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Bond ETFs For Every Objective

Michael Johnston — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:53 +0000

As the lineup of exchange-traded products has expanded dramatically in recent years, financial advisors have found themselves with more tools at their disposal than ever before. The extreme granularity of many of the equity products out there allows for cheap, low maintenance targeting of specific corners of the investable universe, while the development of some increasingly complex products has opened up strategies that were previously inaccessible. But perhaps the most impressive innovation in recent years has come on the bond side of the market, where the arsenal has expanded considerably over the past two years. Whatever your objective for the fixed income side of client portfolios, odds are there is an ETF that can be used to help you out. Below, we highlight ten common objectives when it comes to managing a bond portfolio–as well as the ETFs that can be used to achieve those goals [for more ETF insights, sign [...]

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International Bond ETF Guide: All the Options For Ex-U.S. Fixed Income Exposure

Michael Johnston — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:09 +0000

Just a few years ago there were only a handful of bond ETFs available to U.S. investors, and almost all of them focused on securities from U.S. issuers denominated in U.S. dollars. One of the most noteworthy innovations to shape the ETF industry over the last several years has been a significant growth in international bond products; as issuers have worked around concentration-related issues and other hurdles, the universe of bond ETPs targeting markets beyond U.S. borders has grown tremendously. The current economic environment has no doubt contributed to the growth of international bond ETFs; paltry yields on U.S. debt and concerns over the long-term outlook for the euro have understandable sparked interest in ex-U.S. bonds as a way to both boost yields and diversify away some risk [see Better-Than-AGG Total Bond Market ETFdb Portfolio]. With dozens of international bond ETPs now on the market, investors have the flexibility to [...]

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Are Gold ETFs The Best Defense Against Euro Drama?

Stoyan Bojinov — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:03:53 +0000

Investors’ confidence has taken a serious beating over the past few months as debt drama on both sides of the Atlantic ocean has paved the way for volatile price action across financial markets. Despite better-than-expected economic data releases on the home front, Euro zone debt woes have definitively taken center stage; sentiment on Wall Street has been largely influenced by rumors and headlines from overseas, while positive fundamental developments have been largely ignored. Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, many have turned to traditional safe haven asset classes, with gold being a popular choice [see Cheapskate Hedge Fund ETFdb Portfolio]. However, the precious yellow metal has lost a bit of its luster throughout this recent turmoil, as the hot commodity has failed to provide investors with much of a cushion. Gold is a versatile commodity, capable of serving as a hedge against inflation, while often times it is simply regarded as a [...]

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Getting The Most Out Of Your Bond ETFs

Jared Cummans — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:44 +0000

Interest in achieving fixed income exposure through exchange-traded funds has been a hot topic in recent years, with some advisors expressing serious concerns over the potential shortcomings in bond ETFs while others have fully embraced the efficiencies of the exchange-traded structure [see Are Bond ETFs Broken?]. The sheer size of the bond ETF space–in terms of both AUM and number of products–has increased dramatically since 2005. But the activity in the space has not been limited to pure growth in assets; a number of interesting innovations in the fixed income ETF arena have helped to address many of the issues that have been cited as potential concerns to investors and to enhance the overall experience of these products. Bond ETFs still aren’t perfect; many of the more popular products that are difficult to replicate exactly, exhibit certain biases that may be undesirable in certain environments and can create for recurring [...]

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Surprising ETF Standouts Of 2011

Michael Johnston — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:57:06 +0000

After a record-setting October gave investors hope that 2011 would finish on a strong note, the first couple weeks of November have effectively taken any wind out of those sails. The culprit–surprise, surprise–has been the cash-strapped PIIGS economies of Europe, with Italy now grabbing the spotlight as a serious credit risk and a grave threat not only to Europe but to global financial markets. And just like that, it appears as if we are heading to dismal end to a generally dismal year for many investors. The asset classes that had powered big recoveries in 2009 and 2010, such as commodities and emerging markets, have largely fallen flat this year. Most major benchmarks are in the red year-to-date, and it’s probably a safe bet that many investors have lost money this year. There are, of course, a few bright spots; certain asset classes always thrive in chaos and others manage [...]

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For ETF Investors, Currency Exposure Matters (More Than You Might Think)

Stoyan Bojinov — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:00:39 +0000

Equity markets have taken investors for a wild ride over the past three months with chaotic trading dominating virtually every nook and corner of Wall Street. Amidst the volatility, investors have been seeking out refuge and fleeing to “safer” asset classes; although rational, this approach inevitability overlooks certain corners of the market that may in fact be a lot less riskier than most investors might think. Currency exposure in particular is often times overlooked, especially when stock markets are unfriendly, due to preconceived notions about the risks and rewards associated with this misunderstood asset class. When picking an ETF investment, many advisors don’t give a whole lot of thought to currency exposure, often times deeming it as far too risky or complex for their portfolio’s needs. In fact, many investors may not have a strong opinion on the Brazilian real, Japanese yuan, or the Australian dollar [see Currency ETFs Of [...]

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iShares Launches Emerging Markets Bond ETF (LEMB)

Michael Johnston — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:30:16 +0000

iShares, the firm behind the most popular ETF in the Emerging Markets Bonds ETFdb Category, rolled out another similar product to complement EMB on Thursday. The new Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond Fund (LEMB) will offer investors exposure to debt of emerging markets issuers that is denominated in local currencies, such as the South Korean Won, Brazilian Real, Mexican Peso, and Polish Zloty. The existing JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Fund (EMB), which debuted in late 2007 and has attracted more than $3 billion in assets, holds debt that is issued by entities in emerging markets but denominated in the U.S. dollar [for updates on all new ETF launches, sign up for the free ETFdb newsletter]. Under The Hood The new LEMB will seek to replicate the Barclays Capital Emerging Markets Broad Local Currency Bond Index, a benchmark that includes about 290 individual bonds and has an effective duration [...]

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ETF Insider: All In Green

Stoyan Bojinov — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:00:56 +0000

Wall Street started and ended last week on a positive note. Investors came back to the equity markets on Monday after French and German policymakers voiced their support to come up with a viable plan for restoring stability in the Euro zone by November. Meanwhile, on the home front, domestic equity indexes extended gains throughout the week as corporate earnings results got underway. Internet giant, Google, blew past analyst expectations, putting investors in a cheerful mood on Friday, with stocks broadly finishing higher in bright green territory for the week. Gold remains range-bound and the precious metal was unable to break above the $1,700 level. Futures prices for the yellow metal drifted higher during the week, closing around $1,680 an ounce as we approach the second half of October. Actionable ETF Trade Ideas Last Week’s Actionable ETF Ideas Ticker Position Performance GLD Long +0.8% EWG Long +7.4% EMB Long +0.9% [...]

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ETF Insider: Euro Zone Euphoria Here To Stay?

Stoyan Bojinov — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:00:40 +0000

Domestic equity indexes having been climbing higher all week, posting seven consecutive sessions in green territory. Investors are showing confidence in European lawmakers to bring forth a concrete plan of action in due time, while at home, corporate earnings have gotten off to a solid start. Yet, FOMC minutes from the most recent Fed meeting revealed that a cloud of uncertainty still looms over Wall Street while political drama in Washington may soon be heating up again as the Senate rejected Obama’s $447 billion jobs bill. Gold has been creeping higher all week, although the precious metal has yet to reclaim the $1,700 level since plunging lower after topping out near $1,900 an ounce about a month ago. Checking In: Trading Ideas This week, our technical trading ideas included long recommendations in a popular commodity fund as well as a country ETF, while our third, fundamental pick, focused on a lucrative [...]

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ETF Insider: Can Earnings Trump Euro Drama?

Stoyan Bojinov — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:00:17 +0000

Wall Street was able to close out the week in solid positive territory, although investor worries remain escalated over the uncertainty still plaguing the debt-stricken Euro zone. Waves of optimism and improvements in investor confidence, following a better-than-expected employment report at home, helped stocks climb higher last week. Gold prices remain range-bound although the yellow metal appears to be gaining momentum above the critical $1,600 an ounce level, possibly preparing to rebound higher in the coming days. Earnings season kicks off this week and investors will have platefuls of corporate performance reports to digest, hopefully restoring some confidence back in the U.S. economy. Weekly Outlook The coming week is fairly light with major economic releases on the international front, including inflation data from the Euro zone. At home, investors also have plenty on their plate, including an important consumer confidence report on Friday. Below, we highlight ETFs that may see [...]

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ETF Database » EMB

Bond ETFs For Every Objective

Related Posts:

International Bond ETF Guide: All the Options For Ex-U.S. Fixed Income Exposure

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Are Gold ETFs The Best Defense Against Euro Drama?

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Getting The Most Out Of Your Bond ETFs

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Surprising ETF Standouts Of 2011

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For ETF Investors, Currency Exposure Matters (More Than You Might Think)

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iShares Launches Emerging Markets Bond ETF (LEMB)

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ETF Insider: All In Green

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ETF Insider: Euro Zone Euphoria Here To Stay?

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ETF Insider: Can Earnings Trump Euro Drama?

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