When entering the international equity space this year the question often on the tip of everyone’s tongue is “will this be offered currency-hedged”? Tony Kelly, Head of ETF Product Development and Management at Goldman told us, “The current Active Beta products were developed and launched in response to client demand. Since these clients are using these products as long term investments they are not focused on near term fluctuations in currency or market timing. The flows into hedged ETFs does indicate that there may be interest in hedged versions down the road.”
Gary Chropuvka, Head of Customized Beta Strategies within the Quantitative Investment Strategies team at GSAM concluded, “We aim to consistently deliver world-class investment solutions to our clients, and the launch of our third ActiveBeta® product underscores our commitment to not only meet but to anticipate the needs of investors by offering what we consider to be the next generation of ETF investing”.
A lofty goal, indeed. But with GSAM’s scope, resources, and expertise it’d be a risky position to take to bet against them.