U.S. stock and precious metal exchange traded funds were poised to open higher Thursday with a lower dollar providing a tailwind to risk assets. Small-cap ETFs are following through after breaking above the 200-day moving average as they try to catch up to outperforming blue chips.
SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEArca: GLD) and iShares Silver Trust (NYSEArca: SLV) were up about 1% and 2%, respectively, before the bell.
In U.S. stocks, SPDR S&P 500 (NYSEArca: SPY) gained 0.7% — the ETF was up 3% so far in 2012 through Wednesday’s close.
The U.S. Dollar Index lost ground Thursday, falling below 81 in morning trade. The European Central Bank left rates unchanged at 1% as expected.
Here are some of the ETF stories we’re reading this morning:
- Advisors turn to ETFs in 2011. [IndexUniverse]
- Homebuilder ETFs rise on Lennar orders surprise. [Investors Business Daily]
- Index funds, ETFs gain popularity as 401(k) options. [Associated Press]
iShares Russell 2000 (NYSEArca: IWM)
Full disclosures: Tom Lydon’s clients own SPY, GLD and SLV. John Spence owns ZSL.