PowerShares has launched new low volatility and high beta exchange traded funds (ETFs) that help investors manage risk.
PowerShares S&P 500 Low Volatility Portfolio (NYSEArca: SPLV) and the PowerShares S&P 500 High Beta Portfolio (NYSEArca: SPHB) just hit the market with the amount of volatility experienced and projected at low levels compared to recent years. [VIX ETFs Thrive as Market Stumbles.]
SPLV will invest in the 100 stocks from the S&P 500 Index with the lowest realized volatility over the past 12 months as determined by Standard & Poor’s. [VIX ETFs: How Low Can They Go?]
SPHB is the first beta-weighted ETF. Beta is a mathematical measure of how sensitive a stock is to overall market moves. Together, the two funds are complimentary, while SPLV should be particularly attractive in times of weak markets due to its focus on low-volatility stocks, SPHB is designed for investors who want to take a bullish tactical view of the U.S. stock market, says Cinthia Murphy for Index Universe.
Expense ratios are set at 0.25% for each fund.
Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.
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.