The exchange traded fund (ETF) space continues to grow, as providers file and launch new ETFs for investors to consider for their portfolios.
Global X filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to launch equity focused ETFs that cover the auto and farming industries on a global level. Cinthia Murphy for Index Universe reports both ETFs might rely on derivatives—including options, futures and swap contracts—to achieve their investment strategies.
The auto ETF will track the performance of an S-Network Global Indexes benchmark that invests in global companies directly involved with the auto industry. This includes firms producing cars, auto parts, tires or any other related product. As emerging economies begin to take off, the demand for automobiles is going to push upward, as more middle class citizens are able to afford these luxuries.
The farming ETF will track a Solactive global farming index, managed by Germany-based Structured Solutions AG, and will include stocks as well as American depositary receipts and global depositary receipts of companies around the world. Agri-product, livestock, and manufacture or distribution of farming products will all be included. [4 ETFs Boosted By Rising Food Prices.]
As the cost of food rises, so will the price to produce it and manufacture it. Also, the demand for food on a global scale is rising, with many populations growing. Over the last year or so, bad weather has destroyed crops, but it’s given a major helping hand to agriculture ETFs already trading.
The latest provider to join the actively managed exchange traded fund (ETF) race is BlackRock, as regulators say they can issue a “series of certain actively managed open-end management investment companies” through purchases and sales of large blocks called creation units, says Murray Coleman for Barrons.
BlackRock has plans for rolling out an actively managed broad based fund, using a fund of funds approach with already trading iShares ETFs. Joe Morris of Ignites explains the approach will give a daily disclosing of the product, giving them total transparency.
PIMCO has been the only successful provider so far to hit the mark with an actively managed ETF. The PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Strategy Fund (NYSEArca: MINT) became the first actively managed ETF to break the $1 billion milestone, and the ETF has about $1.18 billion in assets now. PIMCO’s MINT ETF is a money-market alternative for investors who are seeking a way to store excess cash without the prospect of minimal returns offered by Treasuries and money-market funds. [PIMCO ETF Hits $1 Billion With Active Success.]
Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.