The most popular ETF launches of the year include the WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International Equity Fund (BATS: DDWM), which began trading in January 7, has $300.6 million in assets under management. The SPDR Gender Diversity Index ETF (NYSEArca: SHE), which began trading in March 7, has $273.8 in assets. Lastly, the First Trust Dorsey Wright Dynamic Focus 5 ETF (NasdaqGM: FVC), which began trading in March 17, accumulated $256.7 in assets.
Looking ahead, Lydon believes the appetite for ETFs will continue to increase, with 74% of financial advisors saying their investment vehicle of choice is ETFs. Actively managed ETFs and smart-beta ETFs will also attract more attention as bond and stocks grow long in the tooth.
Additionally, hedging strategies will also be especially attractive, Lydon added. For example, the ProShares Investment Grade-Interest Rate Hedged ETF (BATS: IGHG) provides long exposure to investment-grade debt but hedges against rising interest rates, and WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International Equity Fund (BATS: DDWM) follows international stocks while hedging currency risk.
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