As markets around the world continue to mend, exchange traded fund (ETF) providers are rolling out new products at a pace not seen in many months.
Back in the heady days when the markets were in a firm bull phase, ETF providers were launching funds every week. The total number of ETFs peaked in mid-2008, with more than 700 with about $580 billion in assets, according to the Investment Company Institute.
After the financial crisis hit, the industry slowed way down and a number of funds shuttered. But now it looks like we’re back to old times again. The number of ETFs available are inching back to where they were before, and assets are already at new heights, explains Ian Salisbury for The Wall Street Journal. (October was a good month for ETF assets).
Many of the new funds are aimed at red-hot corners of the market, which right now means commodities and emerging markets. ETF providers launched 14 new funds in October and have already quickly passed that total for November with providers such as Vanguard, Barclays and Charles Schwab introducing new ETFs. (Read about Schwab’s entrance into the industry.)
Although some providers may run the risk of funds falling flat and facing criticism that these ETFs are too narrow or gimmicky, but the industry is willing to take that risk as more investors discover the appeal of their funds. (Is the industry doing too much too soon?)
For more stories about ETFs, visit our ETF 101 category.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.