Tom sits down with Ben Johnson, Morningstar’s Global Director of ETF Research, to review the August mini flash crash and the alleged flaws in the structure of ETFs. Two sides have emerged in its aftermath; some are convinced ETFs aren’t structurally sound trading instruments that are driving market volatility, others believe it was a blip on the radar, a lesson in savvy market habits. (ETF Flash Crash Examined)
The conversation comes at a crucial point in ETFs evolution. The SEC and big banks are looking closely at new regulations and rules around trading ETFs. The lengths to which they’ll go is unclear at this point – although some rumors have surfaced specifically targeting the bond market – but whether you think it was a non-story and just an aberration or a canary in the coal mine, its important to fully understand. (New Rules For ETFs?)
Ben Johnson, CFA, is director of global ETF research for Morningstar. Before assuming his current role in 2012, he was director of ETF research for Europe and Asia. He also previously served as a senior equity analyst, covering the agriculture and chemicals industries. Before joining Morningstar in 2006, he worked as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley.
Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. In 2015,Fund Directions and Fund Action named Johnson among the 2015 Rising Stars of Mutual Funds.