U.S. stock exchange traded funds were set to open the week higher as the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEArca: SPY) added 0.6% in Monday’s premarket.
Gold weakened slightly as futures traded below $1,600 an ounce, while silver was under more pressure. The iShares Silver Trust (NYSEArca: SLV) shed nearly 3% in preopen action.
“Markets begin the week in risk-off mode, as an initial sell-off in Asian equities accelerated on the news that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has died,” a trader told FastMarkets.
In stock ETFs, the S&P 500 is trying to climb back above its 50-day moving average. [ETF Weekly Recap]
Here’s a look at the top ETF stories making the rounds online this morning:
- Tools to help investors sift through all those ETFs. [WSJ.com]
- ETF myths of 2011 and hopes for 2012. [iShares blog]
- ETFs gaining ground, but funds still king. [Financial Post]
- ETFs to watch this week: Canada, British pound, gold. [ETFdb]
- Platinum ETF is a great buy at these levels. [ETF Daily News]
- E-Trade rolls out free ETF trading program. [Index Universe]
- Why ETFs will soon dominate retirement plans. [Nasdaq]
- IndexIQ to close three ETFs. [Benzinga]
Shameless plugs:
- S&P 500 ETFs Cling to 50-Day Average. [ETF Trends]
- ETF Chart of the Day: Dividend Funds. [ETF Trends]
S&P 500
Full disclosure: Tom Lydon’s clients own SPY and SLV.