, 2008 – Goldman Sachs’ economic team recently pulled out their crystal ball to come up with a new world order for the year 2040, and the prognostications could affect exchange traded funds (ETFs) in years to come. Take... Continue Reading »

July ETF Performance Report
July 31, 2008 – It’s been a volatile year so far for many exchange traded funds (ETFs), and July was no exception. The Dow Jones industrial average finished exactly even. The Nasdaq lost 0.7%, while the S&P 500 fell... Continue Reading »

Belgium’s ETFs May Fluctuate Amid Identity Crisis
July 31, 2008 – As Belgium struggles with an identity crisis among its French and Dutch-speaking citizens, certain exchange traded funds (ETFs) may feel the repercussions of this turmoil. Belgium is a country made up of two rather distinct regions:... Continue Reading »

Dolla Bills, Y’all: Record Profits Benefit Oil ETFs
July 31, 2008 – It probably was no mystery where the money for all the oil was going as rising prices drained pocketbooks and benefited exchange traded funds (ETFs). If you were wondering, though, Exxon Mobil (XOM) has solved the... Continue Reading »

Could Restaurant Closings Be a Sign of the Times for ETFs?
July 31, 2008 – As consumers cut back on spending, two exchange traded funds (ETFs) caught in the crossfire could be ones focused in leisure and entertainment, and food and beverage. Bennigan’s filed for bankruptcy this week, putting hundreds out... Continue Reading »

ETFs Could Benefit from Asian Carbon Trading
July 31, 2008 – With global carbon trading growing at a quick clip, Asian economies are looking to join in on the action, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are sure to track this market entry. There is a... Continue Reading »

Don’t Underestimate The Power Of A MicroCap ETF
July 31, 2008 – Microcap exchange traded funds (ETFs) might hold the smallest of small companies, but they can also be capable of big things. The Russell microcap index is actually an index made up of businesses so small, you... Continue Reading »

Pharmaceutical ETFs Mixed After Inconclusive Dementia Drug Study
July 30, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) surrounding pharmaceutical companies appear to be mixed up as findings from advanced drug studies pertaining to dementia are inconclusive. Both Elan Corp. (ELN) and Wyeth (WYE) said complete data from the midstage... Continue Reading »

Europe to Follow U.S. Trends in Leveraged and Inverse ETFs
July 30, 2008 – Leveraged and inverse exchange traded funds (ETFs) are two sectors in the U.S. ETF market that have experienced a boom over the past couple of years. According to a report on “ETF Liquidity Trends” filed by... Continue Reading »

Bailout Provisions Don’t Have ETFs Whooping and Cheering
July 30, 2008 – The pen might be mightier than the sword, especially if real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) have something to say about it. President Bush signed a major housing bill that is meant to provide mortgage relief... Continue Reading »

Turkey and ETFs Get a Lift From Upgrade
July 30, 2008 – JP Morgan Chase upgraded Turkey’s rating from underweight to neutral, which is welcome news for its related exchange traded funds (ETFs). No reason was given for the change, but it might imply the adding of Turkish... Continue Reading »

Solid Steelmaker Earnings Build Up ETF
July 30, 2008 – The steel exchange traded fund (ETF) has been showing strength that’s typical of the metal, after two major players in the industry reported big earnings. U.S. Steel Corp. (X) gained 14% in trading yesterday after reporting... Continue Reading »

ETFs Keep Knock, Knock, Knockin’ On 401(k)’s Door
July 30, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) have long been knocking on the doors of 401(k) providers, so what is taking so long? The total pension plan business is at $4.5 trillion, and ETF providers consider this area to... Continue Reading »

Short and Leveraged ETFs Are Beefing Up
July 30, 2008 – Some investors like to say short and ultra short exchange traded funds (ETFs) are similar to steroid use - bulking way up on an unnatural time scale. For instance, the ProShares Ultra Oil and Gas (DIG)... Continue Reading »

Tom Lydon Talks ETFs on Your Money with Chuck Jaffe
July 30, 2008 – Tom Lydon sat down and talked about asset classes such as energy, commodities and more with Chuck Jaffe for MarketWatch radio.    Tom Lydon on "Your Money with Chuck Jaffe" - July 30, 2008 [29:44m]: Play... Continue Reading »

ETF Beginners Should Start Here
July 30, 2008 – Are you a novice to exchange traded fund (ETF) investing? If you would like to build an all-ETF portfolio, there are some things to consider. We had a conversation with Katy Marquardt for U.S. News & World... Continue Reading »

Designer Knock-Offs Seized, Helping Luxury ETFs, And High-End Spenders
July 30, 2008 – Counterfeiters can cut into earnings, and therefore exchange traded fund (ETF) returns. So, perhaps the seizure of an array of fake luxury purses and other items might help. During a recent raid in Lyon, France, customs agents... Continue Reading »

Canadian ETF Faces High Energy And High Activity
July 29, 2008 – Canada’s main stock index is on the upswing, lending upward mobility to related exchange traded funds (ETFs). A share sale by Merrill Lynch (MER) boosted confidence that financial firms in Canada can withstand failed housing-related investments,... Continue Reading »

Pimco Readying to Get Into Bond ETF Market Space
July 29, 2008 – The world’s largest bond fund manager is finally getting into the bond exchange traded fund (ETF) market. Pacific Investment Management Co., better known as Pimco, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a line... Continue Reading »

Crunching the Numbers With Financial ETFs
July 29, 2008 – As financials continue to struggle, related exchange traded funds (ETFs) may feel the repercussions. Yesterday, financials continued to decline as Merrill Lynch (MER) shares dropped almost 10%, bringing the entire sector lower amid fears over credit... Continue Reading »

Investor Pullout of Bond Sale Hits Australia’s ETFs Down Under
July 29, 2008 – Australia’s exchange traded funds (ETFs) might have felt some heat from the barbie yesterday. National Australia Bank Ltd., the country’s biggest bank by assets, said that most investors in its $812 million bond sale pulled out... Continue Reading »

Consumers, Real Estate ETFs Looking Up
July 29, 2008 – Home prices are down and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are up. The Case-Shiller index of 20 cities in the United States fell 15.8% in May compared with a year ago, a record decline since its 2000... Continue Reading »

Bears And Short ETFs Out Roaming For The Summer
July 29, 2008 – Despite the appearances of the last few weeks that included some strong days, there are still some hungry bears roaming in the marketplace and looking for some exchange traded funds (ETFs) to snack on. ETFGuide reports... Continue Reading »

Ireland Gets New Index, Soon to Be Followed By ETF
July 29, 2008 – Ireland is going to have another index and soon, another exchange traded fund (ETF) to back it. Elizabeth Rauber for San Francisco Business Times reports that the Nasdaq OMX Ireland Index will launch on July 28. PowerShares... Continue Reading »

Slowing Newspaper Business Could Hit Media ETF A Little
July 28, 2008 – The slowing economy is spreading through the pages of many newspapers on a regional and national scale as ad revenue drops, leaving media exchange traded funds (ETFs) vulnerable. Some say the drop in ad revenue... Continue Reading »

China’s Strict Rules Could Impact Related ETFs
July 28, 2008 – China is on everyone’s minds these days as the country gears up for its Olympic Games next week, and many are looking for ways the country’s activity could boost related exchange traded funds (ETFs). But are... Continue Reading »

Homebuilder ETFs Trade Nervously Lower Ahead of Earnings News
July 28, 2008 – Meritage Homes Corporation (MTH) is expected to deliver their second-quarter earnings numbers, but investors and exchange traded funds (ETFs) aren’t exuding positivity ahead of the news. Meritage is the 12th-largest homebuilder in the United States. If the... Continue Reading »

Tom Lydon on Fox Business
July 28, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on Fox Business earlier today to discuss the economy and ETFs alongside fellow guest Bryan Perry and show hosts Cheryl Casone and Liz Claman. Video of Tom’s segment appears below: Continue Reading »

South African ETFs Represent a Mixed Bag
July 28, 2008 – South Africa is showing renewed vigor that’s helping its currency exchange traded fund (ETF). The South African rand strengthened against the euro for the second week in a row, showing the country’s strength and endurance in... Continue Reading »

Kraft’s Earnings Could Fuel Consumer Staples ETFs
July 28, 2008 – The fond memories you have for your college diet might deliver an energy boost to consumer staples exchange traded funds (ETFs). Kraft Foods (KFT) reported its second-quarter earnings, which rose 4%, reports Emily Fredrix for the... Continue Reading »

Should Oil And Related ETFs Kiss the Free And Easy ’70s Lifestyle Goodbye?
July 28, 2008 – We’re not talking about the way it was, it’s more like the way things will never be again, when speaking about oil and exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track it. Many are saying that we’re... Continue Reading »

401(k) Fees On A Downward Trend Giving ETFs A Better Place In the Industry
July 28, 2008 – It appears 401(k) plan sponsors are listening, as the fees associated with them are trending on a downward momentum, leaving more opportunity for exchange traded funds (ETFs) to find their niche in this market. A recent... Continue Reading »

Recession Could Loom for Japan, Affecting ETFs
July 28, 2008 – Japan’s slowing exports could have an impact on the country’s exchange traded funds (ETFs). For the first time in four years, Japan’s exports fell year on year. The economy in Japan is dependent upon domestic consumption... Continue Reading »

Dividend ETFs Are Put Together In Different Ways
July 28, 2008 – Dividend investing with exchange traded funds (ETFs) has had enough time in the game to see which ones are the most successful. Dan Caplinger for The Motley Fool reports that after the tech bubble in the... Continue Reading »

iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor Reviewed
July 27, 2008 – Rob Wherry for Smart Money reviews iMoney and talks to Tom Lydon about the current trends in ETFs. Click here for the story and three-part video! Continue Reading »

Biotech ETFs Are a Matter of Personal Choice
July 27, 2008 – Biotechnology appeals to many investors, and with four different exchange traded funds (ETFs) focused on the class, is there a fund that is better than the rest? The sector is one of the few non-commodity related... Continue Reading »

In Tough Times, High-Yield ETFs Performed
July 26, 2008 – Aside from individual issues, investors can gain access to high-yield bonds through exchange traded funds (ETFs), traditional mutual funds and closed-end funds (CEFs). Dealing with individual issues of high-yield bonds is often difficult because of issuer... Continue Reading »

Agriculture ETFs to be Affected by Cloning Food?
July 26, 2008 – Cloned animal products are at the center of many concerns among food regulators from the European Union, which could ultimately have an impact on agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs). These regulators are considering the use of... Continue Reading »

A Regulation Of Short ETFs In The Works?
July 26, 2008 – How likely would congress be to ban short exchange traded funds (ETFs), in particular funds that aim to short the financial industry? As of today, the ban on naked short selling of 19 protected financial stocks... Continue Reading »

Water Infrastrucure…Could It Keep ETFs Afloat?
July 26, 2008 – As water systems across the country and throughout the world become more of an issue every day, many exchange traded tunds (ETFs) could potentially take advantage of this growing problem. Updates for water systems are estimated... Continue Reading »

Will Back-to-School ETFs Be As Great As Gatsby This Season?
July 25, 2008 – The ads are already infiltrating the newspapers and television commercials, and like Rodney Dangerfield, many U.S. families are gearing up to go back to school. Are retail exchange traded funds (ETFs) ready? Retailers are awaiting a... Continue Reading »

Van Eck Dives Into The Gulf With New ETF
July 25, 2008 – Van Eck is trekking out into frontier markets with the launch of their exchange traded fund (ETF). Market Vector Gulf States (MES) gives easy access to the gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Katar and... Continue Reading »

Coal Company Earnings Leave ETF Stoked
July 25, 2008 – Arch Coal (ACI) reported that its profits tripled in the second quarter, stoking the coal exchange traded fund (ETF). The company attributed the profits to soaring global coal prices and tighter supplies, reports Jim Suhr for... Continue Reading »

Foreclosures Triple, But Real Estate ETFs Don’t Seem Wounded
July 25, 2008 – Foreclosures shot up a whopping 121% in one year, a percentage that could hold back exchange traded funds (ETFs) that focus on the real estate market. About 220,000 homes were repossessed in the second quarter, triple... Continue Reading »

Will Russia’s ETF Suffer Collateral Damage In Wake of Allegations?
July 25, 2008 – Russia’s exchange traded fund (ETF) is trading down early today after the country’s RTS index plunged headlong into a bear market. The index went into turmoil after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said OAO Mechel, a metals... Continue Reading »

Transportation ETF Flies The Friendly Skies On Your Extra Dollar
July 25, 2008 – Flying the friendly skies may be a theme of the past, as many airlines have cut back on extras, sending profits and exchange traded funds (ETFs) on a ride that could have many choosing to... Continue Reading »

Are ETFs Poaching the Money Markets?
July 25, 2008 – With short duration funds being a recent trend in fixed-income exchange traded funds (ETFs), few of these ETFs actually invest like a real money market. However, Murray Coleman for IndexUniverse reports that many industry observers believe... Continue Reading »

ETFs Help You Act Local And Go Global
July 25, 2008 – Going global with exchange traded funds (ETFs) has never presented a better opportunity than now, and it has become so much easier and cost-efficient with the advent of these funds. MoneyShow.com interviewed us regarding the ETF... Continue Reading »

Calling All Female ETF Investors
July 24, 2008 – Are you a woman who uses exchange traded funds (ETFs) for investing, retirement planning, or anything else you can think of? If so, we’re interested in talking to you for a story about your experiences. If you’d... Continue Reading »

How To Weather The Economic Storms With ETFs
July 24, 2008 – It’s been a challenge in the markets and exchange traded fund (ETF) realm lately, to put it mildly. Things have picked up some in recent days, but as today illustrates: we’re not out of the woods... Continue Reading »

SPDRs Weave An International Web With Sector ETFs
July 24, 2008 – The options for international sector exchange traded funds (ETFs) doubled overnight as State Street Global Advisors announced the addition of ten such funds to their SPDR lineup. This brings the Spider line to include 80 ETFs,... Continue Reading »

India’s Government Gets Vote of Confidence, ETFs Follow Suit
July 24, 2008 – After India’s government gained a confidence vote in Parliament, the rupee rose by the most in more than a decade, sending stocks, bonds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) on a path to monetary enlightenment. On the... Continue Reading »

Black Gold in Them Thar Hills Could Affect Fuel ETFs
July 24, 2008 – There are vast, untapped reserves of oil and natural gas in the Arctic, and if those resources are tapped, it could impact related exchange traded funds (ETFs) down the line. An estimated 90 billion barrels of... Continue Reading »

Existing Home Sales Take Down Real Estate ETFs
July 24, 2008 – Some stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are trading lower today after existing home sales fell in June. The 2.6% drop was more than twice what had been expected, reports Martin Crutsinger for the Associated Press.... Continue Reading »

Could Mexican and Peso ETFs Be Saying Ole Soon?
July 24, 2008 – Currency exchange traded funds (ETFs) could reflect the news that Mexico’s peso strengthened the most since 2002. Investors bet against the gap between the U.S. and Mexican benchmark lending rates widening and signaled attention toward the... Continue Reading »

One Leap Forward For ETFs Incorporated Into 401(k) Plans
July 24, 2008 – Today, the Department of Labor issued its final regulatory proposal governing 401(k) fee disclosures, taking one giant step toward exchange traded funds (ETFs) becoming incorporated into retirement plans. Under the proposal, the third of three for... Continue Reading »

Cheers! Champagne is Bubbling in Luxury ETFs
July 24, 2008 – Despite the Claymore/Robb Report Global Luxury (ROB) exchange traded fund (ETF) seeing negative returns, one component of this fund is creating a good buzz. Vintage champagne has outperformed most investments over the past year... Continue Reading »

UK ETFs Feel the Inflation Jump
July 23, 2008 – Amidst the U.K. budget deficit ballooning to its widest since 1946 and a jump in inflation, UK exchange traded funds (ETFs) are feeling the repercussions. Bank of England policy makers are “struck” by the recent jump... Continue Reading »

Telecommunications ETFs Phoning It In On AT&T Earnings
July 23, 2008 – Growth in the wireless sector has telecommunications exchange traded funds (ETFs) ringing up good numbers today. AT&T (T) announced today that its quarterly profit had gone up even more than expected, reports Ritsuko Ando for Reuters.... Continue Reading »

Israel’s ETFs Are Along for the Ride
July 23, 2008 – One of the oldest areas of the world has suddenly become the hot new spot for exchange traded fund (ETF) investors. In recent years, Israel has benefited from high global domestic product growth (GDP), a low... Continue Reading »

Brazil and Its ETF Aren’t All Growns Up…Yet
July 23, 2008 – The iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ) exchange traded fund (ETF) is treading water at the same place it did at the beginning of 2008. With the country’s rapid appreciation in recent years, is there really more... Continue Reading »

Earnings Around the Markets Boost Energy, Food ETFs
July 23, 2008 – Glug, glug, glug. That’s the sound of Pepsi’s second-quarter profit rising, which has bubbled up the food and beverage exchange traded fund (ETF). PepsiCo (PEP) reported a 9% jump in profits in the most recent quarter,... Continue Reading »

Gold’s Tight Supply, Soaring Demand Could Keep ETFs Looking Sharp
July 23, 2008 – Gold bullion holdings in the world’s largest gold exchange traded fund (ETF), SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), reported a net inflow of five tons for the second quarter, making for a total of 948 tons. The price... Continue Reading »

If Markets Stay Volatile, Tell ‘Em Large-Cap ETFs Sent Ya
July 23, 2008 – If the dollar remains weak and the markets stay depressed, large-cap exchange traded funds (ETFs) are poised to be sitting pretty. That’s according to Neil Michael, head of quantitative strategies for SPA ETFs. “I suspect that... Continue Reading »

Marketing a Niche ETF Can Involve Lots of Explanation
July 23, 2008 – Have you ever wondered how a firm markets and generates interest in a specific niche exchange traded fund (ETF) that does not associate itself with broad-based indexes? Ed McRedmond, senior vice president of PowerShares, explains that... Continue Reading »

Russia’s ETF and Economy At a Crossroads
July 22, 2008 – As the United States is trudging through an economic downturn, coupled with sky-high oil prices, there is a country and its exchange traded fund (ETF) that is reaping the rewards of energy prices. However, the boom... Continue Reading »

China’s Olympic Prep Work Could Powerlift ETFs As Security Questions Addressed
July 22, 2008 – The countdown to the Bejing Olympics has begun, and with only three weeks left it is insightful to look at how China is preparing for this honor, and how exchange traded funds (ETFs) and investments... Continue Reading »

Homebuilder ETFs Up While Housing Prices Fall
July 22, 2008 – Homebuilding exchange traded funds (ETFs) are up this morning, while the cost of buying a home in the United States have posted a record drop. Prices fell 4.8% in May from the same month in 2007,... Continue Reading »

Financial ETFs Trip Early, Then Dust Themselves Off
July 22, 2008 – Beginning late last week, financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) had a nice ride. This morning, it appeared the good times were about to stop, but after Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pushed Congress to quickly approve... Continue Reading »

Tom Lydon Talks Biotech ETFs on CNBC’s Power Lunch
July 22, 2008 – Tom Lydon talked about biotechnology exchange traded funds (ETFs) on CNBC this afternoon. Video of Tom’s segment is below: Continue Reading »

Caterpillar’s Earnings Give an Assist to Industrials ETFs
July 22, 2008 – It’s a win-win-win for the global building boom, Caterpillar and exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold the heavy-equipment manufacturer. Caterpillar’s (CAT) second-quarter profit jumped 34%, handily dusting expectations, reports Daniel Lovering for the Associated Press. Much... Continue Reading »

Emerging Market Currencies See Winning Streak Slow, Possibly Hitting ETFs
July 22, 2008 – Currency in emerging markets have enjoyed a five-year winning streak that has benefited some exchange traded funds (ETFs). But the good times might be coming to a halt. Inflation is what’s doing the money in, and... Continue Reading »

Another Food Price Casualty Gives Agricultural ETFs Another Helping
July 22, 2008 – As food prices soar, corn and soybeans have tripled in price and they’ve given agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs) a chance for growth. But in the meantime, other industries are getting killed. One casualty of higher... Continue Reading »

Health Care ETFs Could Use A Check-Up
July 22, 2008 – As the presidential elections are only months away, a big issue on the minds of U.S. citizens is the state of the health care industry, the quality of the care we receive, and how any... Continue Reading »

Africa’s Tough Decisions About Food or Water Help Certain ETFs
July 21, 2008 – In Africa, the population is struggling with a life-or-life dilemma that could help infrastructure, agriculture and water-related exchange traded funds (ETFs). For years, the countries in North Africa have drained aquifers, sucked the salt from seawater... Continue Reading »

Animal Care ETF Seems to Be a Drool-and-Pant-Worthy Idea
July 21, 2008 – An animal care exchange traded fund (ETF) could be an idea whose time has come. Anyone who has a pet is all-too-familiar with the vet and the worry that comes with each visit: What’s wrong with... Continue Reading »

Sweden and ETF Are Like Your Big Brother, Setting a Good Example
July 21, 2008 – For successful economic development, Turkish officials should look up to Sweden as an example of successful privatization, which could boost the performance of both countries’ respective exchange traded funds (ETFs). Benefits of privatization include producing more... Continue Reading »

Money Pulls Out of Energy ETFs After Oil Sinks
July 21, 2008 – Last week’s drop in oil prices led to money shifting away from energy-related exchange traded funds (ETFs). And, of all places, investors appear to be putting it into financials. As crude oil fell below $130 a barrel... Continue Reading »

Bank of America Delivers Goods to Financial ETFs
July 21, 2008 – Financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) are getting off to a solid start this morning after Bank of America announced earnings that were better than expected. The news raised hopes that the wounds of the credit crisis... Continue Reading »

Chinese Investment and ETFs Get a Jolt From Starbucks
July 21, 2008 – Starbuck’s Corp. (SBUX), the world’s coffee empire, has begun to shut down underperforming U.S. stores, but now they’re turning their attentions toward China, possibly jolting stock and exchange traded funds (ETFs) for the country. By focusing... Continue Reading »

Rewards Could Come With Risk In Emerging Markets ETFs
July 21, 2008 – Emerging market exchange traded funds (ETFs) are one of the best ways to diversify, and investors have found that they have generated exciting returns in recent years. If you can stomach the risk that often comes... Continue Reading »

Wal-Mart Supplier ETF Getting Boost From Slow Economy?
July 21, 2008 – One of the areas that has demonstrated strength during this economic downturn is consumer spending on necessities, which might be benefiting the Wal-Mart supplier exchange traded fund (ETF). Any strength shown among consumer spending in recent... Continue Reading »

Some Wonder: Is Bubble Bursting for Oil, ETFs? Not So Fast…
July 20, 2008 – An 11.2% drop-off in oil prices last week, coupled with big one-week losses in some oil-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) has suddenly got analysts wondering if the bubble is bursting. We know consumers are eager to... Continue Reading »

ETF’s Silver Holdings Dust Off a Record
July 20, 2008 – The largest silver-backed exchange traded fund (ETF) isn’t a cloud, but it sure has a silver lining anyway. Holdings in the iShares COMEX Gold Trust (SLV) rose to a record 6,092.31 tons on July 16, a... Continue Reading »

Rydex Adds More Currencies To Their ETF Family
July 19, 2008 – It seems like it won’t be long before there’s an exchange traded fund (ETF) for the most far-flung currency you can think of. Rydex is bringing us a step closer to that with the creation of... Continue Reading »

China’s Redirected Foreign Investment Could Help Latin America’s ETFs
July 19, 2008 – China’s recent $250 million decision could help Latin America-related exchange traded funds (ETFs). China Investment Corp. (CIC) has decided to inject $200 billion into their sovereign wealth funds, and $250 million of that is going... Continue Reading »

Eskom Profits Fall, Touching Down On A Variety Of ETFs
July 18, 2008 – The rising demand for coal is helping the commodity’s exchange traded fund (ETF) while weighing on some companies that deal with it. South Africa’s state-owned power utility company Eskom is experiencing a full-years’ profit-plummet because of... Continue Reading »

The U.S. Is Not Where It’s At When It Comes to Tech ETFs
July 18, 2008 – The Cubes exchange traded fund (ETF) is getting socked by downbeat news from the technology sector. Maybe it just needs two turntables and a microphone. First, Google (GOOG) came out with earnings that were lower than... Continue Reading »

ETF Securities Goes on Bull Run With Commodities
July 18, 2008 – For an exchange traded fund (ETF) provider that didn’t exist at this time five years ago, the story of ETF Securities is certainly an impressive one. The London-based provider, which deals in exchange traded commodities (ETCs)... Continue Reading »

Israel ETFs Could Get Healthy Gain On Drug Maker’s Acquisition
July 18, 2008 – Teva, a major holding in Israel’s exchange traded funds (ETFs), said it’s going to buy up a rival. The $7 billion purchase of Barr Pharmaceuticals, will further cement Teva’s status as the world’s largest generic drug... Continue Reading »

ETNs Wanting for Investor Attention
July 18, 2008 – So far, this has been the year of the exchange traded note (ETN). Investment banks and fund providers have been lining them up in the market in droves. But how come investors haven’t been lining up... Continue Reading »

Will Thailand’s Rate Increase Help Its ETF?
July 18, 2008 – Thailand’s economy is no stranger to rising prices that affect the economy and its exchange traded fund (ETF). For that reason, the central bank raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in two ... Continue Reading »

Building Up With Materials ETFs
July 18, 2008 – When it comes to investing, exchange traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to access specific sectors. While some sectors have become beaten-down in recent months (hello, financials and homebuilders), others have been poster children for success,... Continue Reading »

TDAX ETFs Get A Name Change
July 18, 2008 – Some exchange traded funds (ETFs) are going a bit P. Diddy on us. Or is it Puff Daddy? Or Sean Combs? We’ve lost track. The TDAX exchange traded funds (ETFs) has changed their name. The new... Continue Reading »

WisdomTree ETF Travels To The Middle East
July 17, 2008 – WisdomTree has edged their way into the Middle East exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of a new fund. The WisdomTree Middle East Dividend Fund (GULF) covers the same region as S&P’s GCC40 Index,... Continue Reading »

Predictions: ETFs In 401(k) Plans Is The Next Big Move
July 17, 2008 – State Street Global Advisors conducted a survey in June which determined that financial advisors think the biggest growth area for the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry is within 401(k) plans. Of the 840 respondents, 43% felt... Continue Reading »

Natural Gas and ETFs Are Subject to Weather’s Whims
July 17, 2008 – The natural gas industry is gearing up for a spike in prices that could benefit the line of exchange traded funds (ETFs) for the commodity. Break out the blankets. Some experts are predicting that customers could... Continue Reading »

Peso Is At Five-Year High and ETF Hits New Levels
July 17, 2008 – Mexico’s peso is at a five-year high, and it could be just the thing to make the currency’s exchange traded fund (ETF) shout, “Ole!” The CurrencyShares Mexican Peso Trust (FXM) closed yesterday at an all-time... Continue Reading »

Homebuilder ETFs Get a Lift From Reports, But the Numbers Are Skewed
July 17, 2008 – Homebuilding exchange traded funds (ETFs) are up sharply in trading this morning after reports that single-family home construction fell while a new law in New York gave a boost to apartments buildings. Single-family homebuilding lost 5.3%... Continue Reading »

Semiconductor ETFs Need the Consumer
July 17, 2008 – Semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) have taken a beating along with the overall market downturn, but brighter days appear to be ahead. Yesterday, Intel’s second-quarter profit jumped 25% on demand for laptop chips. The numbers handily... Continue Reading »

Approaching ETF Investing Through Themes
July 17, 2008 – When it comes to exchange traded fund (ETF) investing, it has become quite simple to build a narrow portfolio with these funds, with a very specific goal in mind. The choices will keep making the... Continue Reading »

Throwing Money To The Wind - ETFs, That Is
July 17, 2008 – Our of-the-moment priority should be energy independence and exchange traded funds (ETFs) may be just the building block that’s needed to get things off the ground. If an American billionaire is also backing the priority for... Continue Reading »

Some iShares ETFs Are Calling It Splits
July 16, 2008 – Barclays Global Investors has announced they are splitting shares amongst 10% of their exchange traded fund (ETF) line, iShares. There are more than 160 U.S.-based products within this fund family, and they represent $327 billion in... Continue Reading »

A Little Assurance Goes a Long Way for Financial ETFs
July 16, 2008 – Financial-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) surged today after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in no danger of failing. It was his second day of testimony about the state of... Continue Reading »

SEC Takes Aim at Naked Short-Selling
July 16, 2008 – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking aim at illegal short sellers, but it might have little impact on exchange traded funds (ETFs). The practice of short-selling is all well and good, but “naked” short-selling... Continue Reading »

Oil Price Volatility Index Tied to Options On Oil ETF
July 16, 2008 – Oil and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been volatile lately, so it stands to reason that there’s now an index that allows investors to track just that: the price volatility. The Chicago Board Options Exchange... Continue Reading »

Biotechnology ETFs Growing…Like Genetically Modified Crops?
July 16, 2008 – Biotechnology is the non-commodity exchange traded fund (ETF) area du jour, it seems. In a time where the markets seem bleak, the sector is delivering a ray of light. Genentech (DNA) this week upped its 2008... Continue Reading »

Yuan’s Path and ETFs Go Up Against The U.S. Dollar
July 16, 2008 – The exact path of the Chinese yuan has analysts stumped, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) focused in currency are ready to take the ride. Many are anticipating another upward run against the U.S. dollar, as... Continue Reading »

Vanguard’s ETF Patent a Brainy Move, For the Time Being
July 16, 2008 – In April 2005, Vanguard patented exchange traded funds (ETFs) as share classes of existing index funds. The move is proving to have been a stroke of genius. As ETFs have grown in number and increased in... Continue Reading »

No Safari Needed For African ETF Access
July 16, 2008 – Van Eck launched the anticipated Africa focused exchange traded fund (ETF), launched on the NYSE Arca. Market Vectors Africa Index (AFK) allows investors easy, one-stop access to the ever-growing, untapped market in Africa. The ETF tracks... Continue Reading »

UBS Strengthens Gold ETFs Through Forecast
July 15, 2008 – Short-term gold prices are forecasted to to go up by UBS Bank, as the financial market trauma thickens, and the related exchange traded funds (ETFs) strengthen. Gold is one of the places that investors feel... Continue Reading »

Oil ETFs Socked As Consumer Spending Power Weakens
July 15, 2008 – Oil exchange traded funds (ETFs) are spilling today as prices plummeted by as much as $9.26 a barrel. The price plunge was the hardest in 17 years, reports Adam Schreck for the Associated Press. It lost... Continue Reading »

ETFs and Markets Go Mixed As Bernanke Testifies
July 15, 2008 – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke stood before the Senate Banking Committee today and detailed our economic woes, sending the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs) moving sharply back and forth. Among the “highlights” of his testimony,... Continue Reading »

Retail ETFs Might Be About to Rock On Gas, Food Strength
July 15, 2008 – Retail sales and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) took a hit today as the June numbers came in. The 0.1% increase was weaker than analysts had expected, mostly because auto sales have plunged, reports Martin Crutsinger... Continue Reading »

Euro Hits New High, Helping Currency ETFs, But Countries Worry
July 15, 2008 – Currency exchange traded funds (ETFs) should get a helping hand as the euro rose to new highs against the dollar today. The drop comes as the markets fret over the latest news from the lending crisis... Continue Reading »

Is A Small-Cap Stock and ETF Rally Set Up?
July 15, 2008 – •If history is to repeat itself, is there a small-cap stock and exchange traded fund (ETF) rally on the horizon? Outperformance by small-cap stocks has generally followed market bottoms of recessions, so says Merrill Lynch. But... Continue Reading »

Tom Lydon’s ETF Book Appearances in Southern California
July 15, 2008 – Tom Lydon will be at two Barnes & Noble stores next week to discuss his new book, iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor and talk about how exchange traded funds are today’s best alternative... Continue Reading »

To Be a Successful ETF Investor, Have a Plan
July 15, 2008 – When it comes to investing in exchange traded funds (ETFs), before you do anything else, you need to have a strategy. We discuss many of these points in our new book, iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for... Continue Reading »

Health Care ETFs Could Strengthen If U.S. Takes a Lesson
July 15, 2008 – The health care system in America and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) are in need of a checkup. In 2000, the World Health Organization statistically ranked the world’s health care systems, and of 191 countries, France... Continue Reading »

2008 Is The Year Of The ETF Launch
July 15, 2008 – As time flies on, so does the number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) being introduced to the industry. Last year there was a new launch almost daily, taking the number to around 700, with $600... Continue Reading »

A Morning Cup Of Coffee Becomes ETN Inspiration
July 14, 2008 – Can coffee deliver a jolt to your exchange traded note (ETN) portfolio? Sure, you can cut back on food as prices get higher. But give up the morning java? Never! As anyone who’s been to a... Continue Reading »

Is There a Uranium ETF In the Future? Until Then, Exposure Can Be Had In Nuclear Funds
July 14, 2008 – The price of uranium has been ticking higher, making nuclear-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) attractive. At the time, Richard Kang for Seeking Alpha wrote an article about the price increases last year, ways to get diversified... Continue Reading »

Order Backlog Might Keep Aerospace ETFs Afloat
July 14, 2008 – Aerospace companies are forecasting a drop in orders, which might leave some exchange traded funds (ETFs) grounded if it comes to pass, thanks to years of orders left to fill. The two largest plane makers -... Continue Reading »

iPhone and Apple Geekery Could Help Tech ETFs
July 14, 2008 – Will the numbers for retail exchange traded funds (ETFs) be better this month? The rumors have been that consumers are sticking to the necessities as gas and oil prices reach new heights, but Apple (AAPL)... Continue Reading »

Fannie, Freddie Bailout Plan Doesn’t Appease Financial ETFs
July 14, 2008 – Financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) are trading sharply lower earlier today, in spite of a spelled-out government plan to toss a lifesaver to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The plan, in short, is meant to show... Continue Reading »

China ETFs Can Help Investors Harness Asian e-commerce
July 14, 2008 – The latest trends in consumer spending are important for exchange traded fund(ETF) investors to understand, and give insight into the lucrative areas of the market. Where better to look than to MasterCard, for information concerning consumer... Continue Reading »

iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor Is Now Available Everywhere!
July 14, 2008 – For several weeks now, iMoney: Profitable ETF Strategies for Every Investor has been available online at both Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. We’re pleased to announce that now it’s available in stores, too! If you haven’t already... Continue Reading »

It’s All In the Construction With Commodity ETFs
July 14, 2008 – When it comes to exchange traded funds (ETFs), investment strategy can make all the difference. Since the year is past the halfway mark, it is fair game to start comparing ETFs within the same sector, and... Continue Reading »

NSX Aims Itself at ETF Trader Market
July 13, 2008 – As technology evolves, so does the Wall Street playing field and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Traders have discovered a competitor in the ranks, the National Stock Exchange (NSX), an electronic trading platform created by Joseph Rizzello... Continue Reading »

The ETF Cycle Has Brought Life-Cycle Funds
July 12, 2008 – Life-cycle exchange traded funds (ETFs) have joined up with life-cycle or target-date mutual funds to offer retirement savings for investors, the closest thing that many ETFs have gotten toward inclusion in retirement packages. The same theory... Continue Reading »

Aluminum ETFs and ETNs Benefit From Production Curbs
July 12, 2008 – Aluminum is on a rally and taking exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold the metal onward and upward with them. The metal hit record highs this week after producers in China agreed to cut output by... Continue Reading »

Oil Manipulation Is Off The Table; ETFs Remain Successful
July 11, 2008 – The recent gush on high crude oil prices had many pondering if there was a conspiracy that was conspiring to send prices, shares and exchange traded funds (ETFs) off the charts. Speculators, in particular, were... Continue Reading »

Investors Run for Cover Under Gold and ETFs
July 11, 2008 – The price of gold jumped to a four-month high, sending gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) higher. A dash of record oil (now more than $147 a barrel), a heaping teaspoon of mortgage-company concerns and a pinch... Continue Reading »

ETFs Can Be your Safe Haven
July 11, 2008 – Have you ever considered exchange traded funds (ETFs) as a safe haven for your money when markets get rough? Sure, there are the old standbys, such as gold, to offer investors a calm harbor, but... Continue Reading »

ETFs May Raise Their Mugs to InBev and Anheuser Pairing
July 11, 2008 – Belgium brewer InBev is seeking a takeover of Anheuser Busch (BUD), creating a massive beer brewer for the world, and a reason for exchange traded funds (ETFs) to raise their mugs. If the deal takes place,... Continue Reading »

Toyota Puts Pedal to the Metal on Prius and Possibly Japan ETFs
July 11, 2008 – It’s a sign of the times: Toyota is ceasing production of gas-guzzlers and ramping it up for the in-demand hybrids, which could help exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold shares of the automaker. Auto sales in... Continue Reading »

No Bailout for Fannie and Freddie Leaves Financial ETFs Trying to Stay Afloat
July 11, 2008 – Shares for the ailing Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) fell even lower earlier this morning after an immediate bailout was ruled out - throwing the housing market into question and related exchange traded... Continue Reading »

Clean Energy ETFs: What’s In A Name?
July 11, 2008 – Socially responsible investors who want to clean up their portfolios with clean energy exchange traded funds (ETFs) should focus their attention on what’s inside the fund, rather than the name. Richard Asplund for The Street reports... Continue Reading »

Fiat Sales Make Italy ETF the Opposite of Bellissimo
July 11, 2008 – What does a Fiat have to do with driving your exchange traded fund (ETF) investments? Italy’s biggest carmaker, Fiat SpA, is closing four of its six auto plants in the country for three weeks between September... Continue Reading »

New Index Comes Out Of Africa For ETFs
July 11, 2008 – It was 99 degrees in Cairo yesterday, but the weather isn’t the only thing that’s hot in Africa - exchange traded fund (ETF) investing is, too. Dow Jones Indexes launched a new index today that comes... Continue Reading »

As Power Industry Gets Facelift, Perhaps Utility ETFs Might As Well
July 10, 2008 – The United States has an aging power grid, and efforts to bring it into modern times could benefit utility exchange traded funds (ETFs). The target is for electric power providers to spend $17 billion on upgrades... Continue Reading »

Latin ETFs Deliver Heat Over Last Five Years
July 10, 2008 – Over the last five years, Latin America’s exchange traded funds (ETFs) have shown they’ve got the moves. What’s more, the region is exhibiting signs of being a reliable long-term sector, says Tom Sullivan for Barron’s. Latin... Continue Reading »

Retail Sales Lift ETFs In June, But It’s Not Frivolous Spending
July 10, 2008 – If you took that rebate check and went shopping, give yourself a hearty pat on the back, because you just might have helped some retail exchange traded funds (ETFs) in June. Retail sales overall rose 4.3%,... Continue Reading »

Foreclosures and Real Estate ETFs Demonstrate Inverse Relationship
July 10, 2008 – Homebuilder and real estate focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) are feeling down today after the latest round of news about foreclosure filings came in. Filings rose 53% in June from the previous year - just another... Continue Reading »

Can Biotech And Agriculture ETFs Get Acreage With Your Money?
July 10, 2008 – Not many exchange traded funds (ETFs) outside those focused on commodities are perched above their 200-day moving averages. That makes it worth noting that two biotechnology ETFs crossed the mark recently. Both iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB)... Continue Reading »

Can Water Bring Investors to the ETFs?
July 10, 2008 – The battle over water could be a boon to exchange traded fund (ETF) investors, but let’s hope no one loses their nose over it. Ouch! Water’s future could offer opportunities for investors who think of it... Continue Reading »

Jim Rogers Creates Commodities Index for ETF; Sounds Off on Economy
July 10, 2008 – Investing legend Jim Rogers has put together a new index targeting commodity producers, which will soon underly an exchange traded fund (ETF). The Rogers Van Eck Hard Assets Producers Index (RVEI) gives investors a chance to... Continue Reading »

Down Market Doesn’t Delay ETF Liftoffs in June
July 10, 2008 – Despite a month in which we officially entered a bull market, exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to sprout up. According to Simon Maierhofer for ETFGuide, the number of ETF and exchange traded note (ETN) launches is... Continue Reading »

Restrictions on Foreign Investment Could Ding Russia’s ETF
July 9, 2008 – Russia and the economy, along with the related exchange traded fund (ETF) have been on a healthy run of success, naturally. As one of the largest land masses on the planet, the share of natural resources... Continue Reading »

U.S. Real Estate ETFs Left Standing
July 9, 2008 – Who’s left standing in the real estate exchange traded fund (ETF) category? The real estate sector has been bearing the brunt of the credit crisis and rising interest rates, but it can still be a hedge... Continue Reading »

Potash’s Positive Fundamentals Fertilize Agribusiness ETF
July 9, 2008 – It’s been a nice day for both potash producers and agricultural exchange traded funds (ETFs). A Goldman Sachs analyst said prices for the fertilizer are rising as a result of global demand and limited availability, since... Continue Reading »

Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium ETFs - Oh, My!
July 9, 2008 – Platinum and palladium exchange traded funds (ETFs) are reflecting the love investors have for metals that do much more than look pretty. Platinum demand is being driven, literally, by its primary use as a catalyst in... Continue Reading »

The Frontier Becomes More Vast With PowerShares’ ETF
July 9, 2008 – Invesco PowerShares announced the listing of its frontier countries exchange traded fund (ETF). The PowerShares MENA Frontier Countries Portfolio (PMNA) began trading this morning. The fund was designed to give access to the Middle East and... Continue Reading »

An ETF Trend-Following Plan For All Seasons
July 9, 2008 – It’s hard to believe that the S&P 500 Index has been flatter than a pancake for the past nine years. It’s had its ups and downs, but when you connect the dots, it went virtually... Continue Reading »

Do-It-Yourself Diversification With ETFs
July 9, 2008 – For any exchange traded f