Europe
Europe ETFs Hit By Credit Crisis, and They Aren’t Happy
August 29, 2008 – Like many areas around the globe, Europe is getting crunched hard by the credit crisis, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) focusing on this region are suffering.
Figures released in mid-August showed that the euro-zone economy shriveled... Continue Reading »
Further Expansion Of German ETF Cut With Construction Slowdown
August 27, 2008 – Germany is facing the possibility of a recession, endangering any further expansion of its exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Two key surveys indicated that the business and consumer confidence is eroding in this one-time economic powerhouse,... Continue Reading »
Bad News for Global Economy Is Good News for the Dollar, ETFs
August 26, 2008 – The global economy is putting on the brakes, leading to a surge in the dollar and its exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The greenback is at a six-month high against the euro on speculation that as the... Continue Reading »
Euro Isn’t Winning Popularity Contests With Spain and ETFs
August 25, 2008 – The euro is having a bit of a PR crisis in Spain, where most Spaniards believe it has damaged their economy and, in turn, its exchange traded fund (ETF). On the other hand, not many... Continue Reading »
Ireland’s Optimism Sorely Tested As Economy, ETF Struggle
August 23, 2008 – Ireland and its exchange traded fund (ETF) are being sorely tested after a summer of economic discontent that was initially deemed “temporary,” but is now looking stubborn.
Recent statistics are making it hard to deny as... Continue Reading »
Fastest-Growing ETF Provider Is On the Other Side of the Pond
August 19, 2008 – Would you believe it if we told you the fastest-growing exchange traded fund (ETF) provider in the world isn’t in the United States? You’d better, because it’s true.
db x-trackers already is the third-largest provider in... Continue Reading »
U.S. Dollar and ETFs Doing So Well, It Brings Out Cynics
August 18, 2008 – The dollar is regaining its health, as the rally goes on to another day, raising up the commodities markets and all focused exchange traded funds (ETFs).
But despite all the recent performance, today the dollar has... Continue Reading »
Genentech Holds Out for Better Offer, Which Could Deliver a Boost to Biotech ETFs
August 14, 2008 – Biotechnology stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) could get a shot in the arm, as Genentech (DNA) rejected a takeover bid from Roche, which they feel has undervalued the company.
Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical company, offered... Continue Reading »
ETFs Bullish on the Dollar Gain During Global Economic Slowdown
August 13, 2008 – As the dollar has been rallying hard against the euro, exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are bullish on the dollar have benefited. The dollar has done this as a U.S. slowdown has spread to... Continue Reading »
Italian ETFs and Economy Stagnate
August 13, 2008 – When Italy comes to mind, images of Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana are conjured, but the economy and exchange traded fund (ETF) may not be doing quite as well as these artisans.
During the second quarter,... Continue Reading »
France and ETFs Humbled, But Good Moves Could Turn Things Around
August 12, 2008 – The French economy may be humbled for a while, and while it has nothing to do with Michael Phelps or the 400-meter swim relay, the French-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) will someday see the brighter... Continue Reading »
Getting Access to Slovakia’s Growth Can Be Done Via Austria ETF
August 12, 2008 – Slovakia seems to be a real up-and-comer, but exposure options as far as exchange traded funds (ETFs) go are limited for the time being. However, investors can take a back-door approach when attempting to capture... Continue Reading »
ETF Investors, Advisors Have Been Coming Back Home
August 11, 2008 – When it comes to exchange traded funds (ETFs), maybe you can go home again. For the first time this decade, the U.S. stock market and ETFs are outperforming the global ones, and many advisors are... Continue Reading »
Austria And Its ETF Flow With Good News
August 11, 2008 – Austria and its related exchange traded fund (ETF) have received a couple doses of good news recently: unemployment is down, industry is up.
Austrian utility company Verbund won a concession to build a $259 million hydropower... Continue Reading »
Spain’s Economy And ETF Feel The Pains
August 8, 2008 – There might be rain in Spain, but it could just be tears over how the economy is faltering and, in turn, affecting its exchange traded fund (ETF).
iShares MSCI Spain Index (EWP) may begin to see... Continue Reading »
Dreary Housing Market In Europe Reflects In ETFs
August 4, 2008 – In Ireland, the investors have packed up and are nowhere to be seen, as the credit crunch has halted the housing market, leaving real estate exchange traded funds (ETFs) at a standstill.
The Belfast region of... Continue Reading »
German Unemployment Pauses; Can ETFs Regain Ground?
August 3, 2008 – Unemployment in Germany has been enjoying a slow decline, which could give a hand to the country’s exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The economy cooled in July and has experienced its longest decline since the reunification in... Continue Reading »
Probe of Citigroup and Others Could Hit Financial ETFs
August 1, 2008 – Citigroup’s (C) imminent charges could wind up packing a wallop for financial exchange traded funds (ETFs).
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has said he plans to charge the bank with fraudulently marketing and selling auction-rate... 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Emerald Isle’s ETF and Economy Aren’t Seeing Green
July 8, 2008 – Shares for Ireland’s second-largest bank fell by their biggest amount in 19 years after they delivered a dose of news about the economy that could weigh down the country’s newly-minted exchange traded fund (ETF).
The Bank... Continue Reading »
401(k)- the Final Frontier for ETFs?
July 8, 2008 – When it comes to social graces and utilizing efficiency, Europe seems to take first place, and now they are leading the incorporation of exchange traded funds (ETFs) into pension plans.
European pension funds have... Continue Reading »
Political Unrest In Switzerland May Hit ETF
July 7, 2008 – Political events are often one of the risks of international exchange traded funds (ETFs).
That being said, unrest in Switzerland could wind up affecting the iShares MSCI Switzerland Index (EWL).
Christopher Blocher pulled his party out... Continue Reading »
Single-Country ETFs Are World Travelers
July 5, 2008 – Single-country focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) are well-recognized for their investment benefits and instant diversification. They are one of the most simple ways to gain foreign stock exposure across a range of sectors, with... Continue Reading »
A Power Futures Market In Italy Could Jolt ETF
July 2, 2008 – Italy’s latest step toward a power futures trading market appears to be helping its exchange traded fund (ETF).
The minister for economic development says his ministry is geared to give the okay for the Italian... Continue Reading »
Dollar Up, Dollar Down: There’s An ETF for That
July 1, 2008 – Morgan Stanley has made a bold prediction that, if true, could help the bullish dollar exchange traded fund (ETF).
The strategist said that we’re in the waning period of the dollar’s decline against most of... Continue Reading »
Investment Bank Rumors and Shakeups Rattle Financial ETFs
July 1, 2008 – Financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) are trading down today as more rumors about major players in the sector surfaced.
First, Lehman Brothers (LEH) headed off buzz that they would have to sell, reports CNBC. Rumors... Continue Reading »
Rhapsody’s Deal is Music to UK ETF’s Ears
June 30, 2008 – The United Kingdom exchange traded fund (ETF) was humming along to news that another subscription music site is going to begin selling digital songs.
Rhapsody wants to challenge iTunes and is therefore offering unprotected digital songs... Continue Reading »
Inflation in Euro Countries Hits a 16-Year High; Could It Dent ETFs?
June 30, 2008 – Euro nations are finding themselves in the same pickle we’re in: combating problems that might be helping exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other investments, but causing the economy to feel a pinch as consumer spending... Continue Reading »
France Telecom Drops Bid for Swedish Company, Dialing Up ETFs
June 30, 2008 – France Telecom dropped its takeover bid that, had it gone through, would have created Europe’s largest telecommunications company and perhaps boosted France’s exchange traded fund (ETF) as well.
The bid for Swedish company TeliaSonera was... Continue Reading »
We Might Not Like Our Dollar Weak, But Some ETFs Do
June 28, 2008 – While our economy is plagued by a weak dollar and its implications, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can benefit.
These days there are more options than ever for investors to hedge against a falling dollar. And... Continue Reading »
ETN Gives First Exposure to Carbon Credits Market
June 27, 2008 – iPath
this week launched an array of exchange traded notes (ETNs), and one of
the most interesting is the first such note linked to carbon credits.
The iPath Global Carbon (GRN)
is designed to provide investors with exposure... Continue Reading »
Belgium’s ETF Waffles on Battle Between Brewers and Lender’s Troubles
June 26, 2008 – Belgium’s exchange traded fund (ETF) has fallen midday to its lowest point since June 2006 on news of a fight between Anheuser-Busch and InBev, along with news that a lender scrapped its dividend and... Continue Reading »
Will H&M’s Strong Sales Bring Sweden’s ETF Back Into Fashion?
June 25, 2008 – Sweden has really come into its own: first the Volvo, then Ikea, and now Hennes & Mauritz (also known as fashion retailer H&M, for you non-fashionistas) - could the country’s sense of style translate... Continue Reading »
Germany’s Green Ambition Could Enter ETFs
June 24, 2008 – Germany has taken ambitious attempts to cut down on energy consumption, and with the government backing this serious effort, there will likely be changes within their economy and possibly, the focused exchange traded fund... Continue Reading »
Netherlands ETF Gives Heineken Cold Shoulder And Warms Up To Renewable Energy
June 23, 2008 – It has been all quiet on the Netherlands front, so what’s going on with the related exchange traded fund (ETF)?
As of now, the Dutch government has set aside 7.5 billion euros ($11.6 billion USD)... Continue Reading »
Unemployment Rate Could Drag Italy’s ETF
June 23, 2008 – Italy’s unemployment rate is now at its highest point since the third quarter of 2006, which could weigh down its exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The rate rose to 6.5%, report Robin Pomeroy and Gavin Jones... Continue Reading »
If You Think Commodity ETFs Are Popular Here, You Haven’t Seen Europe
June 20, 2008 – When it comes to commodity exchange traded fund (ETF) inflows, Europe is leaving the United States in the dust.
In fact, assets under management for such funds is currently double that of the United States,... Continue Reading »
Let’s All Raise a Guinness for the New Irish ETF
June 19, 2008 – The long-awaited Irish exchange traded fund (ETF) is here, just in time for the routing of the L.A. Lakers by the mighty Boston Celtics for the NBA Championship.
The NETS ISEX 20 Index Fund (IQE)... Continue Reading »
Belgium Makes Offer for Bud, But Will ETFs Drink It Up?
June 13, 2008 – Could the sale of an American icon benefit a few exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
Belgium company InBev recently made an unsolicited bid for Anheuser-Busch (BUD), and it has people torn.
While shareholders might find themselves unable to... Continue Reading »
Single-Country ETFs: Will Different Construction Show Different Performance?
June 13, 2008 – Northern Trust has taken a different tack when it comes to exchange traded funds (ETFs) that focus on single countries.
A new family of ETFs lets investors buy into 14 nation-based portfolios. This area of the... Continue Reading »
ETFs Can Harness a Bullish Dollar
June 12, 2008 – After the government has indicated it’s ready to start defending the dollar, recent sentiment is pointing toward bullish, and some exchange traded funds (ETFs) give investors the chance to jump in.
The dollar continued... Continue Reading »
New Van Eck Currency ETNs Attempt To Lure Investors With Magnification
June 11, 2008 – Currency exchange traded funds (ETFs) have helped investors to cash in on the weakness of the U.S. dollar, while giving exposure to foreign currency in the process.
So far this year, the U.S. dollar... Continue Reading »
Survey Has Surprises On How ETFs Are Used In Europe
June 10, 2008 – A recent survey has found that exchange traded funds (ETFs) aren’t being used to their full potential.
Of course, the survey was of more than 110 European institutional investors, but we still wonder if... Continue Reading »
Spain’s Water Shortage May Trickle Into Its ETF
June 9, 2008 – For Murcia, Spain, the water crisis has been sped up by developers and farmers who are fighting over this resource, impacting exchange traded funds (ETFs) from both sides.
Murcia was once a forgotten, poor... 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Northern Trust Enters ETF Arena With First ETFs To Track Major Foreign Market Indexes
May 5, 2008 – With its new line of exchange traded funds (ETFs), Northern Trust opted to stay true to their principles while traveling around the world.
Is it a sign that ETFs are slowly entering the mainstream... Continue Reading »
ProShares Wins The Race To Market With Inverse Bond Fund
May 4, 2008 – ProShares wins the race to be the first inverse bond exchange traded fund (ETF) in the world. Deutsche Bank was hot on their heels, after announcing plans a day earlier to issue a new... Continue Reading »
Gold Miner ETF Hits Low on Dollar’s Strength
May 2, 2008 – The dollar’s renewed vigor is good news for most, but not for the gold miner’s exchange traded fund (ETF).
Yesterday, the Market Vectors Gold Miner (GDX) hit its lowest point since Sept. 18 of... Continue Reading »
Exxon Earnings Put the Brakes on Energy ETFs
May 1, 2008 – Some energy exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down more than 4% in midday trading after Exxon Mobil (XOM) reported a first-quarter profit jump that was less than what Wall Street was expecting.
You can’t blame... Continue Reading »
BRIC ETFs Have Many Access Points for Investors
April 30, 2008 – A reader wrote in recently wanting to know more about BRIC and the related exchange traded funds (ETFs). We’re here to help!
BRIC stands for four of the fastest-growing emerging markets out here: Brazil, Russia,... Continue Reading »
European Regulators Want to Ease Fund Rules For ETFs, Much Like The U.S.
April 30, 2008 – European regulators are seeking to follow in the footsteps of their U.S. counterparts and seeking methods to ease restrictions on the ability of fund managers to invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Fund managers... Continue Reading »
Mexico and Its ETF Has One Caliente Decade
April 26, 2008 – Nine out of the top ten exchange traded funds (ETFs) with high yearly returns actually tracked overseas markets, with one of the hottest markets and funds just south of the border. That’s according to... Continue Reading »
Foreign Currency ETF Offerings to Pour In Next Month
April 25, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) providers Dreyfus and WisdomTree are teaming up to offer five actively managed foreign currency ETFs next month.
They will include the WisdomTree Dreyfus Euro Fund, Japanese Yen Fund, Indian Rupee Fund,... Continue Reading »
Oil Prices May Get Worse; Steel and Natural Gas ETFs Are Keeping Pace
April 24, 2008 – The price of oil has slipped some over the last few days, but it’s projected to soar even higher - what will it mean for its exchange traded funds (ETFs)?
The reports on fuel got... Continue Reading »
London Calling To Be The Biggest ETF Market
April 17, 2008 – London is calling for the reign of the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry, but the struggle will be long and uphill, say analysts.
The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is aiming at becoming the number... Continue Reading »
International Markets, ETFs Catching U.S. Housing Disease
April 15, 2008 – The U.S. housing crisis is taking its toll on other countries, and it could hit their exchange traded funds (ETFs) if it persists for long.
Real estate prices are plummeting in the Irish countryside, the... Continue Reading »
Just In Time for Warm Weather, Claymore Launches Solar ETF
April 15, 2008 – While there are several clean energy exchange traded funds (ETFs) out there, none of them have focused solely on one aspect of the sector until now.
Claymore this morning launched the Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy... Continue Reading »
Will Italian Elections Deliver Some Amore to Its ETF?
April 14, 2008 – Upcoming elections are leaving the fate of economic reforms that could affect its exchange traded funds (ETFs) hanging in the balance.
The crop of candidates aren’t exactly setting Italians’ hearts on fire: A lackluster... Continue Reading »
Switzerland and ETF Could Be On the Mend, But More Woes Predicted
April 13, 2008 – Switzerland recently got socked by the global credit crunch, but the country and its exchange traded fund (ETF) seem to be in recovery mode.
The Swiss bank UBS (UBS) had write-downs in the billions last... Continue Reading »
Who’s Big In The European ETF Circle?
April 10, 2008 – The European exchange traded fund (ETF) market is just as hot as its U.S. counterpart. The European market is capitalizing on the rapid growth of the industry, as major providers have adopted some very... Continue Reading »
Sweden Has More Than Ikea - It Has Lessons for Financial Sector and ETFs, Too
April 8, 2008 – The financial meltdown in the United States has wreaked havoc on the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs). At times, it might have seemed that there would be no end to this, but all anyone... Continue Reading »
Irish And Malaysian ETFs Feel Political Pressure
April 4, 2008 – One of the biggest risks associated with overseas or emerging markets exchange traded fund (ETF) investing has to do with political upheavals that affect the country’s economy. A good example is the recent news... Continue Reading »
The European ETF Market Compared To The U.S.
April 3, 2008 – While most of our coverage centers on exchange traded funds (ETFs) listed in the United States, we realize that they aren’t just a U.S. phenomenon. We might have the largest market for them, but... Continue Reading »
Vanguard Wants to Put Its Arms Around the World With New ETF
April 3, 2008 – On the heels of iShares‘ new all-world exchange traded fund (ETF), Vanguard is trying to enter the fray with its own similar kind of fund.
They’ve registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for... Continue Reading »
Germany, Austria ETFs Could Get a Lift From Stock Ownership Plans
April 2, 2008 – In Europe, could more stocks given to the workers help compensate for wages that have stagnated in much of Europe, boosting exchange traded funds (ETFs) and the stock market in general?
Voestalpine, a metal working... Continue Reading »
Big Banks Announce Write-Downs, But Financial ETFs Turn the Other Cheek
April 1, 2008 –
Swiss bank UBS (UBS) revealed big damage from exposure to the U.S. subprime crisis, but financial exchange traded funds (ETFs) don’t appear to be bearing the scars.
The company said today that it expects write-downs... Continue Reading »
Playing the Waiting Game With ETFs
March 28, 2008 – Some believe we’re in a full-blown recession, but no matter what they believe, exchange traded fund (ETF) investors shouldn’t panic.
Chris Fichera for Consumer Reports suggests staying put and weathering the storm, while making some... Continue Reading »
Foreign Worker Program Could Lift Austrian Economy and Maybe Its ETF
March 18, 2008 – An Austrian program that brings unpaid, experienced foreign workers to the country could spur its economy and, in turn, its exchange traded fund (ETF).
The program, called Amadeus, brings bright, young things to work in... Continue Reading »
Gold ETFs Lie At the End of the Rainbow
March 17, 2008 – Aye, laddie. Lookin’ for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow via an exchange traded fund (ETF) this St. Patrick’s Day, are ye?
Okay, we’ll stop with the accent.
It turns out that... Continue Reading »
U.S. Credit Crisis Delivers a Punch to Some Global ETFs
March 17, 2008 – The problems aren’t just here in the United States: the credit crisis is also hitting markets in other countries and taking some of their exchange traded funds (ETFs) down with it.
Investors are wary of... Continue Reading »
Ugly Prices for Gold and the Dollar Are Pretty for ETFs
March 13, 2008 – Gold-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) were higher in intraday trading as gold futures seemed to be trying out for high jumping in the Olympics.
April futures reached a record $1,001.50 an ounce, continuing its steady... Continue Reading »
Even In These Markets, You Can Still Find ETF Movers and Shakers
March 12, 2008 – Yesterday, the markets delivered outstanding performance and some exchange traded funds (ETFs) finished up in the double digits.
But one good day doesn’t mean we’re out of the slump yet. It’s still time to take... Continue Reading »
U.S. Dollar Falls Further and Currency ETFs Rally
February 29, 2008 – It could be just what exchange traded fund (ETF) investors who are bearish on the U.S. dollar want to hear: another day, another low.
After two days of setting records, the euro once again... Continue Reading »
Financial News Has Domino Effect on Markets and ETFs
February 27, 2008 – Wall Street hardly waited for its coffee to kick in before a slew of news began sending stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) this way and that in a series of chain reactions.
The dollar... Continue Reading »
The Euro and Its ETF Hit All-Time Highs
February 26, 2008 – You might want to hold off on booking that European vacation: the euro surged to an all-time high against the dollar today, sending the CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE) exchange traded fund (ETF) into record... Continue Reading »
Belgium ETF Dinged by Financials, But Any Turnaround Could Deliver a Boost
February 25, 2008 – What comes to mind when you hear the iShares MSCI Belgium (EWK) exchange traded fund (ETF)?
It gives a lot of banking exposure - these days, that’s tantamount to a four-letter word. But if... Continue Reading »
Both Bellies and Agriculture ETFs Benefit From Whole Grains
February 22, 2008 – Whole grains are good for you, and agriculture exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be, too.
The planting season is just around the corner. With that is the result of a study showing that people can... Continue Reading »
Is the U.S. Falling Behind When It Comes to Innovative ETFs?
February 22, 2008 – The United States isn’t chopped liver when it comes to offering interesting and creative exchange traded funds (ETFs), but where do we stand when compared with the rest of the world?
Matthew Hougan for Index... Continue Reading »
It Could Be Time to Take a Global View with Healthcare ETFs
February 18, 2008 –
While the United States is still trying to sort out its own health care system, perhaps it’s time to take a more global perspective with health exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Here, we’re trying to figure out... Continue Reading »
South Korean ETF Positioned To Benefit From Capital Act
February 17, 2008 – South Korea and its related exchange traded fund (ETF) are constrained by an over-regulated financial sector.
This may be causing the iShares MSCI South Korea (EWY) ETF to have a trading pattern that looks a... Continue Reading »
Sector Rotation In A Global ETF Portfolio
February 15, 2008 – Adapting your investment strategy with exchange traded funds (ETFs) is important when economies around the world are becoming more interrelated.
Doing so will add value and increase the chance of outperforming benchmarks, reports Carl... Continue Reading »
What’s Behind the Activity in the Steel, Metals and Mining ETFs?
February 15, 2008 – Two exchange traded funds (ETFs) posted stellar numbers this week. What’s behind all the movement?
Market Vectors Steel (SLX) is up 7.2% this week and up 18.4% since Jan. 22. One possible factor in the... Continue Reading »
Five Global Safe Havens for Risk-Averse ETF Investors
February 15, 2008 – For risk-averse investors, there are still ways to gain exposure to foreign markets with exchange traded funds (ETFs) and minimizing the homework involved with single stock-picking.
Todd Wenning for The Motley Fool points out... Continue Reading »
Five ETF Sectors To Recession-Proof Your Portfolio
February 14, 2008 – The signs are all there that we’re in a recession: many exchange traded fund (ETF) sectors have taken a hit, Congress is calling hearings, the Federal Reserve is talking about more rate cuts, housing, retail... Continue Reading »
Switzerland’s Quietly Strong Economy Could Prime Its ETF for a Takeoff
February 14, 2008 – As some markets are see-sawing, Switzerland’s exchange traded fund (ETF) could be primed for a rise after having underperformed.
The iShares MSCI Switzerland (EWL) ended 2007 up 4.5%, but has gotten off to a slow... Continue Reading »
Transportation ETF Flying High
February 12, 2008 – The transportation exchange traded fund (ETF) is on a roll, as it was a leading issuer for the week. Dow Jones Transportation Average (IYT) issued $500 million or 74.8% of assets. Runners up were... Continue Reading »
ETFs Are Circling the Globe
February 12, 2008 – From a global standpoint, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are truly a prime investment tool. Morgan Stanley’s Institutional Equity group presented the numbers to back that up on Jan. 31. Heather Bell for Index Universe... Continue Reading »
ETFs Hot in Chilly Scandinavia
February 12, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are taking off in some far-flung places.
Pension funds in Scandinavia are among the top investors in ETFs, Deutsche Bank says. Large pension funds in the region have been seen investing... Continue Reading »
When It Comes to Currency ETFs, You’ve Got Options
February 11, 2008 –
Currencies once were the domain of the big-time investors, or were considered "too risky," but exchange traded funds (ETFs) have made it easy for regular investors to get in on them, too.
These are interesting... Continue Reading »
Barclays’ New Currency ETNs Evolve
February 8, 2008 – Barclays is expanding its line of exchange traded notes (ETNs) with three new currency-related filings. Despite the IRS ruling that these notes should be taxed as debt, and that gains from interest income and... Continue Reading »
New York Stores Start Accepting Euros - Currency ETFs Might Like It
February 7, 2008 – Money is now talking with a European accent in New York as some stores have begun accepting euros, making some currency exchange traded funds (ETFs) look pretty good.
Angela Moore for Reuters says that some shop... Continue Reading »
Check Your ETF Expenses
January 31, 2008 – The expense ratio of an exchange traded fund (ETF) is one important thing that investors consider when selecting a fund. And of course, the lower the expense ratio, the better. The expense ratio is defined... Continue Reading »
Global Exchanges And ETFs Remain Abuzz
January 29, 2008 – Many country-specific exchange traded funds (ETFs) had a heyday in 2007, rising 70% to record trading volumes.
This year, the Dow Jones Global Exchanges tell a different story as the index has so far... Continue Reading »
You Can’t Always Judge an ETF By Its Name
January 29, 2008 – In December, Barclays added another international exchange traded fund (ETF) to its lineup: the iShares MSCI Kokusai Index Fund (TOK).
TOK covers 1,203 holdings in 22 developed markets, minus Japan, with the United States taking... Continue Reading »
Are ETFs And Gold In Danger Along With South Africa’s Mines?
January 28, 2008 – Gold and platinum prices hit a new high on Friday, as one of South Africa’s main metal mines was forced to shut down because of a lack of power, which could affect focused exchange... Continue Reading »
Silver ETF Takes A New Shine
January 28, 2008 – Silver has long been in the shadow of its golden counterpart, and focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) mirror that from 2006. Last year, gold finished up 28% while silver added 18%. That was after... Continue Reading »
Gold Back Above $900 While Platinum Hits Record. Now Where Is that ETF?
January 24, 2008 –
Gold and its related exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been real attention hogs lately, what with all the record-setting prices. But a new precious metal is in town.
Platinum hit a record high on Wednesday,... Continue Reading »
Coal ETF Mines the Opportunities
January 24, 2008 – Last week, a new exchange traded fund (ETF) covering a commodity that had many asking, "Wait, wasn’t there one for that already?" began trading on the American Stock Exchange.
Market Vectors Coal (KOL), as you... Continue Reading »
Overseas ETFs Suffer With U.S.
January 24, 2008 – The U.S. recession fears are touching down on all parts of the globe, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) suffered along with world markets.
Trang Ho for Investor’s Business Daily reports that similar to the... Continue Reading »
The ETF World Has Two Sides
January 23, 2008 – Investor fund flow trends as witnessed by single stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) appear to have a dual nature.
This began in 2007 with money going into safe investments and other flows into... Continue Reading »
British ETF Overcast With Economy
January 22, 2008 – The British economy isn’t looking so cheeky right now, as the economy is mirroring that of the United States’, and its exchange traded fund (ETF) is bearing the brunt of it.
iShares MSCI United... Continue Reading »
Investing in Dharma With ETFs
January 18, 2008 – Dow Jones Indexes, together with Dharma Investments have launched the Dow Jones Dharma Indexes to underlie exchange traded funds (ETFs).
They will measure the performance of selected companies according to value systems and principles... Continue Reading »
The Falling Dollar and Currency ETFs
January 16, 2008 – It is no secret that the U.S. dollar has been falling against other major currencies, as evidenced by exchange traded funds (ETFs) and related investments.
The dollar’s value dropped 10% against the euro, and is... Continue Reading »
British Pound and ETF Slide Backward
January 16, 2008 –
One of last year’s strong currencies seems to have taken a bit of a stumble along with its exchange traded fund (ETF) and for once, it’s not the U.S. dollar.
The British pound was a... Continue Reading »
New S&P Inverse Index Could Trigger New ETFs
January 15, 2008 – This month, Standard & Poor’s introduced the S&P 500 Inverse Index - does this mean exchange traded funds (ETFs) will follow?
The index provides the inverse performance of the widely used stock benchmark, reports... Continue Reading »
Spa Market Grader ETFs Going International
January 15, 2008 – Spa MarketGrader’s exchange traded funds (ETFs) are now ready to take on Italy, months after launching their funds on the American Stock Exchange.
Their six U.S. equity-focused Market-Grader ETFs will appear on Milan’s Borsa Italiana stock... Continue Reading »
Private-Banking Assets in Singapore Could Lift ETF
January 14, 2008 – If the assets keep flowing into Singapore’s private banking accounts, perhaps its exchange traded fund (ETF) could see some good times ahead, too.
According to Assif Shameen for Barron’s, if things keep up the pace,... Continue Reading »
Italy Has a Trashy Issue - Will It Become ETF’s Problem, too?
January 14, 2008 – Could Naples’ garbage problem cause Italy’s exchange traded fund (ETF) to smell a little ripe?
The problem, reports Robin Pomeroy for Reuters, is that garbage has been accumulating in the city since Dec. 21. Dumps... Continue Reading »
South Korea’s ETF Market Has Strong Showing in 2007
January 11, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) market showed growth in varying degrees all over the world in 2007.
Korea saw impressive change, reports Park Hyong-ki of the Korea Times. There, the net assets grew 55% to $2.6... Continue Reading »
Europe Gives ETFs Air Kisses As They Gain In Popularity
January 9, 2008 – The next big market for exchange traded funds (ETFs) is shaping up to be Europe.
In fact, reports Vito J. Racanelli of Barron’s, Europe is showing the strongest growth in the popularity of ETFs.... Continue Reading »
Could ETF Assets Top Two…Trillion…Dollars?
January 7, 2008 – No doubt the U.S. leads the pack when it comes to exchange traded funds (ETFs) in terms of assets under management and the number available. But as the rest of the world picks up... Continue Reading »
Are U.S. Economy and ETFs as Down and Out as You’d Think?
January 4, 2008 – When comparing the U.S. economy to the rest of the world lately, investments and exchange traded funds (ETFs) focusing on the foreign markets have been in favor. The U.S. housing collapse and credit meltdown... Continue Reading »
German ETF And Economy Feel a Chill
January 2, 2008 – Germany’s economy is expected to cool because of slower growth and rising food and oil prices, possibly affecting the German-focused exchange traded fund (ETF). The slowing is blamed mostly on rising food and oil... Continue Reading »
Foreign Buyers Could Give a Lift to Real Estate ETFs
December 27, 2007 – A boost to the real estate market and its exchange traded funds (ETFs) might be coming from a place we wouldn’t have necessarily expected: overseas. Increasingly, foreign buyers are turning to the U.S. for second... Continue Reading »
Spain’s Economy And ETF Mirroring The US?
December 24, 2007 – The Spanish economy is still healthy and full of potential, however, signs that the economic landscape is shifting have emerged, effecting related exchange traded funds (ETFs). During recent years Spain has undergone an intense... Continue Reading »
U.S. Dollar and ETF Show Signs of Life
December 20, 2007 – Finally, a bit of good news for anyone who was bullish on the dollar and held the corresponding exchange traded fund (ETF): the British pound dropped below $2 for the first time in three months... Continue Reading »
Europe Has Some Decisions to Make, and ETFs Could Be Affected
December 5, 2007 – The European economies are in a bit of "good news/bad news" situation, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track their currencies could be feeling the effects while the region weighs its options.
On the... Continue Reading »
Market and ETF Facts to Consider
November 30, 2007 – There’s a lot going on in the markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Matt Hougan for Index Universe looks at 10 interesting market facts and we’ve added some ETF related information.
The U.S. stock market... Continue Reading »
Austria ETF a Gateway to Eastern Europe
November 28, 2007 – Austria and its exchange traded fund (ETF) have benefited from the opening up of western and eastern Europe, more so than any other European Union member. iShares MSCI Austria (EWO) is the best play... Continue Reading »
French Unions Back Down to President: Vive l’ETF
November 26, 2007 – This month the transportation and energy union workers went on strike in France, making many across the globe wonder about the future of the country and its related exchange traded fund (ETF). The strike... Continue Reading »
Northern Trust Readies to Enter the ETF Marketplace
November 23, 2007 – There’s a new kid on the block of exchange traded funds (ETFs). Northern Trust is entering the market with a big splash, by offering 19 foreign-market funds, according to Jesse Emspak at Investor’s Business... Continue Reading »
Nasdaq ETF Market Is Grabbing More Attention
November 21, 2007 – Nasdaq stock exchange has listed five new exchange traded funds (ETFs) from Barclays Global Advisors. Although it was initially known as the stock exchange for high-tech companies, Nasdaq is the most liquid U.S. market... Continue Reading »
Looking For European ETFs?
November 21, 2007 – Is there an exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests solely in Europe? According to Morningstar Research, assets in European investments are at $52 billion, with 20 of those funds being around only since this... Continue Reading »
ETFs and the Pros and Cons to a Weak Dollar
October 20, 2007 – Foreign currency exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to benefit from the weak U.S. dollar. The dollar hit a new low against the euro in Friday trading. In the end, the dollar was higher against... Continue Reading »
How Do Foreign ETFs Benefit from a Weak Dollar?
September 28, 2007 – Some exchange traded fund (ETF) investors might wonder how emerging markets benefit from our dollar. How it works is investors put their money to work in markets with a relatively stronger currency, and when... Continue Reading »
Europe ETF Rises Despite Fears of Economic Slowdown
September 21, 2007 – The iShares MSCI EMU Index (EZU) is an exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in countries that are members of the European Monetary Union (EMU). France makes up 28.6% of EZU, followed by Germany... Continue Reading »
Euro ETF Rejoices in Dollar’s Decline
September 12, 2007 – If the Federal Reserve decides to cut rates Sept. 18, it will bode well for foreign currency exchange traded funds (ETFs), such as the CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE). The rate cuts benefit foreign currency... Continue Reading »
ETF Bargain Bin
September 6, 2007 – Stocks are a lot cheaper right now than they were just month ago, meaning the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold them are marked down too. Is it possible to determine which stocks are... Continue Reading »
Will Sarkozy’s Economic Plans Help Boost French ETF?
September 4, 2007 – The iShares MSCI France Index (EWQ) exchange traded fund (ETF) continues to stabilize and rise above its long-term trend line after the recent financial-market turbulence. Currently, EWQ is up 7.0% year-to-date.
In response to the... Continue Reading »
First Trust to Launch New International ETFs
August 28, 2007 – First Trust is coming out with two new exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are scheduled to launch Aug. 30th: the First Trust DJ STOXX Select Dividend 30 Index Fund (FDD) and the First Trust... Continue Reading »
We Need Your Feedback: Do You Want News on European ETFs?
August 24, 2007 – Although mutual funds never caught on in Europe as much as they have here, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are just as popular in Europe as in the U.S., if not more so. As of... Continue Reading »
Cash Injections Worldwide Attempt to Calm Markets and ETFs
August 21, 2007 – Central banks in Europe, Asia and the U.S. injected more cash into their country’s banking systems today to help calm the market and exchange traded funds (ETFs) concerned about the tightening credit crunch and...