Growth and evolution have been recurring themes in the exchange-traded universe in 2012, as investors are now faced with a diverse product lineup of over 1,400 ETPs. More than 160 of those are new additions in 2012. And while many of the new ETFs that launched in 2012 are on the small side, some of these funds have come flying out of the gates to attract significant cash inflows [for more ETF news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter]. [click to continue…]
This could be it, the beginning of the end. One of the most popular folklore tales in recent years, the world is scheduled to come to an end tomorrow, December 21, 2012. Many believers have prepared with emergency supplies and shelters, and Hollywood has even immortalized the event with a film depicting a doomsday scenario. [...]
This past year shaped out to be quite the roller coaster ride for many investors; equity markets persevered through tumultuous, and seemingly never-ending, eurozone debt drama, while the economic recovery at home remains slow and steady at best. Heading into 2013, clouds of uncertainty continue to threaten investors’ confidence as the outcome of the much feared “fiscal cliff” has [...]
As the calendars get ready to flip to 2013, another chapter in the relatively short history of ETFs will be written. Next year will mark the official 20th birthday for ETFs, as SPY will enter its third decade as a publicly traded security. It’s remarkable to see just how much the ETF industry has changed [...]
2012 has been a hectic year around the world, but the U.S. has been especially busy this year. We saw two new QE programs, the re-election of Barack Obama, the hottest year on record, extreme weather, and much more. But even still, markets have turned in a solid performance for the year, despite teetering on [...]
Though exchange-traded funds have without question revolutionized and democratized Wall Street by allowing average investors to gain cheap and easy access to nearly every corner of the investable universe, there has understandably been some backlash concerning the nuances and uses of these products. And considering the industry’s relatively short history, it is perhaps not surprising [...]
From the most basic portfolio building blocks to specialized funds that give investors access to niche markets, ETFs cover them all, and with the constant launches and filings of new ETFs it is easy to forget about some “older” funds on the market. Although there are numerous new funds already in the pipeline, taking a step [...]
Invesco PowerShares jumped on board the recent trend in the ETF industry, drastically lowering fees for six of their international and domestic equity funds. PowerShares, one of the largest ETF issuers by assets and creator of the notable QQQ, has 170 exchange-traded products on the market, including the ultra popular RAFI-weighted funds. After joining the [...]
This past year has been marked by uncertainty (though nothing compared to recent years), prompting investors to return in droves from safe haven accounts to the U.S. stock market. Investors have their eyes fixed on major indexes and other indicators to judge the overall health of our economy, but another judge of booming markets is [...]
Innovation has become standard in the ETF industry over the past several years, as a wide range of issuers have launched new and exciting products and pushed the envelope in their efforts to deliver a superior investing vehicle. As those investors in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving, we highlight seven innovations for which we’re particularly grateful [...]
Since SPY made its debut as the first exchange-traded fund in 1993, the ETF industry has certainly come a long way. Investors can now choose from more than 1,400 products, allowing them to gain cheap and easy access to nearly every corner of the investable universe. While ETF issuers keep filling the product pipeline, pumping [...]
