ETF Database » DEF

Large Cap ETFs: Studs and Duds

Jared Cummans — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:45:56 +0000

This year started off strong, as it looked like the economic recovery was finally gaining some steam. Major indexes trended upwards for the first seven months of the year, with the S&P 500 hitting 1,370 at its peak. It marked good progress as we exited the “Lost Decade” where most indexes finished where they were back in 2000, marking a ten year drought of little to no returns. But just when it seemed like we finally found our footing, a number of factors combined to create the perfect storm for equities, slaughtering a variety of investments and benchmarks [see also Three ETFs For ‘Operation Twist’]. First, markets took a hit when Congress nearly failed to extend the debt ceiling, which would have essentially frozen government spending. Though the legislation was finally passed, investor confidence was rattled as it seemed that Washington was more concerned about politics than the well-being of [...]

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PowerShares Planning Beta, Momentum, Volatility ETFs

Michael Johnston — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:15:20 +0000

After announcing earlier this month that it plans to shutter ten ETFs by the end of the year, PowerShares continues to push ahead with plans for additional innovations in the ETF space. The Wheaton, Illinois-based firm recently filed details with the SEC for a line of ETFs linked to S&P indexes built around various investment strategies, including beta, momentum, and volatility. The filing detailed plans for the following ETFs: S&P 500 High Beta Portfolio: Linked to an index consisting of the 250 stocks from the S&P 500 Index with the highest beta over the past 12 months. S&P 500 Low Beta Portfolio: Linked to an index consisting of the 250 stocks from the S&P 500 Index with the lowest beta over the past 12 months. S&P 500 High Momentum Portfolio: Linked to an index consisting of the 100 stocks from the S&P 500 with the highest percentage price appreciation over [...]

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ETF Exclusive: Guggenheim Partners Buys Rydex

Michael Johnston — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:39:15 +0000

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 to a press release (PDF), the deal is expected to close in the third quarter. Using the figures from the latest industry snapshot from the National Stock Exchange, a combined Claymore/Rydex ETF family would have total assets under management of about $8.4 billion, making it the seventh largest ETF issuer by AUM. The combined firm would maintain a market share of about 1% of the ETF market. The marriage of the two ETF firms seems to be a pretty good fit from a product line perspective. Rydex’s ETF products focus around four key areas, including [...]

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Five Defensive ETFs To Own When The Market Corrects

Michael Johnston — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:47:44 +0000

Still scarred by memories of the not-so-distant recession, many investors have been spooked by recent volatility in equity markets, wondering if they should bail on the market before another double dip. But even fresher are the memories of the bull market of 2009, especially for those who regretfully watched from the sidelines as equity markets soared. The psychological battle between fear of loss and anxiety over the potential regret of missing out on another rally plays out differently for different investors. Some will run for the exits, while others decide to stay the course. Many more land somewhere in the middle, looking for a way to reduce downside risk while maintaining significant exposure to another uptick in asset prices. Below, we take a look at five defensive equity ETFs that have historically delivered strong relative performances during times of economic turmoil. For investors looking for a middle ground, these funds [...]

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Five ETFs For A Double Dip Recession

Michael Johnston — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:00:34 +0000

March 9 may very well go on to become a day that lives in infamy, the point at which the U.S. stock markets bottomed out and the economy turned the corner. To this point, it looks to be the point at which investors finally put the worst recession in a generation behind them and a recovery began. But despite the recent rally, many analysts believe that the current recovery lacks support from fundamentals, pointing to historically high pricing multiples, still rising unemployment rates, dips in consumer confidence, and stimulus programs that have encouraged further indebtedness for many Americans as evidence that we’re not out of the woods yet. And it’s not only the well-known bears spreading doom and gloom this time around. Jeremy Grantham sees a market that is 25% overvalued, while others see a correction of 40% coming. Analysts at Morgan Stanley recently expressed their belief that asset prices [...]

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Time For A Defensive ETF?

Michael Johnston — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:54:46 +0000

Following a furious market rally that has seen major market indexes rise more than 50% from their March lows, some investors are beginning to worry that stock prices have run ahead of fundamentals, and that the recovery we’ve seen to date is too good to be true. A closer look at the “good news” that has driven up stock prices in recent months is worrisome. Unemployment continues to rise (albeit at a slower pace) and the dollar continues to slump against major rival currencies. Many investors, including one who called the current downturn in 2006, believe the worst is yet to come. The road ahead for the U.S. economy includes a potential commercial real estate bust, the monetary consequences of the massive stimulus plans still in progress, and continually strained relations with major trading partners. Yet there are undoubtedly signs of hope as well, including increased consumer confidence and strength [...]

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ETF Database » DEF

Large Cap ETFs: Studs and Duds

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PowerShares Planning Beta, Momentum, Volatility ETFs

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ETF Exclusive: Guggenheim Partners Buys Rydex

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Five Defensive ETFs To Own When The Market Corrects

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Five ETFs For A Double Dip Recession

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Time For A Defensive ETF?

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