Five ETFs That Are Waiting To Shine
August 29, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) world has exploded, and there are hundreds of funds to choose from. But there are a few that are great ideas that don’t seem to have taken off yet. Matthew Hougan... Continue Reading »

Overseas Demand for Cars, Planes Bumps Up Durable Goods Orders and ETFs
August 27, 2008 – In a late-summer surprise, durable goods orders for July rose, which could benefit a number of exchange traded funds (ETFs). The 1.3% gain in orders for goods meant to last at least three years ties last... Continue Reading »

Tom Lydon Talks Broadband, Water ETFs on Fox Business
August 22, 2008 – Tom Lydon appeared on Fox Business earlier today and discussed broadband and water ETFs. Video of the segment appears below: Continue Reading »

Broadband ETF Could Benefit From Push to Get Everyone High-Speed Access
August 21, 2008 – A push for more broadband across the United States could benefit internet and other exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the long run. Kevin Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, says that high-speed internet access is... Continue Reading »

A Higher Bar for China’s Companies Could Refresh ETFs
August 4, 2008 – Some companies in China are going high-tech, and it could deliver a charge to the country’s exchange traded funds (ETFs). A little-known company there, BYD Corporation, has rocketed to the number two producer of batteries in... Continue Reading »

Broadband ETF Transmits Positive Earnings Reports
August 1, 2008 – The broadband exchange traded fund (ETF) has been quietly putting up some pretty decent numbers lately. The Broadband HOLDRs (BDH) are up 2.4% year-to-date, and 12.8% in the last two weeks. The strength of top holding... 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Consumer Reluctance to Use Cars Could Benefit Internet ETFs
July 5, 2008 – Besides the gasoline-related stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs), is there any other way to try and benefit from the $4-$5 a gallon prices? Did you just fill up your tank on the way to... Continue Reading »

No Hanging Chad Here: Presidential Campaign Could Help Internet ETFs
June 19, 2008 – There is already one winner in the presidential elections: the internet, and this could help download returns for some of the internet and technology related exchange traded funds (ETFs). Between the increasing views of online... Continue Reading »

GE Shares Downgraded, Industrial ETFs Hold Steady
June 16, 2008 – General Electric (GE) had its shares downgraded from "neutral" to "overweight," but that doesn’t seem to be dragging exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count the company as a top component. It’s just the latest bit of... Continue Reading »

Internet HOLDRs ETF Falls After Yahoo and Microsoft Call It Off
June 12, 2008 – Technology stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) didn’t exactly shout "YAHOO!" when news of a failed deal between Yahoo and Microsoft (MSFT) came through this afternoon. Anupreeta Das and Daisuke Wakabayashi for Reuters report that Microsoft... Continue Reading »

Hedge Against Oil’s Wild Swings With New Long/Short ETFs
June 12, 2008 – Is the time nigh for some exchange traded funds (ETFs) that short oil and gas? The answer seems to be mixed - while oil prices have retreated some today, down to $132 a barrel, gas... Continue Reading »

When the Bears Come Out, the Short ETFs Aren’t Far Behind
June 12, 2008 – Are you feeling a bit bearish on your exchange traded fund (ETF) bets because of the market turmoil? You’re not alone. Some of the strongest funds in trading yesterday were the shorts, including ProShares UltraShort... Continue Reading »

Semiconductors Take A Chip Off The ETF
June 12, 2008 – The semiconductor sector hit a six-week low on Wednesday, chipping away at related exchange traded funds (ETFs). A chip industry tracker cut its global sales outlook for the year to 4.3% from 7.7%, reports... Continue Reading »

Rydex Proposes Leveraged ETFs For The Market
June 10, 2008 – Rydex Investments is planning to add to its family of leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs), this time with sectors. They’re scheduled to begin trading Thursday. The move is in hopes that it will put... Continue Reading »

Are Semiconductor ETFs Trying To Tell Us Something?
June 5, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the technology sector are showing strength, but is it driven from true demand or is it simply from a bargain hunting spree by savvy investors? The semiconductor space of the... Continue Reading »

When It Comes to Technology ETFs, Diversifying Outperforms Long-Term
June 4, 2008 – When it comes to technology exchange traded funds (ETFs), is it better to target a specific segment of the sector or broaden your horizons? Gary Gordon for ETF Expert believes that two-year returns indicate that... Continue Reading »

ETFs Reflect Technology Sector’s Push Past Financials
May 23, 2008 –   Winning is an elusive act, so if you change your perspective on what sector is ahead, which exchange traded fund (ETF) is actually ahead? Most investment professionals use the S&P 500 to gauge the performance... Continue Reading »

Short ETFs Stand Tall on a Rough Market Day
May 23, 2008 – While the Dow Jones industrial average and other major indexes sank in trading today, exchange traded funds (ETFs) that short the markets reaped the rewards. The strongest 20 ETFs in trading today were all funds... Continue Reading »

Gaming ETFs Slowly But Surely Regaining Lost Ground
May 23, 2008 – Software stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) were socked at the beginning of 200, but so far they’ve seemed to recover most of those losses. It is too soon to tell if the market is recovering,... Continue Reading »

HOLDRs: Do They Have A Hold On You?
May 21, 2008 – HOLDRs, or Holding Company Depositary Receipts, are one of the most popularly traded exchange traded funds (ETFs) on the American Stock Exchange on any given day. However, the HOLDRs are not technically ETFs. They... Continue Reading »

Fund’s Conversion to ETF Explained
May 20, 2008 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) provider Claymore announced last week that one of their closed end funds (CEFs) will be converting to an ETF. But Heather Bell for Index Universe says this isn’t so radical as... Continue Reading »

Sector ETFs Gain Financial Advisors’ Preference
May 19, 2008 – Statistics reveal that financial advisors are starting to prefer sector-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) over individual stocks. Broad-based ETF assets are down lately due to the state of the market, reports Jesse Emspak for... Continue Reading »

GE to Leave Ailing Appliance Business; Will It Impact ETFs?
May 16, 2008 – General Electric (GE) is planning to leave the appliance business, but what will it mean for exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count the company as a holding? General Electric was once best known for its appliance... Continue Reading »

Will ETF Investors Be Saying Yahoo If Board Gets the Hook?
May 15, 2008 – One of Yahoo’s biggest shareholders is hopping mad, and he’s taking steps that could ultimately affect some technology and internet exchange traded funds (ETFs). Carl Icahn, a billionaire investor, is gearing up to oust Yahoo’s... Continue Reading »

Sprint Dials a Loss and Telecom ETFs Sit On Hold
May 13, 2008 – Sprint (S) seems to be hurting if the numbers are any indication - what could the number three wireless carrier’s woes mean to the telecom exchange traded funds (ETFs)? In short, the carrier needs more... Continue Reading »

Hewlett-Packard Tying the Knot With EDS; How Will ETFs View It?
May 13, 2008 – A move that will create the second-largest technology services provider could affect related exchange traded funds (ETFs). Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) announced today that it’s going to buy Electronic Data Systems Corp. (EDS) for $13.2 billion, reports Michael... Continue Reading »

Israel Emerges As A Strong ETF Industry Leader
May 9, 2008 – Tucked away in the heart of the Jewish country is Tali 25, an exchange traded fund (ETF) that is already 8 years old. It was Israel’s first fund to market. Since then, the Israel... Continue Reading »

HOLDRs Are Very Different From ETFs
May 8, 2008 – Recently, an acquisition between two companies illustrated how HOLDRs are different from exchange traded funds (ETFs). BEA Systems Inc. (BEAS) was acquired by Oracle Corp. (ORCL) on April 29, 2008. BEAS was deleted from the... Continue Reading »

Financial ETFs, Markets Stumble After Buyout Deal Rumored to Be Failing
May 5, 2008 – Financial stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) fell midday after investors became worried that Bank of America (BAC) might not complete a proposed buyout of Countrywide Financial (CFC). A brokerage said Bank of America was... Continue Reading »

Yahoo Shares, Tech ETFs Sink After Microsoft Rescinds Offer
May 5, 2008 – Yahoo has some splainin’ to do - a shareholder sell-off sent technology and internet exchange traded funds (ETFs) lower this morning. Shares for Yahoo (YHOO) fell more than 16% midday after Microsoft (MSFT) took back... Continue Reading »

Microsoft and Yahoo In Friendly Talks; Tech ETFs Watch and Wait
May 2, 2008 – Technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) watched and waited while two technology giants put their dukes down and talked about being lovers, not fighters. Talks between Microsoft (MSFT) and Yahoo (YHOO) picked up today after both... Continue Reading »

Global Semiconductor Sales Surge; Will ETFs Stage Turnaround?
May 2, 2008 – While semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) are down slightly so far today, the outlook for the sector has improved with some first-quarter numbers. Worldwide semiconductor sales rose 3.8% in the first quarter from the same period... Continue Reading »

Biotech Sector And ETFs Suffer Failed Study
April 30, 2008 – The biotechnology sector suffered after a Genetech Inc. (DNA) study regarding treatment of Lupus failed, letting down related exchange traded funds (ETFs). The study of Rituxan was in the later stages, reports Wanfeng Zhou for Thomson... Continue Reading »

Semiconductor ETFs Are A Bright Spot For Tech Sector
April 29, 2008 – The technology sector and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) seems to be losing some of the steam it had gathered toward the end of 2007. The tech-obsessed Nasdaq composite index is down 8.6% year-to-date.... Continue Reading »

Being In the Middle Better for ETFs Than Jan Brady
April 29, 2008 – Among the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that focus on a particular company size and investing style, mid-cap growth seems to be leaving the others in the dust lately. In the last three months, mid-cap growth... Continue Reading »

Nasdaq, Dow and ETFs Close at Three-Month Highs
April 25, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) that tracks the Nasdaq 100 hit a three-month high in trading yesterday after its 10 most-heavily weighted components moved higher. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to stick if... Continue Reading »

Stocks, ETFs Down on Consumer Confidence Numbers and Microsoft/Yahoo Battle
April 25, 2008 – Some exchange traded funds (ETFs) headed lower this morning after consumer sentiment dropped to its lowest point in nearly 26 years. Technology ETFs weren’t helped by Microsoft’s disappointing earnings forecast. The Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment... Continue Reading »

Apple, Amazon Come Out With Earnings Numbers; Could Tech ETFs Hop?
April 23, 2008 – Two highly anticipated earnings reports came out after the market close, and the good news could lift related exchange traded funds (ETFs). First, Amazon.com (AMZN) came out with its numbers. The web retailer says its first-quarter... Continue Reading »

Technology ETFs Inch Up as Yahoo and Microsoft Lock Antlers
April 23, 2008 – The battle between two giants continues, and technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) are enjoying the view from the sidelines. Yahoo (YHOO) yesterday reported its first quarterly profit increase in two years. Surely this would encourage Microsoft... Continue Reading »

ETFs Aren’t Lovin’ Good Earnings Numbers from McDonalds, AT&T
April 22, 2008 – Despite positive numbers from both AT&T (T) and McDonald’s (MCD), the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count them as major components seem to be unmoved by the news. AT&T reported that its first quarter profit... Continue Reading »

Earnings Show Good Signs And Help Tech and Financial ETFs
April 18, 2008 – First quarter earnings reports are lifting exchange traded funds (ETFs) today.  Reports from Google (GOOG) and Citigroup (C) helped ease investors minds about corporate profits, so much so that it has sent the Dow... Continue Reading »

Google Gives Earnings; Will Tech ETFs Party Tomorrow?
April 17, 2008 – What was with all the hand-wringing? Google’s numbers finally came out after the market close, they were good and technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) liked it. Google (GOOG) put the kibosh on rumors that its advertising... Continue Reading »

Mixed Earnings Reports Give Mixed ETF Results
April 17, 2008 – Merrill Lynch (MER ) posted a first-quarter loss this morning, but so far the broker-dealers exchange traded fund (ETF) seems to be keeping quiet. The world’s largest brokerage said it would cut 3,000 jobs after more... Continue Reading »

Tech ETFs Holding Their Breath For Google Earnings Report Tomorrow
April 16, 2008 – Investors, technology exchange traded fund (ETF) investors and computer junkies alike are anticipating the first quarter earnings from Google (GOOG). The numbers are due out tomorrow. Wendy Tanaka for Forbes reports that the number of... Continue Reading »

Intel’s News Boosts Stocks, Semiconductor ETFs
April 16, 2008 – Semiconductor maker Intel Corp (INTC) reported a lower quarterly net profit and revenue ahead of expectations, sending shares and semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) higher in after-hours trading. Intel is one of the bellwethers for... Continue Reading »

If Investment Remains Solid, Infrastructure ETFs Could Gather Strength
April 15, 2008 – An exchange traded fund (ETF) can be a better proxy for a sector than a single stock. It takes the guesswork right out of investing. Diversification is another element that is added when using... Continue Reading »

Semiconductor’s Upgrade Gives ETFs a Jolt
April 10, 2008 – The semiconductor sector and exchange traded funds (ETFs) got a boost early today after a brokerage upgrade. Banc of America Securities said a modest inventory buildup in the sector has eased, leading to an upgrade.... Continue Reading »

Twists and Turns in Microsoft vs. Yahoo Benefits Tech ETFs
April 10, 2008 – The Yahoo (YHOO) plot thickens, and it’s sending the technology-related stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) higher in midday trading. For those playing along at home, Microsoft (MSFT) is threatening a hostile takeover bid. Yahoo... Continue Reading »

Technology ETFs Don’t Move Much While Microsoft Woos Yahoo
April 7, 2008 – Yahoo (YHOO) is playing hard-to-get with Microsoft (MSFT), and the coyness is having mixed results in the technology exchange traded funds (ETFs). Microsoft has given Yahoo a three-week deadline to accept its $42 billion takeover... Continue Reading »

Worldwide Growth Can Build Up Demand for Industrial ETFs
March 30, 2008 – The PowerShares FTSE RAFI Industrials Sector (PRFN) exchange traded fund (ETF) could benefit from optimism in the industrial sector down the line. How’s that? Many of the companies in this fund’s top holdings have... Continue Reading »

Technology ETFs Bear the Weight of Oracle’s Stumble
March 27, 2008 – While Oracle Corp. (ORCL) gave good news that its quarterly profit had risen, other numbers weren’t to investors’ liking and its shares fell, taking technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) with them. While the company reported... Continue Reading »

Motorola to Split In Two - Technology ETFs Are Mum For Now
March 26, 2008 – Motorola (MOT) announced today that it was going to split itself in two, but so far the impact on technology and networking exchange traded funds (ETFs) doesn’t seem apparent. The company’s stock has fallen 45%... Continue Reading »

If Yahoo Finds a Taker, Some ETFs Could Take Notice
March 19, 2008 – Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) delivered a rosy outlook for 2009 and 2010, but will the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that count the company as a major holding buy it? The disclosure, which was not scheduled, is... Continue Reading »

Broker-Dealers and Internet ETFs Were Stars Yesterday
March 19, 2008 – It was a good day for the markets overall, but two exchange traded funds (ETFs) in particular stood out head and shoulders above the rest yesterday: iShares Dow Jones US Broker-Dealers (IAI) and the Internet... Continue Reading »

Boeing Orders Are Up; Transportation ETF Cleared to Take Off?
March 16, 2008 – The PowerShares Aerospace & Defense (PPA) exchange traded fund (ETF) could benefit from news that Boeing (BA) shares rose Friday. Boeing is a major component in the fund at 6.8%. The company reported orders... Continue Reading »

India ETFs Might Focus on the Same Country, But That’s Where Similarity Ends
March 13, 2008 – Two new exchange traded funds (ETFs) finally give investors the passage to India they had been looking for. The country has been in the spotlight lately, with its 9% annual GDP growth and strong... Continue Reading »

Not All the Good Ideas Are Taken With ETFs
March 13, 2008 – W.P. Thatcher for Stocks For All Seasons has 10 exchange traded funds (ETFs) in mind that he’d like to see come to market. Long gone are the days of only the plain vanilla fund,... Continue Reading »

Will The “Red Ring” Penetrate Your ETF?
March 11, 2008 –   The "Red Ring Of Death" may be glowing around Microsoft (MSFT), so is it going to penetrate the technology-oriented exchange traded funds (ETFs) as well? More than 18 million Xbox 360’s have sold since... Continue Reading »

Market Volatility Has Unearthed Some ETF Buying Opportunities
March 10, 2008 – Research firm MarketGrader compiles the indexes that underly the Spa Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). MarketGrader’s latest fundamental research indicates that the U.S. market is largely oversold in the wake of volatility, reports ETF Express. Buy opportunities... Continue Reading »

Short ETFs Can Help If Handled With Care
March 6, 2008 – In a down market, short exchange traded funds (ETFs) gain popularity, but they need to be used with caution and education. ProShares UltraShort QQQ (QID) is one of the more popular ETFs of this... Continue Reading »

Semiconductor ETF Drags On Intel News
March 6, 2008 – Shares of Intel Corp. (INTC) are expecting a lower profit margin which weighed on investor sentiment toward the semiconductor exchange traded fund (ETF). Semiconductor HOLDRs (SMH) fell on Tuesday to $28.13 after hitting an... Continue Reading »

PowerShares Launches Its India ETF Today
March 5, 2008 – PowerShares launched its India exchange traded fund (ETF) this morning, and it’s trading on the NYSE Arca. The PowerShares India Portfolio (PIN) will join the WidsomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) as the two ETFs dedicated... Continue Reading »

Canada’s ETF Gives Exposure to Natural Resources and More
February 22, 2008 – Canada is a developed country that offers commodities exposure without all the geopolitical risk, making its exchange traded fund (ETF) that much more enticing. As a commodities play, iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) has... Continue Reading »

Will Paper’s Push Out the Door Impact the Timber ETF?
February 15, 2008 – The desire for efficiency and reducing consumption is leaving paper in the dust, but could the use of the wood derivative someday slow down enough to impact the timber-focused exchange traded fund (ETF)? The... Continue Reading »

Defense, Biotechnology ETFs Stand to Gain if McCain Wins
February 8, 2008 – The events of Super Tuesday didn’t solidify much in the way of the presidential race on the Democratic side, but one person has taken a few guesses as to which exchange traded funds (ETFs)... Continue Reading »

Biotechnology ETFs Raise Hopes On Stock Jump
February 8, 2008 – Biotechnology exchange traded funds (ETFs) and stocks are thriving as fourth quarter earnings from Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB) gave investors an 84% jump in profit. According to the Associated Press, Biogen’s profits rose on... Continue Reading »

Technology ETF Drops With Cisco
February 7, 2008 – Shares of Cisco Systems have been posting disappointing revenue growth, sending the technology-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) to their lowest levels this year. Tech stocks tumbled Thursday, and shares of Cisco (CSCO) were sold... Continue Reading »

Yahoo And Microsoft Stocks Jump; Internet ETFs Sit Tight
February 5, 2008 – Friday’s news of Microsoft’s (MSFT) $44.6 billion bid for Yahoo (YHOO) has driven up share prices could affect related internet exchange traded funds (ETFs) heavily weighted in the companies. Yahoo’s prices went up to $28.68... Continue Reading »

Cut Cables Aren’t Cutting Internet ETFs
February 5, 2008 – Would the Internet exchange traded funds (ETFs) be affected by four undersea cables that are damaged? Undersea cables are carrying around 95% of the world’s telephone and Internet traffic, and four of them have... Continue Reading »

Two New India ETFs Should Hit This Month
February 4, 2008 – The challenge for PowerShares will be getting around India’s rules about foreign stock ownership with its new India-focused exchange traded fund (ETF). Instead of traditional ETFs, which use derivatives and/or notes that provide indirect exposure,... Continue Reading »

Microsoft Makes an Offer to Yahoo - What Will It Mean for Tech ETFs?
February 1, 2008 – The war over who will be Internet King has another battle brewing, and it’s going to make technology-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) something to keep an eye on. Yahoo (YHOO) has been slumping, and Microsoft... Continue Reading »

The ETF Gold Rush Of 2008
January 31, 2008 – Yee-haw! There is a new gold rush occurring right now as investors are running to gold-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) and gold shares. E.S. Browning for The Wall Street Journal reports that since mid-August,... Continue Reading »

eBay Will Change Hands, Possibly Boosting Internet ETFs
January 26, 2008 – The impact of recent eBay (EBAY) news on exchange traded funds (ETFs) heavily weighted in the company will be something to keep an eye on this year. Earlier this week, the company announced that its CEO,... Continue Reading »

Broadband ETF Hits Low
January 23, 2008 – Tuesday was a brutal day for Wall Street and the exchange traded fund (ETF) Broadband HOLDRs (BDH) was given no mercy. The ETF fell to its lowest level in more than four years, weighed... Continue Reading »

Internet ETFs May Take Off With Yahoo’s New Plan
January 23, 2008 – Internet icon Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) is seeking to boost profits, and thus boost related exchange traded funds (ETFS) and pacify investors who have been demanding more action to reverse the steep decline in the... Continue Reading »

Intel’s Bad News Hits Semiconductor ETF
January 16, 2008 – On the heels of Intel’s (INTC) not-so-good fourth-quarter earnings report, the semiconductor exchange traded fund (ETF) took a spill to a three-year low. Intel makes up 24.2% of the Semiconductor HOLDRs ETF (SMH), and the... Continue Reading »

Are Tech ETFs Oversold?
January 12, 2008 – Has there been a huge deterioration of technology-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) and stocks? Arthur B. Hill of ETF Investment Outlook thinks so. Some of the biggest stocks have seen a downslide over the... Continue Reading »

Market Madness a Boon for Short ETFs
January 8, 2008 – It was rough going all over the first week of the new year, but not for short exchange traded funds (ETFs). Short ETFs are the contrarians of the markets, designed to do the opposite... Continue Reading »

Consumer Tech Spending Projected to Slow Down, Possibly Hitting ETFs
January 7, 2008 – The ghost of a consumer spending slowdown and a possible dip in related exchange traded funds (ETFs) hovers over the annual Consumer Electronics Show taking place this week in Las Vegas. Visiting a smorgasbord... Continue Reading »

Brazil’s ETF Could Retain Its Looks Through 2008
January 4, 2008 – Brazil is generally known as the land of really good-looking people, and that tendency toward good looks extends to its exchange traded fund (ETF). The iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ) was among the top... Continue Reading »

Fighting Cancer Goes Nuclear Along With ETFs
December 31, 2007 – Hospitals are undertaking a new nuclear arms race, possibly plumping up related nuclear and cancer exchange traded funds (ETFs). Andrew Pollack for The New York Times reports that medical centers are rushing to turn... Continue Reading »

Durable Goods Orders Affect ETFs
December 27, 2007 – Orders for durable goods ticked up slightly for November, and a number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be affected by the news. The increase was small - only 0.1% - and well short... Continue Reading »

Post-Holiday ETF Dreaming
December 27, 2007 – The holidays are over, and we’re already poking around the tree for any missed presents and thinking about what we’d like for next year’s helping of exchange traded funds (ETFs). Matthew Hougan at IndexUniverse... Continue Reading »

Evolving Smartphone Techology Gives Telecom ETFs a Lift
December 26, 2007 – Even though the U.S. seems to be bringing up the rear with telecommunications technology among developed countries, related exchange traded funds (ETFs) don’t appear to be suffering. You would think with the launch of the... Continue Reading »

Cubes ETF Rebalances, Fund Holders Win
December 26, 2007 – If you’ve got a piece of the cubes exchange traded funds (ETF), you should be sitting pretty right now. The fund, also known as the PowerShares Nasdaq 100 Trust (QQQQ), has climbed upward since... Continue Reading »

Nanotech ETFs Set To Evolve
December 26, 2007 – Nanotechnology companies are ready to go public, just in time to evolve into exchange traded funds (ETFs). James Flanigan for The New York Times reports that this type of step is a big stage... Continue Reading »

What Happened To B2B ETF?
December 19, 2007 – What happened to the B2B Internet HOLDRs (BHH)  exchange traded fund (ETF) since the Internet boom? It used to be investing in one of the business-to-business companies was a sure fire ticket to great... Continue Reading »

Tech ETFs: 2008 Outlook
December 14, 2007 – One word to describe the tech sector and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) is "fragmented". For much of 2007 the simple investments made into a broad-based technology ETF may have brought double-digit gains, however,... Continue Reading »

The New Tech Consumer Tiny But Gives ETFs Growth Potential
December 1, 2007 – Toy makers and retailers are filling their shelves with new technology devices for their newest consumer, the preschooler, ages 3 & up. Imagine what this will do for tech stocks and exchange traded funds... Continue Reading »

Cyber Monday Delights ETF Investors
November 27, 2007 – "Cyber Monday" is the official start to the online holiday shopping season, not to be confused with "Black Friday", sending up retail and possibly Internet stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Lots more retailers... Continue Reading »

Internet ETFs Poised to Benefit from Holiday Shopping
November 16, 2007 – Finally, a little holiday cheer comes the way of exchange traded funds (ETFs). While brick-and-mortar retailers and the ETFs that track them might be drowning their troubles in egg nog, internet ETFs could actually get... Continue Reading »

Tech ETFs Taking Brunt of Market
November 8, 2007 – Technology stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) ended the day down more than any other sector.  The markets had another difficult day, but were able to bounce back from lows reached in intraday trading. ... Continue Reading »

Holy Cisco Batman - Watch the QQQQ ETF Today
November 8, 2007 – Cisco Systems (CSCO), a top holding for the exchange traded fund (ETF) PowerShares QQQ (QQQQ), reported a 37% increase in net profit.  But the stock declined more than 8% in after market trading yesterday... Continue Reading »

Where Is Google In the Internet ETFs?
October 31, 2007 – Where do you think Google (GOOG) is in the related exchange traded funds (ETFs)? As Google’s stock price went above $700 for the first time today, some of you may wonder.  Well, Scott Rothbort... Continue Reading »

PHW ETF Benefits from Technology’s Boom
October 29, 2007 – The PowerShares Dynamic Hardware and Consumer Electronics (PHW) exchange traded fund (ETF) follows the Hardware & Consumer Electronics Intellidex Index. The index evaluates companies based on a variety of criteria, such as fundamental growth,... Continue Reading »

Networking ETF (IGN) Withstands Earnings Report Hit
October 26, 2007 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) iShares S&P GSTI Networking Index (IGN) fell sharply earlier this week when shares of one of its top holdings Juniper Networks (JNPR) tumbled following its quarterly earnings results. Juniper... Continue Reading »

Amazon Earnings Lift Internet ETF
October 24, 2007 – A singular exchange traded fund (ETF) Internet HOLDRs (HHH) was more affected than most as Amazon (AMZN) reported better than expected third-quarter results. Net income more than quadrupled to $80 million, or 19 cents... Continue Reading »

Apple Boosts Technology ETFs
October 23, 2007 – Apple (AAPL) surpassed analysts’ estimates with a 67% rise in profit on Monday, boosting shares up 7% and adding an increase to some exchange traded funds (ETFs). The popularity of its iPhone and iPod... Continue Reading »

Watch the SPDRs ETFs Grow
October 19, 2007 – The Select Sector SPDRs exchange traded funds (ETFs) cover broad, general sectors of the market. Billions of dollars move into and out of those funds each week. A total of nearly $21.8 billion was... Continue Reading »

Third-quarter Earnings Reports Put Technology ETFs in the Spotlight
October 18, 2007 – Many technology exchange traded fund (ETFs) were up yesterday after several companies released stronger-than-expected earnings reports. Intel’s (INTC) third-quarter profit rose 43% on demand for personal computers in Europe and Asia and forecast sales... Continue Reading »

Holiday Cell Phones Could Be a Good Luck Charm for Semiconductor ETFs
October 10, 2007 – Semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) seem likely to benefit from Broadcom’s (BRCM) chips and software that will be in new cell phones launched for the holidays by Samsung Electronics. Broadcom is the No. 2... 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 »

“Stock Trader’s Almanac” Can Be a Fun Resource for ETF Investors
October 2, 2007 – While we can’t predict what exchange traded funds (ETFs) will do, it’s interesting to look at their trends. One source for this is through the "Stock Trader’s Almanac." Generally speaking, the "Stock Trader’s Almanac" says... Continue Reading »

Will Amazon’s New Music Store Help or Hurt Technology ETFs?
September 30, 2007 – Technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be in for a shakeup as Amazon.com (AMZN) unveiled its highly anticipated digital music store, Amazon MP3, with nearly 3.2 million songs. The store, which opened early last... Continue Reading »

Technology ETFs Rising on the Sly
September 27, 2007 – After seven years of hibernation, technology stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been making a comeback on the sly. The tech-loaded Nasdaq-100, which practically collapsed in the early turn of the century, has... Continue Reading »

Will the New Children’s Laptop Help Technology ETFs?
September 27, 2007 – Technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) could see heightened action next month when mass production of low-cost children’s laptops begins. The project is called One Laptop Per Child and its goal is to bring computers... Continue Reading »

Video Game “Halo 3″ Launch Helps Technology ETF (IXN)
September 24, 2007 – The iShares S&P Global Technology (IXN) exchange traded fund (ETF) could see some movement now that some of its biggest shares have seen an increase in their performance. Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOG) hit... Continue Reading »

Good and Bad News for Software ETF
September 18, 2007 – The iShares S&P GSTI Software (IGV) exchange traded fund (ETF) invests in large software companies such as Oracle (ORCL) at 7.8%, Microsoft (MSFT) at 7.7%, Adobe Systems (ADBE) at 7.1% and Symantec (SYMC) at... Continue Reading »

Computer Rivals Complement Tech ETF
September 14, 2007 – The Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) exchange traded fund (ETF) has survived the volatility better than many other ETFs lately. Currently it’s up 11.9% year-to-date. Some of XLK’s holdings include Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Dell (DELL).... Continue Reading »

Apple, Mattel, China in your ETF?
September 8, 2007 – Consumers and investors are dizzy with news on stocks like Apple (AAPL) and Mattel (MAT), and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that hold them. News buzzed around Apple’s new touch-screen iPod launch. In the... Continue Reading »

ETFs That Look Similar Can Be Different
August 20, 2007 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are known for their diversification among many other benefits. When selecting an ETF to cover a particular sector or region, investors need to ensure they understand the differences and similarities... Continue Reading »

10 ETFs That Have Dropped During the Recent Market Decline
August 17, 2007 – As of market close yesterday, the S&P was 9.1% off its recent high, but some exchange traded funds (ETFs) have given back two or three times as much. Having an exit strategy helps protect... Continue Reading »

ETF on the Verge of Extinction
August 13, 2007 – Fiserv’s (FISV) proposed buyout of CheckFree (CKFR) for $4.2 billion has the potential to kill B2B Internet HOLDRs (BHH), which is a type of exchange traded fund (ETF). BHH is part of the original... Continue Reading »

Not All ETFs Are Created Equal
August 10, 2007 – Looking at different exchange traded fund (ETF) sectors, one can make a general statement that one sector is doing better than another. But it might not be a good idea to make a broad... Continue Reading »

Cisco Earnings Helps Tech ETF
August 9, 2007 – Technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) and stocks have been solid performers this year. The information technology sector of the S&P 500 stock index was up 8.47% year-to-date as of July. During the first half... Continue Reading »

Software ETFs Uploading
July 27, 2007 – Strong quarterly reports from software companies could give a boost to the software exchange traded funds (ETFs). Companies such as SAP (SAP), Microsoft (MSFT) and Citrix (CTXS) announced higher earnings, reports Trang Ho for... Continue Reading »

Less Is More for Semiconductor ETFs
July 25, 2007 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track the chip industry, semiconductors that is, could get a boost. Industry executives say they expect the oversupply of chips to decrease as demand picks up, reports Joanne Von... Continue Reading »

From IPO to ETF: The Case for Facebook
July 17, 2007 – If the rumors are true, then social-network giant Facebook might be included in an exchange traded fund (ETF) soon. However, it’s a long road ahead before that happens. What perked our ears is the... Continue Reading »

Semiconductor ETFs Hit a Growth Spurt
July 16, 2007 – Semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been riding a serious upswing lately. SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) is up 31.0% for the year. Semiconductor HOLDR (SMH) has made a comeback. Last year it was down... Continue Reading »

Where in the ETF World is Google?
July 14, 2007 – While Google is practically omnipresent on the Internet, when it comes to finding it within exchange traded funds (ETFs), you have to dig a little. One of the first places you might look is... Continue Reading »

ETF Pop Quiz
July 13, 2007 – For all of us exchange traded funds (ETFs) enthusiasts, we like to think we have a firm understanding of them and their holdings. However, as the number of ETFs grows at an astonishing rate... Continue Reading »

Using the Latest Technology with ETFs
July 8, 2007 – As the world evolves, so do exchange traded funds (ETFs) and technology.  Let’s face it, we all use technology or you wouldn’t be reading this. And you probably use ETFs if you are reading... Continue Reading »

America Rocks: Blatant Self-Promotion for U.S. ETFs
July 6, 2007 – While it’s true we promote many promising international exchange traded funds (ETFs), we want to take a minute to recognize some of our own country’s outstanding ETFs. Internet Architecture HOLDRs (IAH) - up 45% over... Continue Reading »

Techonology Helping Taiwan ETF Hit New Highs
June 12, 2007 – The Taiwanese exchange traded fund (ETF) continues to hit new highs despite the global market correction.  Taiwan is the 17th largest economy in the world, and serves as one of the "four tigers" along... Continue Reading »

Semiconductors And ETFs Upward Bound
June 4, 2007 – Semiconductor exchange traded funds (ETFs) have rallied in the past few weeks.  Carl Delfeld for ETFXRAY.com points out the launch of Windows Vista did not prompt the mass PC upgrades many expected.  Chip manufacturers... Continue Reading »

Possible Yahoo Deal Gives Internet ETF a Boost
May 4, 2007 – Microsoft (MSFT) is hot on the trail of search engine operator Yahoo (YHOO) as the software behemoth feels it could better compete with Web search leader Google. Yahoo shares surged more than 18 percent in morning... Continue Reading »

Tech ETF Revival
April 30, 2007 – Apple and Amazon have ignited interest in technology exchange traded funds ETFs). Thanks to Amazon (AMZN), Internet HOLDRs (HHH) was up 7.8% for the week.  Apple (AAPL) went up 3.7% on a great earnings... Continue Reading »

NYSE Launches Tech ETF
March 29, 2007 – NYSE Group Inc. launched NYSE Arca Tech 100 (NXT), an exchange traded fund (ETF) based on the price-weighted NYSE Arca Tech 100, a widely recognized benchmark for the technology sector. Holdings are in 16... Continue Reading »

Goldman Sachs Selling ETF Based Indexes
February 8, 2007 – Goldman Sachs announced they’re selling the widely tracked commodity index, and two stock-benchmark families, which form the basis of exchange traded funds (ETFs) to Standard and Poor’s.  John Spence of MarketWatch.com reports S&P is... Continue Reading »

What’s Inside An ETF?
January 13, 2007 – Most people don’t have time to research and understand which small-cap tech company they should buy, so an exchange traded fund (ETF) offers an alternative. Donald H. Gold of Investor’s Business Daily points out... Continue Reading »

iPhone Introduced-How Will ETFs React?
January 10, 2007 – Telecom ETFs (exchange traded funds)- look out! Apple Computers just got a new name, Apple Inc. and is branching out into the mobile phone industry. Rachel Conrad of the Associated Press reports the new... Continue Reading »

Consumer Electronics Show Forecasts Fuel for ETFs
January 9, 2007 – The Consumer Electronics Show kicked off in Las Vegas estimating factory-to-dealer sales of electronics will exceed $155 billion in 2007.  This is great news for exchange traded funds (ETFs) with a technology focus.  2006... Continue Reading »

ETF Trends - Internet Stocks Gain Momentum
October 25, 2006 – Amazon.com (AMZN) is up 11% today following strong earnings news.  Internet stocks in general have shown strong relative strength recently after hitting lows in August.  The simplest way to grab a piece of this... Continue Reading »

Tech Exposure with QQQQ ETF
October 11, 2006 – The recent rotation out of oil stocks has lead to institutional money flowing into the Nasdaq Index. The earnings have been good as well from heavy weights such as Oracle (ORCL), Cisco (CSCO) and Apple... Continue Reading »

Internet ETF (IIH) Outperforming
September 15, 2006 – Internet Infrastructure HOLDRs (IIH) is the top performing exchange traded fund for year-to-date, up 35%, and for the past month, gains of 16%.  This is a big jump from a loss of 15% in... Continue Reading »

Nanotechnology ETF - The New Plastics?
September 8, 2006 – Carl Delfeld looks at PowerShares Lux Nanotech (PXN) exchange traded fund and the nanotechnology industry.  This could be the next growth industry; but what is it exactly? Nano is really small and deals with molecules... Continue Reading »

Using QQQQ ETF to Hedge Your Tech Exposure
September 6, 2006 – Thorough diligence between good and bad performing tech stocks and hedging positions with the Nasdaq 100 Trust Shares (QQQQ) exchange traded fund is important today given a current trend of negative earnings surprises and declining earnings and... Continue Reading »

New ETFs By PowerShares - India
June 8, 2006 – PowerShares is expanding their bullpen. The Weaton, Illinois ETF provider is launching a slew of new sector funds along with the first, long-awaited India ETF (The PowerShares India Tiger Portfolio). In addition, a few... Continue Reading »

Nanotech ETF (PXN)-Small But Mighty
April 17, 2006 – Business Week Europe dug into the the PowerShares Lux Nanotech ETF (PXN). Not only has the fund performed well out of the gates, but prospect look strong for future growth based on the widespread demand... Continue Reading »

2006 First Quarter - Best Performing ETFs
March 31, 2006 – The top three performing ETFs for the first quarter of 2006 are quite a triumvirate. Here’s a quick peek: PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy (PBW) is up 31% YTD. As TheStreet.com points out "The fund has... Continue Reading »

Dissecting Internet ETFs (IIH & HHH)
March 30, 2006 – On a day when the Nasdaq hit a new five-year high, it’s worth looking at two internet exchange traded funds.  Internet Infrastructure HOLDRs (IIH) is made up of companies that provide infrastructure services to... Continue Reading »

Technology ETFs
February 17, 2006 – The Nasdaq 100 Trust Shares (QQQQ) is not the aggressive technology play it once was.  With Microsoft (MSFT), Qualcomm (QCOM), Apple (AAPL), Intel (INTC), Amgen (AMGN), eBay (EBAY), Cisco (CSCO), Dell (DELL), Symantec (SYMC)... Continue Reading »

Latin American ETFs Outperform Other World Markets
January 7, 2006 – The first trading week of the year saw U.S. markets surge forward finishing at their highest levels since mid-2001.  The Dow gained 2.3% for the week, the S&P 500 was up 3.0% and the... Continue Reading »

Are Tech ETFs Back?
January 6, 2006 – Technology stocks have been on a run this week. Google, Cisco, Rambus and Hewlett Packard all advanced as tech companies converged on Las Vegas to show their stuff at the Consumer Electronics Show. Corporate... Continue Reading »

Semiconductor ETF Worth Betting a Few Chips On
December 15, 2005 – Strong demand for consumer electronic devices have been a contributor to the growth of the semiconductor industry.  Electronic gadgets such as the full feature cell phones and MP3 players require chips and with Microsoft’s new... Continue Reading »