Innovation across the exchange-traded universe has brought forth a host of investment strategies to mainstream investors, allowing for access to previously difficult to reach corners of the global financial market. Aside from the well-know benefits of ETFs, like ease-of-use and transparency, the structure of these investment vehicles holds several, often times overlooked, tax benefits as well. Recent volatility in the markets has likely taken a toll on investors’ portfolio; however, some declines in asset values might have a silver lining, as they present the opportunity for financial advisors and self-directed investors alike to exercise effective tax management and make prudent use of unrealized losses [see 25 Things Every Financial Advisor Should Know About ETFs].
[click to continue…]
Since the ETF industry was conceived close to two decades ago, innovation has been a hallmark of this rapidly-expanding corner of the investing landscape. Thanks to a unique structure that allows for liquidity, transparency, and tax efficiency, ETFs have quickly and consistently taken market share from other types of securities, bringing newfound flexibility to all [...]
Stocks finished in bright green territory last week as investor worries over the Euro zone subsided, while corporate earnings at home gave the bulls a reason to come back to Wall Street. France and Germany pledged their full support to the debt-stricken currency block and promised a concrete plan to ensure stability by November. Gold [...]
Over the past few years it has become increasingly clear that China is now the most important economy in the world. Though second to the U.S. in total size, China accounts directly for a significant portion of global GDP growth and has contributed indirectly to expansion in developed and emerging markets around the globe–particularly resource [...]
Equity indexes tumbled into red territory on Tuesday following Moody’s most recent downgrade of Ireland. The ratings agency pushed Ireland’s credit rating to junk status, sending additional waves of panic selling throughout the market as investors prepare for other larger markets to be next in line for a downgrade. “To avoid a bigger correction, a [...]
There is an old Warren Buffett mantra that advises investors to be greedy when others are fearful (and vice versa). In the current environment, there is certainly no shortage of fear–or of opportunities. Despite a holiday-shortened week U.S. equity markets have been extremely volatile, surging in Tuesday trading only to crater on Wednesday thanks to [...]
The last few days have seen a number of interesting developments in financial markets, as commodities have seemingly resumed their skyward trajectory and Europe once again seems headed for a complete meltdown. Against this backdrop, we introduce the ETF Insider all-ETF portfolio, a hands-on portfolio that seeks to establish a small handful of tactical positions [...]
Once upon a time, exposure to the Chinese stock market was a binary decision for U.S. investors–they either had it or they didn’t. Thanks in part to increased flexibility in cross-border listings and in part to the proliferation of exchange-traded funds, investors now have countless options for exposure to the world’s second largest economy.
The impact of the recent global economic slowdown was first felt by consumers around the world who were forced to cut back on purchases in order to endure the recession. While some consumer segments such as the wealthy, have begun to spend again, the events of the last two years have also had a profound, [...]
Claymore, the Chicagoland issuer known for its line of themed ETFs and targeted sector funds, has launched three new ETFs based on broad market indexes maintained by Wilshire. The new funds include the Wilshire 5000 Total Market ETF (WFVK), Wilshire 45oo Completion Index ETF (WXSP), and Wilshire U.S. REIT ETF (WREI).
A group led by financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, which bought Lisle, Illinois-based ETF issuer Claymore last year, has reached a deal to acquire Security Benefit Corp., the parent company of ETF issuer Rydex SGI.The group led by Guggenheim will make an investment of approximately $400 million for a controlling interest in Security Benefit. According [...]
