Most investors have a pretty good idea which ETFs will perform well in bull markets (generally any type of risky asset, including equities and commodities) and which will perform well in bear markets (low risk bonds and inverse equity ETFs, among other asset classes). But finding products that have the potential to deliver meaningful gains when equity markets are moving sideways can be a more challenging task. [click to continue…]
In recent years, few corners of the investing world have been the subject of as much controversy, misinformation, and confusion as the leveraged ETF space. Last summer these securities received widespread coverage from the financial media, much of it either implying directly or alleging that leveraged ETFs were flawed investment vehicles designed to dupe average [...]
This year has been a frustrating one for investors, as equity markets came racing out of the gate only to lose steam as much anticipated job creation failed to materialize and much of the developed world found itself facing a massive credit crunch. Every development that seemingly indicates a robust recovery–such as the impressive earnings [...]
The SEC’s recent decision to take a closer look at the use of swaps and other derivatives by exchange-traded products and mutual funds has once again thrown leveraged ETFs under the microscope, as regulators begin examining the tools and strategies employed by these products to accomplish their objectives. During the study, approval of any ETFs [...]
After a few speed bumps early in 2010, ETFs are back on track and traveling full steam ahead. In the first three months of 2010, nearly 60 new ETFs have been launched, which is already equivalent to nearly half funds to hit the market over the course of 2009. The recent SEC decision to halt approval on products using derivatives may slow this pace a [...]
Direxion, the pioneer of 3x and -3x daily leveraged ETFs in the U.S., is going international. Beginning on March 31, six Direxion Shares Daily ETFs will be listed on the Amsterdam market of NYSE Euronext, significantly expanding the base of investors with access to these products. The Direxion ETFs available on this market include daily [...]
Over the last year, leveraged ETFs have been the subject of intense scrutiny from a number of parties, including regulatory agencies, state governments, broker-dealers, individual investors, and even class action lawyers. While several aspects of leveraged ETFs have been thoroughly analyzed and debated, perhaps no issue has drawn more attention than the effects of compounding [...]
Leveraged ETFs have quickly become the hot-button issue in the ETF industry, dividing investors and observers into two distinct camps. On the one side are sophisticated day traders who believe these funds, which use derivatives and other complex financial instruments to provide amplified daily returns on a target index, are the greatest thing since sliced bread. And on [...]
ProShares, known for pioneering short and 2x leveraged and inverse leveraged ETFs, is once again blazing a new trail in the ETF industry. The fund family has filed for approval from the SEC to launch two new ETFs, a 3x S&P 500 fund and a 3x inverse S&P 500 fund. ProShares‘ proposed funds would be the [...]
It’s good to know that we’re not alone. It seems our neighbors to the north are struggling with the issue of leveraged ETFs as well. Last week, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) issued recommendations aimed at eliminating inappropriate use of these funds by investors unaware of their risk profiles and the manner [...]
In the week during which the Obama administration will unveil details surrounding its plan to revamp the regulation of the U.S. financial sector, calls for increased oversight of the ETF industry are picking up steam as well. Scott Burns, director of ETF Analysis at Morningstar, recently laid out a case for increased regulatory requirements for ETFs [...]
