German ETF Halts With Auto Industry
November 12, 2008 – Germany’s economy depends heavily on its exports and with the slump in auto sales, the economy and exchange traded fund (ETF) are looking bleak. As the world’s number one exporter, Germany has relied for years on the sale of... Continue Reading »

Germany May Not Find Stimulus Too Stimulating
November 7, 2008 – During a time of recovery for Germany and its exchange traded fund (ETF),  The German government has approved a stimulus packages to stem the effects of global slowdown. The stimulus package comes with a $29 billion price... Continue Reading »

Germany, ETFs Feel Punch of Credit Crisis
September 26, 2008 – After a four-month slide, German consumer confidence is picking up again - but it might not be enough to help the country’s related exchange traded funds (ETFs). A forward-looking consumer climate forecast rose to 1.8% for... Continue Reading »

Europe, Asia ETFs Gain Following U.S. Plan
September 22, 2008 – While the United States and exchange traded funds (ETFs) here don’t appear to be too enthusiastic about plans for a bailout, it’s a different story in Europe and Asia. Stocks on both continents rose by varying... 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

New PowerShares Wind ETF and FAN - Same Commodity, Different Construction
July 1, 2008 – Just two weeks after the first wind exchange traded fund (ETF) blew into the market, PowerShares now has its own offering. The PowerShares NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Global Wind Energy Index (PWND) is a fund... 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 »

Russia’s Economy and ETF Are the Story for May
June 2, 2008 – The top-performing exchange traded fund (ETF) for May was Market Vectors Russia (RSX). Year-to-date, it’s up 14.7%. It’s just the latest good news for a country that’s currently enjoying a 10-year economic expansion. Its gross... 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Is It Hot In Here, or Is It Just Solar ETFs? (Updated)
April 22, 2008 – A software glitch at the American Stock Exchange held up the launch of the newest solar exchange traded fund (ETF) today. When it does launch, the Market Vectors Solar Energy (KWT) will the Claymore/MAC... Continue Reading »

ETFs Give Options for Intenational Investing
April 18, 2008 – With the U.S. economy questionable lately, it might be the time to look into international investments through exchange traded funds (ETFs). The U.S. economy may not be experiencing much growth right now, but overseas... Continue Reading »

Everyone, Welcome the New ETF Provider Northern Trust (Hi, Northern Trust)
April 9, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) industry has a new provider. It’s Chicago-based Northern Trust, and the launch of their funds have been anticipated since last winter. Murray Coleman for Index Universe reports gives the lowdown... Continue Reading »

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 »

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 »

ETFs Not Immune From Further World Market Declines
January 21, 2008 – ETF investors brace themselves for more pain this week. World stocks plummeted Monday as fears gripped investors that a deteriorating U.S. economy would drag others down with it. Toby Anderson from the Associated Press... 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 »

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 »

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 »

Why Invest with International ETFs?
December 25, 2007 – Regional exchange traded funds (ETFs) are a lucrative tool for many investors, however, before jumping onto the overseas bandwagon, Mark Fightmaster for Schaffers Research has three points to give you more knowledge: What is an... Continue Reading »

Which Infrastructure ETF Builds A Better Portfolio?
December 18, 2007 – There is a global trend with infrastructure investments, so which exchange traded fund (ETF) gives a better play? Last week iShares S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) debuted, giving investors another option besides the SPDR... Continue Reading »

3 New Global iShares Debut
December 13, 2007 – Three new iShares exchange traded funds (ETFs) began trading this week on NYSE Arca. The three new funds from Barclays offer exposure to the developing global marketplace, including places such as Japan, Germany, Greece,... 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 »

Single-Country ETFs…And The Winner Is….
November 27, 2007 – Single-country exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a good investment for portfolios, however, picking which country is a hard decision. There are many factors to consider like reward-to-risk, performance comparison, pullbacks and time frames,... Continue Reading »

Looking To Friday’s Markets and ETF Activity
November 22, 2007 – Thanksgiving gives a much needed break to investors who have been stuffed with market indigestion this week. Tomorrow we’re back at again with one more trading day before a much needed weekend break. A... 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 »

Stunted Stalwart Growth For German ETF?
November 14, 2007 – Strong exports have been key in Germany’s latest economic growth, sending focused stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) upward. A stronger euro is a worry that exports from the euro zone will be less... Continue Reading »

Invesco/PowerShares Expands ETFs To European Markets
November 6, 2007 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) market has grown significantly in Europe, and providers see plenty of opportunity around for further expansion. Invesco revealed plans to expand its U.S.-based ETF division, PowerShares, in the U.K.... Continue Reading »

Foreign Bond ETFs Play the Dollar
October 13, 2007 – Foreign bond exchange traded funds (ETFs) have hit the market, and the timing is perfect. SPDR Lehman International Treasury Bond Fund (BWX) is a broad-based ETF that gives exposure to 17 counties: 13 of... Continue Reading »

India’s ETN and CEF Talk Politics and Cars
October 12, 2007 – Although India does not have an exchange traded fund (ETF), it does have the exchange traded note iPath MSCI India Index ETN (INP) and the closed-end fund India Fund (IFN). As Bombay’s SENSEX index... Continue Reading »

Google’s and Apple’s Success Keeps Technology ETFs Happy
October 10, 2007 – Google’s (GOOG) stock crossed the $600 mark for the first time earlier this week, which pleased the technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) that contain the Internet giant within their top 10 holdings. The stock... Continue Reading »

An ETF Passport
October 8, 2007 –                       Broad-based exchange traded funds (ETFs) could lead you to believe that you own a small piece of the world, but indexes such as the EAFE might... Continue Reading »

Germany’s ETF Looks Festive for Octoberfest
October 4, 2007 – Maybe Octoberfest glee has spread to Germany’s exchange traded fund. Currently, iShares MSCI Germany Index (EWG) is up 28.6% year-to-date. More than likely though, something else is behind EWG’s strong performance. One of the factors... Continue Reading »

Austria’s Forecasted Growth Increase Could Boost Its ETF
September 29, 2007 – The Austrian National Bank recently raised its prediction for real gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.2 percentage points, which could influence the performance of its exchange traded fund (ETF), iShares MSCI Austria Index... Continue Reading »

ETFs and the Falling Dollar
September 27, 2007 – No matter how "American" you live your life, the declining dollar will have some affect on your daily purchases and investments, including exchange traded funds (ETFs). This week, the  dollar dropped to another all-time... Continue Reading »

Auto Stocks, the UAW Strike and Auto-related ETFs
September 24, 2007 – With all the news surrounding the auto industry lately, perhaps it’s better that there isn’t an auto-related exchange traded fund (ETF). While the auto industry abroad is booming, the same cannot be said here... Continue Reading »

Different Investment Strategies to ETFs
September 24, 2007 – Traditional exchange traded funds (ETFs) track indexes, come in an array of varieties and tout many features: low cost, low turnover, broad diversification and lower expense ratios. The ETF world is dominated by passive... 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 »

IndexIQ’s Innovative ETFs
September 20, 2007 – IndexIQ Advisors is waiting on the filing status of three exchange traded funds (ETFs) based on "intangible" qualities, such as innovation, power and productivity. The ETFs are: ETFIQ Commodity Rotation ETFIQ Country Rotation All World Ex-U.S. ETFIQ... Continue Reading »

Is the EAFE ETF Index Phasing Out?
September 19, 2007 – In the early years of international exchange traded funds (ETFs), the EAFE (Europe, Asia and Far East) Index used to be the benchmark to follow. However, with so much new competition, maybe EAFE isn’t... Continue Reading »

Germany ETF Stout and Sturdy
September 10, 2007 – While the U.S. markets and exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to see ups and downs from the widening credit crunch, some countries seem to be experiencing less damage. One of those countries is Germany.... Continue Reading »

International REIT ETF Hits the Market
August 7, 2007 – As domestic real estate investment trust (REIT) indexes decline steadily, the new international real estate-based exchange traded fund (ETF) might be the sector’s savior. Barclays Global Investors launched the iShares S&P World ex-U.S. Property... Continue Reading »

Around the ETF World
August 6, 2007 – As the international exchange traded fund (ETF) market expands, it’s becoming a more popular area in which to invest. Asian country-based ETFs have been doing especially well because of strong labor markets. China’s economy... Continue Reading »

European ETFs: Get One Whole or Take Them by the Slice
July 27, 2007 – Investing in Europe via exchange traded funds (ETFs) is another way to diversify your portfolio. In a way, it’s kind of like ordering pizza. When you invest in a European ETF that has different... Continue Reading »

ETFs That Can Benefit from the Dollar’s Decline
July 25, 2007 – With the dollar in decline, it could pay to invest in a variety of international and foreign currency exchange traded funds (ETFs). As we mentioned last week, there are several benefits abroad and reasons why... Continue Reading »

European ETFs Blow Past U.S. in Performance
July 13, 2007 – Europe has been kicking our butts lately when it comes to exchange traded funds (ETFs) and their performances. But why?  One reason could be the new wave of political reform across several European countries,... Continue Reading »

Russia ETF Needs Patience and Strategy
June 13, 2007 – Russian leaders talked up their country at a recent business forum, promising an open investment climate and ambitious economic projections. Could this help push the Russian exchange traded fund (ETF), Market Vectors Russia (RSX),... Continue Reading »

Platinum ETF-It’s Off
May 29, 2007 – This month the industry buzz was all about the launch of a platinum-based exchange traded fund (ETF). A U.S. bank was planning on launching a platinum ETF in the United States, but the idea... Continue Reading »

German ETF Up on Global and Local Economy
May 14, 2007 – The German exchange traded fund (ETF) iShares MSCI Germany (EWG) is up 17% year-to-date due to the stocks in its basket. Top company holdings are multinational first-class, including Siemens, Daimler Chrysler, BASF and Deutsche... Continue Reading »

Continued Global ETF Dominance Probable
May 8, 2007 – Barclays, provider of exchange traded funds (ETFs), says the probability for European and Asian markets to outperform the U.S. is favorable. In the past few years, equities in these markets have outperformed those in... Continue Reading »

April Showers Helped ETFs Grow
April 30, 2007 – Markets continued to climb higher this month with many exchange traded funds (ETFs) reaching new highs.  Domestic large-cap advances helped pushed the Dow above 13,000 for the first time ever.  Global markets also rose... Continue Reading »

German ETF -Stalwart Growth
April 19, 2007 – The German economy has been given new life and the exchange traded fund (ETF) iShares MSCI Germany Index (EWG) is up 12.5% year-to-date. The transformation of Germany is embedded so well that German executives... Continue Reading »

ETFs And Demographics
April 11, 2007 – Demographics is(n’t) Destiny but it can play a role in the rise and fall of civilizations and may influence where you invest, including exchange traded funds (ETFs).  Michael Krause for TheStreet.com compares populations of... Continue Reading »

February 2007 ETF Performance Report
February 28, 2007 – February ended the month on concerns a correction in the markets may be apon us.  Exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the mid-cap arena outperformed small- and large-caps, gaining about 2% for the month.  Asia... Continue Reading »

German ETF (EWG) A Pleasant Surprise
January 29, 2007 – The German exchange traded fund (ETF) iShares MSCI Germany Index(EWG) is up 31% over the past 12 months despite Germany’s slow growing economy. Carl Delfeld states this shows the de-linking of company share prices... Continue Reading »

Looking Into 2007 For China ETFs
December 26, 2006 – Outside of those exchange traded funds (ETFs) that go short, China ETFs were the only ones in the positive column last week. Since 1990, China’s economy has been expanding rapidly, averaging an annual average... Continue Reading »

International Real Estate ETF Has Arrived!
December 20, 2006 – Now that the housing market has cooled in the United States, why not invest in an exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in the overseas real estate market? State Street Global Advisers is the... Continue Reading »

Dividends with International SmallCap ETFs
December 20, 2006 – WisdomTree exchange traded funds (ETFs) base their weighting, not on market cap, but on dividends.  Recently the ETF provider launched small-cap dividend funds, including WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend (DFE), WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS)... Continue Reading »

WisdomTree’s New ETFs
November 13, 2006 – WisdomTree has filed to launch 31 new exchange traded funds (ETFs) with the SEC. All of WisdomTree’s ETFs track fundamentally weighted indexes that anchor the initial weights of individual stocks to a measure of... Continue Reading »

German ETF (EWG) Play on Global Economy
July 14, 2006 – Although the World Cup is over, it doesn’t mean we should stop looking at Germany.  Murray Coleman of Investor’s Business Daily took a look at the exchange traded fund iShares MSCI Germany (EWG).  He... Continue Reading »

ETF Trends - World Cup Brings German Economy to Light
June 20, 2006 – All eyes are on Germany as the World Cup is in full swing. And, although the recent global market correction has effected Germany too, many agree that Germany has great economic potential going forward. The... Continue Reading »

Using ETFs for Global Gains
May 15, 2006 – Carl Delfeld of Chartwell Advisor provides some interesting statistics about global trends and how investors can take advantage of these opportunities using exchange traded funds.  To highlight a few: The U.S. has not been the... Continue Reading »

ETF Trends - How To Play Eastern Europe - iShares Austria (EWO)
April 15, 2006 – Economies are booming in Cental and Eastern Europe, but finding publicly traded companies to buy in a diversified way isn’t easy. The iShares Austria fund (EWO) gives average investors an opportunity to participate: Austrian firms derive... Continue Reading »

European Investing using Exchange Traded Funds
November 1, 2005 – With great investing opportunities outside the U.S., ETFs make global investing easier and provide a way to reach growing areas around the world.  Look at Europe, some say there is low growth in the... Continue Reading »

Overseas Markets Are on a Roll These Days
September 19, 2005 – Overseas Markets Are on a Roll These Days NEW YORK, September 18, 2005 (AP) While U.S. indexes dully waver within a minuscule range, overseas markets are on fire. Japan’s Nikkei average hit its highest point since... Continue Reading »