Natural Gas ETF’s Future Could Burn Bright
November 25, 2008 – With the diminishing importance of oil and and coal as energy sources, North America’s natural gas producers and the exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track them may have great potential. Coal and oil occupy 60% of North America’s energy... Continue Reading »

Gas, Housing ETFs Spill With Economy
November 19, 2008 – The United States economy remains in a state of uncertainty and this apathy is reflected in the actions of investors and their stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The state of the nation’s Big Three automakers... Continue Reading »

Gas Prices, ETFs Tumble, Consumers Resume Leisurely Drives
October 31, 2008 – The falling prices of gasoline have lead to some consumers to return to their gas-thirsty habits, but what effect has it had on exchange traded funds (ETFs)? Consumers have started to shun conservation and have started... Continue Reading »

Natural Gas and ETF Could Rise This Winter
October 16, 2008 – Natural gas has been the choice among exchange traded fund (ETF) investors, as call options have been put into place in anticipation of the prices going up. Doris Frankel for Reuters reports that shares of United... Continue Reading »

Decision to Go for More Natural Gas Could Weigh on ETF
September 15, 2008 – The Department of Energy met last week to discuss whether it’s worth going after more natural gas, and the answer to their question will have implications for the related exchange traded fund (ETF). The Department estimates... Continue Reading »

Breaking Up With ETFs Is Hard To Do
September 5, 2008 – After a rough day for the markets like Thursday, many investors might wonder when it’s time to let go of their exchange traded funds (ETFs). Breaking up is hard to do, as the old song so... Continue Reading »

Natural Gas Rundown Has ETF Set To Benefit
September 5, 2008 – Take that, oil: natural gas and its exchange traded fund (ETF) can grab its own headlines. Turkey is concerned about the customs procedures between itself and Russia, which threaten gas and petroleum trades and sales. Turkey... Continue Reading »

Fuel Prices, ETFs Look Different In Second Half of Year
August 11, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that consistently found themselves at the head of the class with double-digit returns in the first half of the year are suddenly having a different view of things as fuel prices... Continue Reading »

When It Comes to ETFs, Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves
August 7, 2008 – When Bev Sutton and her husband were splitting up in the mid-1970s, she did something that some might see as a little unconventional. “I said, ‘I’ll take the stock if you want to keep the house.’... Continue Reading »

Many Fund Managers Aren’t Eating Their Cooking, Making ETFs Look Delicious
August 6, 2008 – With many fund managers choosing not to invest in their own funds, investors may see this as another reason to lean toward exchange traded funds (ETFs) over mutual funds. As market conditions remain unstable, knowing that... Continue Reading »

Emerging Markets ETFs Locked In a Race
August 6, 2008 – One of the most efficient ways to access emerging market countries is through exchange traded funds (ETFs). The ETF that reigns supreme in assets is iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) which has garnered $20 billion... Continue Reading »

Larger Than Expected Fuel Inventories Have ETFs Hesitating
August 6, 2008 – The inventory numbers are in, sending fuel prices lower and energy-related exchange traded funds (ETFs) sputtering while they figure out where to go next. The supplies were larger than expected, an indicator that high prices are... Continue Reading »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 »

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

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

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

Commodity ETFs’ Growth Stunted After Supply Concerns Ease
July 8, 2008 – Commodities exchange traded funds (ETFs) took a wallop yesterday after news about the U.S.’s crop outlook was improved. They plunged by the most since March, as grain futures fell, while rain from Colorado to Pennsylvania... Continue Reading »

Oil ETFs Step Back, But They Still Offer Opportunities
July 7, 2008 – Oil exchange traded funds (ETFs) might be taking a breather today, but that doesn’t mean black gold’s relentless rise is over just yet. The price has more than doubled in the last year, and David... Continue Reading »

Can Biofuels And ETFs Weather The Elements?
July 2, 2008 – Biofuel production may be getting flooded out, as harsh weather in the Midwest threatens the well-being of crops, alarming Wall Street investors and related exchange traded funds (ETFs). The recent record storms and floods have... 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 »

Fed Takes It Easy for Now, Financial ETFs Trading Higher
June 25, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) and the markets waited with bated breath for the Federal Reserve’s decision, and it’s here: they’re doing nothing. The short-term interest rate will, for the time being, remain at 2%, reports Chris... Continue Reading »

While Squeaky Wheel Gets Oil, Natural Gas ETFs Quietly Outperform
June 25, 2008 – The outlook toward natural gas and the related exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track it is looking good. As the hype over oil drowns out the noise in other commodity ETFs, natural gas funds... Continue Reading »

Energy ETFs Play the Waiting Game While Congress Mulls Action
June 24, 2008 – Oil prices and related exchange traded funds (ETFs) continued the see-saw, wavering a little today. Gas dropped below $4.07 a gallon (hooray!), while oil rose by a scant 8 cents to $136.82 a barrel, reports... Continue Reading »

High Grain Prices Might Make Thanksgiving a Turkey, But the ETFs Hog Returns
June 23, 2008 – Two of the country’s oldest agriculture companies, holdings of a global agriculture exchange traded fund (ETF), are joining forces. Bunge Ltd. (BG) announced that it’s buying Corn Products International (CPO) for $4.4 billion, the Associated... Continue Reading »

ETFs Shoot Up from Higher Fuel Prices, But Finger-Pointing is Irresistible
June 20, 2008 – As the cost of fossil fuel prices rise and exchange traded funds (ETFs) reap the rewards while our wallets take a beating, people are beginning to want answers. Who’s to blame? Lately, "speculator" seems 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 »

Corn Helps ETFs, But It Might Be Missing From the Grill This Summer
June 16, 2008 – When it comes to the weather, crops just can’t seem to win, but exchange traded funds (ETFs) do. If you’re hungry, the flooding in the Midwest is probably just making a bad situation worse. But... Continue Reading »

Commodity ETFs Were a Bunch of Bull In May, and Remain So In June
June 11, 2008 – Commodity exchange traded funds (ETFs) were among the strongest performers for May, and if things keep going the way they are, June might be another decent month. In fact, it might be a good... 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 »

Hedge Higher Gas Prices With ETFs
June 6, 2008 – Energy exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been abuzz for 2008, thanks to the price of light, sweet crude oil reaching historic highs, today over $139 a barrel. This week, we’ve seen the the biggest... Continue Reading »

What’s Going On With South Korea And It’s ETF?
June 6, 2008 – South Korea and its related exchange traded fund (ETF) have been juggling with the current global economic conditions, just as any other country. The South Korean economy grew faster than expected for the first quarter,... Continue Reading »

Almost Halftime For ETFs In 2008
June 4, 2008 – We are almost at the half-way mark for 2008, an interesting year for the market and exchange traded funds (ETFs). As the first five months are over, ETF Guide points out the top leaders... Continue Reading »

China’s ETF Falls; Will It Rebound Today?
June 4, 2008 – Can China’s stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) recover today after falling sharply yesterday? The iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 (FXI) lost 3.7% after some finance companies were downgraded, reports Rob Wherry for Smart Money. The fund... Continue Reading »

Energy ETFs: Up, Up and Away, But Oil Retreats Some
June 3, 2008 – After Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s comments this morning, oil prices retreated along with their related exchange traded funds (ETFs). The price for a barrel fell to $125.76. The record price now stands at $135.09,... Continue Reading »

Natural Gas ETFs Could Burn Bright In Growing Shortage
May 31, 2008 – Natural gas exchange traded funds (ETFs) certainly haven’t been shouting as loud as those for other commodities (hello, oil), but they’ve been delivering the returns. The commodity has been a standout in what has been... Continue Reading »

S&P Launches Commodities and Natural Resource Indexes, Perhaps ETFs For Them Will Follow
May 30, 2008 – Standard & Poor’s has launched two new indexes which may someday give exchange traded fund (ETF) investors a benchmark with some more exposure to commodities and natural resources. The S&P Global Natural Resources Index provides... Continue Reading »

China and Taiwan’s Historic Meeting Could Impact ETFs
May 28, 2008 – A historic meeting between China and Taiwan to discuss cross-strait transport links may have big implications for the countries and their exchange traded funds (ETFs). It’s the highest-level meeting since the countries split in 1949,... Continue Reading »

17 Commodity ETFs to Help Hedge Your Portfolio
May 28, 2008 – Americans are being hit by rising inflation and the subsequent explosion in commodity prices where it hurts most—at gas stations and grocery stores. Right alongside this growth have been the opportunities available to investors... Continue Reading »

Good Morning! A Vietnam ETF Is In Registration
May 15, 2008 – There seems to be great interest in a Vietnam exchange traded fund (ETF), if the search engines are any indication. Week after week, "Vietnam" turns up as one of our top ten search words. Market... Continue Reading »

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 »

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 »

More Costly Natural Gas and Electricity Could Burn Cash, But Help ETFs
May 13, 2008 – Get ready for a spike in electricity costs - it might hurt wallets more, but it could at least benefit exchange traded funds (ETFs). California State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore says in Red County that if you... Continue Reading »

Using Energy ETFs To Offset Gas and Oil Prices
May 9, 2008 – Frenzy in the energy sector has reached a fever pitch, but are exchange traded funds (ETFs) that allow investors to hedge those prices necessarily a great idea? The summer driving season is going to kick... Continue Reading »

Power Shift Seems to Agree With Russia ETF
May 9, 2008 – On May 7, Vladimir Putin stepped down and Russia’s new president became Dmitry Medvedev - is it any coincidence that in one day, the Russia exchange traded fund (ETF) rose 4.4%? Market Vectors Russia (RSX)... Continue Reading »

Energy-Focused ETFs Capitalize on a Booming Sector
April 30, 2008 – Commodity exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs) have come a long way since Nov. 18, 2004. That’s when the first single-commodity ETF - streetTRACKS Gold Shares (GLD) - was launched. (more…) 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 »

ETNs Picking Up Where ETFs Left Off?
April 23, 2008 – Are exchange traded notes (ETNs) the new exchange traded fund (ETF)? Lauren Young for Business Week points out that new ETF issues are down so far this year, but filings for ETNs are gathering steam.... Continue Reading »

Menu of Agriculture ETFs and ETNs Expands
April 17, 2008 – Some crops might not be growing, but lots of agriculture-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded notes (ETNs) are sprouting up. Deutsche Bank launched a smörgåsbord of ETNs this week, just in time for the... Continue Reading »

South Korea’s ETF Hit By Samsung Head’s Troubles
April 17, 2008 – Samsung’s chairman is in hot water, and it’s weighing on South Korea’s exchange traded fund (ETF), which counts the company as a major component. Chairman Lee Jun-hee was indicted on tax evasion and breach of trust... Continue Reading »

Agriculture ETFs Are Hungry For Higher Food Prices
April 15, 2008 – The United States is dealing with the gnarliest food inflation seen in 17 years, and Wall Street and exchange traded fund (ETF) investors may be the only side winning out. New data to be... Continue Reading »

Retail Numbers Rise, ETFs Yawn
April 14, 2008 – Retail numbers were up slightly in March, which gave mixed results to related exchange traded funds (ETFs), but it’s not what you think. The 0.2% gain in sales primarily is the result of the higher... Continue Reading »

Recent Oil Prices Make Up, Down ETFs Tricky
April 10, 2008 – The inverse/down oil exchange traded fund (ETF) from MacroShares appears to have a mind of its own. There are actually two funds designed to move along in a given direction according to what oil... Continue Reading »

New Heating Oil ETF Captures White-Hot Energy Sector
April 9, 2008 – There’s another entry in the category of energy commodities-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs), this one covering heating oil. The United States Heating Oil Fund (UHN) holds futures contracts for the commodity, reports Murray Coleman for... 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 »

ETFs Hold Steady While Earnings Reports Are Awaited
April 8, 2008 – There was no rally in the first day of trading this week for stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) like the one last week, in which the Dow Jones industrial average skyrocketed nearly 400... Continue Reading »

Bernanke Says Recession is Possible; Stocks and ETFs Hesitate
April 2, 2008 – Stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs) shuddered slightly when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the "R" word in Congressional testimony this morning. Bernanke said the economy could weaken in the first half of this... Continue Reading »

Commodities and Short ETFs Tell the First-Quarter Tale
April 1, 2008 – The challenging first quarter has come to a close, and by taking a look at the top performing exchange traded funds (ETFs) for the period, one can get a sense of what the story... Continue Reading »

Taiwan Had a Busy Week, Sending Its ETF Lower
March 31, 2008 – The Taiwan exchange traded fund (ETF), iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (EWT), fell 7.8% this week after the central bank raised its benchmark interest rate for the 15th consecutive quarter. It also signaled that yet more... 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 »

ETF Tracking Error Is Sometimes a Necessary Evil
March 26, 2008 – Logically, exchange traded funds (ETFs) should have minimal tracking error. That’s because they track an index, and in theory, if the index zigs, so does the ETF - and vice versa. It’s not always... Continue Reading »

Financial and Real Estate Numbers Keep Markets, ETFs Busy
March 25, 2008 – A flurry of activity and reports on Wall Street today sent exchange traded funds (ETFs) moving in every direction. Financials took a hit on the news that Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. (MER) had its... Continue Reading »

Chinese ETFs - Yin Yang For The Market
March 24, 2008 – The China bubble is continuing to correct itself if its exchange traded funds (ETFs) are any indication. With the Olympics just around the corner, many felt that the growing country’s performance would stay solid... 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 »

Follow the Yellow Brick Road With ETFs
March 14, 2008 – The futures price of gold soared to a record $1,009 an ounce, but related exchange traded funds (ETFs) appeared unmoved by the news. A dollar that plunged to record lows against the euro in... Continue Reading »

Will a Vietnam ETF Ever See the Light of Day?
March 7, 2008 – A Vietnam-focused exchange traded fund (ETF) may not be so far off. The country continues to post strong economic growth despite the U.S. economic slowdown. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the country’s government... Continue Reading »

ETF and Investing Advice for the Young
March 5, 2008 –   If you’re a young investor, whether your investment of choice is stocks, exchange traded funds (ETFs) or, like a lot of young’ns, nothing, there’s someone out there with a message for you. Two charities, Citizens... Continue Reading »

Taiwan and ETF Are Going Through a Growth Spurt; Will It Keep It Up?
March 5, 2008 – The iShares MSCI Taiwan Index (EWT) exchange traded fund (ETF) is up 3.8% year-to-date, leaving us wondering what is happening over there? The greater Taipei region’s real estate market beat the odds of a normally... Continue Reading »

Oil and Related ETFs Higher; Service Sector Numbers Are In
March 5, 2008 – Oil and its exchange traded funds (ETFs) just won’t quit. A surprise drop in the supply caused prices to hit yet another record, hitting $104.31 a barrel. John Wilen for the Associated Press says that analysts... Continue Reading »

Construction, Manufacturing Numbers and ETFs Head Lower
March 3, 2008 – Manufacturing and construction numbers came in, giving related exchange traded funds (ETFs) a punch to the gut in intraday trading. U.S. manufacturing activity dropped in February to its lowest point in nearly five years, reports Madlen... Continue Reading »

Visa’s Close to Going Public, and It Could Land In IPO ETF
February 27, 2008 – Visa is readying to take the plunge and go public - does this mean it could be making an appearance in the IPO exchange traded fund (ETF)? This IPO is coming at an interesting time... Continue Reading »

First Gas ETF Launches, Just In Time for Record Prices at Pump
February 27, 2008 – It’s better late than never for a new exchange traded fund (ETF) that tracks the price of gas. The United States Gasoline Fund (UGA), from provider Victoria Bay Asset Management, began trading yesterday. It’s the... 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 »

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 »

Natural Gas-Related ETFs Are In Oil’s Shadow
February 14, 2008 – Natural gas is an energy play that appears undervalued as oil and its related exchange traded funds (ETFs) have taken center stage. But natural gas is still dirt cheap, and it climbed 6% during... 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 »

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 »

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 »

WisdomTree Could Launch Money Market ETFs
January 19, 2008 – WisdomTree filed for 12 new money market exchange traded funds (ETFs) to cover 17 different foreign and emerging markets. The new funds are similar to the Rydex CurrencyShares funds with two major differences:  (1) They... Continue Reading »

Magellan Fund Keeps Up With ETF Competition
January 17, 2008 – Times are different for Fidelity as exchange traded funds (ETFs) have gained popularity. Fidelity’s performance has lagged, and now the Magellan Fund is re-opening after 10 years of being closed to new investors. Jennifer... Continue Reading »

What’s Your ETF Sell Strategy?
January 15, 2008 – The S&P has not had a 10% correction in many months….until today. Joe Bel Bruno for the Associated Press reports that persistent fears of a recession, weak retail sales figures and disappointing results from... Continue Reading »

Survival of the Fittest ETF
January 8, 2008 – The exchange traded fund (ETF) industry is buzzing with talk about "second-generation ETFs." These are funds that are actively managed by a money manager instead of the original passive ETFs.  Diya Gullapalli for The Wall Street... Continue Reading »

Accessing Oil and Natural Gas With ETFs
January 7, 2008 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are a cushion against the volatility of natural gas and oil, since holding single stocks of those commodities is enough to give an investor the shakes. The movement of these stocks... Continue Reading »

Eastern Europe ETF a Dark Horse in Emerging Markets Sector
January 4, 2008 – When talk turns to the "emerging markets" exchange traded funds (ETFs), it often centers around a few economies in particular: Latin America, India and China. In the fourth quarter of 2007, however, there was... Continue Reading »

Newbie ETFs Have Their Work Cut Out
January 3, 2008 – During the past few years, a number of young start-up companies set up shop to sell exchange traded funds (ETFs). But the turbulent stock market of late is making a mess of these small companies,... Continue Reading »

The Energy Bill Could Increase Hunger for Agriculture ETFs
December 24, 2007 – Food is always in style, and exchange traded funds (ETF) that track agriculture can help capitalize on that fact. Bush’s signing of the energy bill could push demand (and prices) even higher. The signing... Continue Reading »

Samsung Investigated, South Korea ETF Could Be Affected
December 21, 2007 – South Korea’s Samsung Group is under the microscope, and an exchange traded fund (ETF) with its electronics division as one of its top holdings could feel the impact. The Associated Press says that South Korea’s president... Continue Reading »

South Korea ETF Riding On Upcoming Presidential Election
December 18, 2007 – The South Korean economy and exchange traded fund (ETF) are at the mercy of the upcoming presidential election. Mr.Lee Myung-bak, the former mayor of Seoul, Korea, is most likely to win the upcoming South... Continue Reading »

2007 Coal Awards for Fund Industry
December 14, 2007 – The 12th annual Lump of Coal Awards are under way, finger-pointing at the bad boys and girls within the exchange traded fund (ETF) and mutual fund community. These awards recognize managers, executives, firm watchdogs,... Continue Reading »

Congressman Leads Charge to Get ETFs Into 401(k) Plans
December 12, 2007 – A fired-up congressman could be leading the charge to get exchange traded funds (ETFs) and other index funds into all 401(k)s, reports Sara Hansard at InvestmentNews. House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller,... Continue Reading »

ETFs Are a Great Tool for the Lone-Wolf Investor
December 8, 2007 – In response to a column on do-it-yourself investing, John Heinzl of the Toronto Globe and Mail,  received criticisms and a few questions, one of them concerning exchange traded funds (ETFs). Since his previous column... Continue Reading »

Will There Be A Vietnam ETF Soon?
December 7, 2007 – In Vietnam the ingredients are in place for burgeoning prosperity, so the question investors may pose is when will we see a Vietnam exchange traded fund (ETF)? Andy Mukherjee for Bloomberg says 4 million... Continue Reading »

ETFs and Guidance Help Growth in Retirment 401(k) Plans
December 4, 2007 – Saving for retirement is a goal for many investors, whether using exchange traded funds (ETFs), stocks, mutual funds or bonds.  Many companies offer 401(k) plans, where employees can make contributions as well as participate... 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 »

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 »

ETFs Flow Clean Water For The Future
November 21, 2007 – Jonathon Greenblatt wants to change the world and help exchange traded funds (ETFs), one bottled water at a time. He is the co-founder of Ethos water, a business whose mission is to provide the... Continue Reading »

All Eyes Are On South Korea Election and the ETF
November 20, 2007 – The effects of the upcoming presidential elections in South Korea on the country’s exchange traded fund (ETF) remains to be seen. iShares MSCI South Korea Index (EWY) is up 37.8% year to date —... Continue Reading »

South Korea ETF Affected By Samsung’s Shadiness?
November 14, 2007 – iShares MSCI South Korea Index (EWY), the South Korean-focused exchange traded fund (ETF), may fall victim to allegation of bribery at Samsung. A broad coalition of liberal lawmakers are calling on individual counsel to... 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 »

Dow Theory Flashes A Bear For Diamonds Trust (DIA)
November 13, 2007 – The Dow Theory, one of Wall Street’s oldest tools used to decipher the longer-term direction of stock prices, is flashing a warning sign about stocks and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The Dow Theory is... Continue Reading »

Currency ETFs Rise On Weak Dollar
November 8, 2007 – Foreign currency-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) rose this week as the U.S. dollar continues to fall to record lows. The dollar plunged after Chi Siwei, vice president of the Chinese National People’s Congress, commented... Continue Reading »

ETFs - Pay Attention to That Man Behind the Curtain
November 6, 2007 – Never judge a book by its cover, and the same goes for an exchange traded fund (ETF). Matt Hougan for Seeking Alpha gives five examples. iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index (EPP) $4.5 billion in assets... Continue Reading »

Investing in South Korea with ETFs
November 1, 2007 – When investing in exchange traded funds (ETFs), especially country-specific ETFs, it is important to know what is going on in that country. While iShares MSCI South Korea Fund (EWY) gives one of the lowest... Continue Reading »

Global IPOs Enhance BRIC ETFs Offerings
October 23, 2007 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track the markets of Brazil, Russia India and China  (known as the "BRIC" block) and other emerging-market countries received some good news recently.  For one, seven out of the... Continue Reading »

Planning for the Future with ETFs
October 19, 2007 – For those of you in your twenties blessed with the notion to think about your retirement, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can help. Whether you are a college student or have recently entered the career... Continue Reading »

As Seed Money Dries Up, New ETFs Might Wither
October 17, 2007 – Hundreds of exchange traded funds (ETFs) might not get a chance to sprout because seed capital for these investments is scarce. Unlike traditional stocks that raise money through initial public offerings (IPOs), ETFs have... Continue Reading »

Keep an Eye on Financial ETFs such as PFF
October 16, 2007 – One exchange traded fund (ETF) that hasn’t received much attention lately is Barclays’ iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index Fund (PFF). One of the reasons for its lack of coverage could be that it’s... Continue Reading »

Will Lifecycle ETFs Be the Key to the 401(k) Market?
October 16, 2007 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) have enjoyed success with more than $500 billion in assets, so will lifecycle ETFs be their best ticket into the retirement market dominated by mutual funds? At the end of... Continue Reading »

What’s Going on with South Korea’s ETF?
October 13, 2007 – South Korea’s exchange traded fund (ETF) iShares MSCI South Korea Index (EWY) has been a superstar this year. Currently, it’s up 45.8% year-to-date. Although EWY is still doing well, its largest holding Samsung reported... 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 »

Oil ETFs Tumble as Dollar Gains Strength
October 5, 2007 – Oil futures, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) that invest in them, fell today upon news that an uplifting employment report lifted the dollar. Investors sold their oil futures likely because they thought a stronger... Continue Reading »

The World, According to FTSE
September 27, 2007 – Recently, the Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange (FTSE)announced the results of its annual review of country classifications. As the countries’ status changes, the holdings of emerging-market exchange traded funds (ETFs) could also... Continue Reading »

South Korea’s ETF Unlikely to Suffer from U.S. Subprime Problems
September 22, 2007 – South Korea’s exchange traded fund (ETF) iShares MSCI South Korea Index (EWY) continues to thrive when many other markets are worried about a credit crunch. Currently, EWY is up 36.5% year-to-date. Earlier this week, South... Continue Reading »

ETF Downswings Aren’t Always Doom and Gloom
September 15, 2007 – Is there opportunity in housing exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the current market?  After reading our post in August about housing ETFs falling on home sales news, Selena Maranjian for The Motley Fool went... Continue Reading »

Rethinking Emerging-market ETFs
September 5, 2007 – Typically when we think of emerging-market countries for exchange traded fund (ETF) investing, the ones that come to mind are China, Brazil and India. However David Frum, a former speechwriter for President Bush, would... Continue Reading »

Natural Gas vs. Oil ETFs
August 30, 2007 – Crude oil and natural gas are two forms of energy that exchange traded funds (ETFs) track. But what’s the difference between the two? Natural gas is not a renewable energy source, but there’s lots of... Continue Reading »

Hungry for a Food & Beverage ETF
August 27, 2007 – The PowerShares Dynamic Food & Beverage (PBJ) exchange traded fund (ETF) seems to be turning around. It broke above its 200-day trend line and is up 5.7% year-to-date. One possible factor in PBJ’s performance... Continue Reading »

Keeping an Eye on REIT ETFs
August 10, 2007 – As the market plunged yesterday and today, some exchange traded funds (ETFs) have managed to tread water, including a few surprises such as REITs. Since the market lows last Friday, REITs have held up... Continue Reading »

Major Indexes and Counterpart ETFs Have Second Biggest Drop of the Year
August 9, 2007 – The rocky road continues for the market and exchange traded funds (ETFs) as most major indexes dropped sharply today. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 380 points. It was the biggest drop... Continue Reading »

ETFs Now More Important Than Ever for Retirement Plans
August 8, 2007 – As baby boomers and younger generations prepare for retirement, exchange traded funds (ETFs) might be needed now more than ever. ETFs would bring benefits such as transparency and low expenses to retirement plans that... Continue Reading »

Oil Sector Starts Over with New ETF
August 2, 2007 – When Victoria Bay Asset Management launched the exchange traded fund (ETF) United States Oil Fund (USO) in April 2006, it was supposed to reflect the percentage changes of the spot price of light sweet... Continue Reading »

I Sold My ETF, What Do I Do Now?
July 31, 2007 – Last week’s market plunge and subsequent exchange traded fund (ETF) decline unsettled many investors. However, if you had an exit strategy with specific stop-loss points, then the drop was hopefully less stressful for you... Continue Reading »

Get an ETF Portfolio Bargain: Only 15 Basis Points
July 30, 2007 – An exchange traded fund (ETF) portfolio with a total expense ratio of 0.15%? While such a dream might seem to good to be true, it’s real, and it’s practically a steal. Matt Hougan for Index... Continue Reading »

ETFs on the Rise Despite Recent Giant Market Drop
July 30, 2007 – Exchange traded fund (ETF) investors are still a little nervous after last week’s plunge sent the Dow Jones industrial average and the S&P 500 on their largest drop in five years. The Dow is... Continue Reading »

You’re Never Too Young to Start Investing in ETFs
July 28, 2007 – Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are excellent starter vehicles for young investors because of their simplicity and diversification. Kids and younger adults can easily track ETF performance on financial websites such as Yahoo! Finance or... 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 »

Why Not ETF Company-based Indexing?
July 19, 2007 – For exchange traded funds (ETFs) that contain securities based in multiple countries that are at different stages in their economic growth, it can be difficult to accurately label the ETF. The result is an... Continue Reading »

South Korean ETF Catching Up
June 18, 2007 – After trailing other Asian markets over the past few years, the South Korean exchange traded fund (ETF) has been gaining ground thanks to Samsung Electronics.  Samsung has become Asia’s largest tech company (by market... Continue Reading »

Is 70 the New 50? ETFs Can Help
June 5, 2007 – Living longer will require more money and exchange traded funds (ETFs) can help get you where you want to be. If 30 is the new 20, then is 70 the new 50? Actual research,... Continue Reading »

Natural Gas ETF Hits Market
April 18, 2007 – Another commodity is now available to investors, with the first natural gas exchange traded fund (ETF), launched by Victoria Bay Asset Management.  According to the press release, the objective of U.S. Natural Gas Fund... Continue Reading »

Baby Boomers And ETFs
April 4, 2007 – This year the oldest baby boomer will turn 61, just around the corner from collecting social security and questioning how far investments and exchange traded funds (ETFs) will take them. Pat Regnier of CNN... Continue Reading »

PowerShares-ETF Trendsetter
March 20, 2007 – PowerShares is one of the leaders behind the growth of exchange traded funds (ETFs). Diya Gullapalli and Tom Lauricella for The Wall Street Journal describe PowerShares as one of the most aggressive and controversial... Continue Reading »

What To Do With Your Declining ETFs
March 1, 2007 –                      U.S. stock-index futures plunged at the opening by more than 2%. As an investor, what do you do? Having a sell discipline is very important to portfolio protection and... Continue Reading »

Despite Political Problems, Korea (EWY) ETF Hits High
February 25, 2007 – The South Korean exchange traded fund (ETF) hit a year-to-date high as political conflicts get worked out. A December presidential election has left some time to get political wrinkles ironed out and South Korean... Continue Reading »

South Korean ETF-What Is It Holding?
December 31, 2006 – With Samsung (21%) as the biggest holding in the iShares MSCI South Korea Index (EWY) exchange traded fund (ETF), shareholders will be amazed to know that not only is Samsung one of the biggest... Continue Reading »

Utility ETFs Moving
October 25, 2006 – Why have utilities been moving and nobody is paying attention?  The utilities have been one of the best performing exchange traded funds.  As this sector tends to be overlooked, "our utilities are unsung but... Continue Reading »

ETF Flows in Emerging Markets
October 3, 2006 – The Wall Street Journal reported on the bounce back of emerging markets over the third quarter.  After the sell off in May the markets came back, as did the exchange traded funds.  The Journal... Continue Reading »

Country ETFs Capitalize On Eastern Europe
April 24, 2006 – Gross National Product (GDP) in Eastern Europe will run 1-2% ahead of Western Europe while interest rates remain low, reports Murray Coleman at Investors Business Daily. Although there are no specific Eastern European ETFs available,... Continue Reading »

Big Increases in South Korea Production and ETF
December 28, 2005 – Good news came out of South Korea.  Factory output in November saw its biggest gain in six years, along with record exports and increased consumer spending.  "A third straight increase in production shows the... Continue Reading »

Take a Look at South Korean ETF (EWY) as Bush and World Leaders Converge on South Korea
November 18, 2005 – The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum has given South Korea a chance to show off a little. It has become the third-largest economy in Asia after Japan and China, and enjoying gross domestic product growth of... Continue Reading »

Is it time to take chips off the table in South Korea (EWY)?
October 27, 2005 – Samsung, POSCO, Korea Electric Power and SK Telecom - these  4 companies make up 50% of the market capitalization of the South Korean stock market.  These same companies make up 40% of the iShares... 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 »

Best way to invest in Eastern Europe
September 7, 2005 – Austria continues to be a great way to invest in Eastern Europe.  Austrian banks are financing the boom in Eastern Europe and iShares Austria (EWO - News) is about the only way to get... Continue Reading »