Ask The Pro

Published on October 15, 2009

In an increasingly complex regulatory and economic environment, advice from ETF experts is more valuable than ever. In a monthly mailbag the ETF Database team of experts answers questions from Pro members on all things ETFs, ranging from asset allocation strategies for investors managing their own portfolio to ETFs for achieving complex investment strategies.

Got a question for the Pro? E-mail mailbag@etfdb.com.

  • Ask The Pro: May 2011
    This month, the team tackles questions about evaluating comparable ETFs, the outperformance in a popular commodity ETF, and whether one of the latest additions to the ETP lineup is too good to be true.
  • Ask The Pro: April 2011
    In this spring edition, we clear up some confusion on inverse ETFs, offer our insights on tax efficiency in commodity products, and speculate on what PIMCO's recent filing really means.
  • Ask The Pro: March 2011
    This month, the team tackles questions about the best ETF options to bet against the market, nuances of gold miner ETFs, and opportunities for profiting from a falling yen.
  • Ask The Pro: February 2011
    This month, the team tackles questions about non-transparent ETFs, the importance of vault location when it comes to a gold ETF, and ideas for replacing risky junk bond ETF exposure for yield hungry investors.
  • Ask The Pro: January 2011
    This month's edition answers questions about breakpoints in ETF expense structures, how to handle a potential liquidation, and some products to avoid at all costs in 2011.
  • Ask The Pro: December 2010
    To wrap up the year, we give our take on a new player in commission-free ETF trading, winners and losers from the tax policy decision, and why trend following through an ETN might not be as expensive as it seems.
  • Ask The Pro: November 2010
    In the November edition, our team tackles questions about the mechanics of shorting while also laying out some compelling short opportunities. Also, a lesson on the safety mechanisms in leveraged ETFs and our take on Build America Bonds.
  • Ask The Pro: October 2010
    In the October edition of Ask The Pro, Michael Johnston answers questions about key differences between ETNs and ETFs for both equity and commodity ETPs. For investors seeking to limit their exposure to often shaky emerging markets, Michael also highlights several 'quasi-developed' markets which may offer similar growth levels without the high levels of risk.
  • Ask The Pro: September 2010
    In this month's mailbag, we answer questions about the ever-changing competitive landscape, potential changes in the commodity ETF space, and how two popular oil ETFs stack up head-to-head.
  • Ask The Pro: August 2010
    In this end-of-summer edition, we discuss how to create a true aggregate bond portfolio with ETFs, delve into the concept of monthly leverage, and offer our insights on ETF options in Europe.
  • Ask The Pro: July 2010
    This month's edition includes questions on the dangers of lowering expense ratios, concerns over commodity ETFs, and disbelief over carry trade funds.
  • Ask The Pro: June 2010
    This month's questions focus on "pure plays" on the U.S. economy (including one surprising pick), handling involuntary ETF closures, and conspiracy theories surrounding precious metals ETFs.
  • Ask The Pro: May 2010
    This month's questions focus on ETFs for an "eventual double dip," advice on Japan ETFs, and a look at options for correcting an often-overlooked (but extremely important) portfolio imbalance.
  • Ask The Pro: April 2010
    This month, we dive in to questions about the nuances of inverse ETFs, absolute return funds, and the importance of tracking error.
  • Ask The Pro: March 2010
    In this month's Ask The Pro, we discuss inflation-proofing, new ETF launches, and the future of the industry.
  • Ask The Pro: February 2010
    This edition of Ask the Pro includes queries about high dividend international ETFs, emerging markets options, and ETFs for betting against the Japanese bond market.
  • Ask The Pro: January 2010
    In the first Mailbag of 2010, our ETF team recommends a utilities ETF, discusses how to survive an ETF liquidation, and warns about investing in the Chinese yuan.
  • Ask The Pro: December 2009
    As the year wind's to a close, we answer questions about overvalued markets, investing in natural gas, and dividend-paying ETFs.
  • Ask The Pro: November 2009
    The efficiency of commodity ETNs, inflation-protected ETFs, and "suspended" funds are all supjects of this month's mailbag.
  • Ask The Pro: October 2009
    Bond allocation, income preservation, tax efficiency of ETFs, and tips on choosing between similar ETFs are the subjects of focus as Michael Johnston answers this month's mailbag questions.

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