Asia ETP News

ETF Empowering Investors in China's Transition to Sustainable Economy

August 26, 2024--According to International Energy Agency's forecasts, renewables will surpass coal to become the largest source of global electricity generation in 2025 and account for over 42% share in 2028, signifying a significant shift in the global power mix.

India: With markets at peak, mutual fund redemptions surge: Report

August 23, 2024-Total Assets Under Management (AUM) for mutual funds in July 2024 increased by 40 per cent compared to the previous year, but redemptions surged by 61 per cent during the same period

China Bond Trading Collapses Amid PBOC Crackdown on Record Rally

August 23, 2024--China's attempts to cool a record bond rally have stalled a drop in yields, but at the cost of a collapse in trading activity to an extent that may create more headaches for policymakers.

India surpasses China to become Russia's top oil buyer in July

August 22, 2024-Russian crude made up a record 44% of India's overall imports last month, rising to a record 2.07mln bpd, 4.2% higher than in June and 12% more than a year ago
India overtook China as the world's biggest importer of Russian oil in July as Chinese refiners bought less because of lower profit margins from producing fuels, a comparison of import data showed.

Yuanta and Uni-President fined for 'misleading' Taiwan ETF adverts

August 21, 2024--Other big names to be ejected from the MSCI indices include Beiqi Foton Motor, Ganfeng Lithium Group and GF Securities
Regulator criticises use of phrases such as 'interest falls like rain' and 'uninterrupted cash flow'

Avenir Group Becomes Top Institutional Holder of Two Major Bitcoin ETFs in Asia Bitcoin ETF Holdings Totaled US$384 Million in Q2

August 20, 2024-Avenir Group, a global institutional family office focused on mult-strategy investment trading powered by financial technology (FinTech), has become the largest institutional holder of two major Bitcoin exchange traded-funds (ETFs) in Asia in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.

Australia's failed blockchain project for capital markets infrastructure

August 20, 2024--A world-leading bid effort to use blockchain technology to upgrade key capital markets infrastructure ended when ASX Ltd (the Australian Stock Exchange) paused the project and wrote off costs of AUD 250 million ($169m). On 14 August the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) watchdog announced it was suing the ASX for "allegedly making misleading statements".

Dimensional Extends ETF Suite in Australia

August 19, 2024--Global asset manager Dimensional Fund Advisors, the world's largest issuer of actively managed exchange traded funds (ETFs), today extended its suite of equity ETFs on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to support financial professionals seeking to access the firm's systematic approach.

5 undervalued qualities of the Indian financial system

August 18, 2024--The timing is sound. India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day at present. Everybody is aware of the story: it's the world's most populous nation, one of many fastest-growing economies, the third-largest by gross home product in buying energy parity phrases, and a touted beneficiary of "China Plus One" provide chain diversification.

MSCI removes China Tourism, 59 more Chinese stocks as global investors turn to India

August 13, 2024--Other big names to be ejected from the MSCI indices include Beiqi Foton Motor, Ganfeng Lithium Group and GF Securities

Chinese gold ETF holdings up 92% since 2023

August 10, 2024--Chinese gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have experienced a surge, with holdings increasing by 92% since the beginning of 2023, according to Wells Fargo.
The bank said the surge in gold ETF investments reflects robust demand from Chinese investors seeking safety amid economic uncertainties.

China Investors Pile Into Saudi ETFs as Two Nations Grow Closer

July 28, 2024--Both ETFs trade at sizable premiums to their net asset values
Saudi ETFs have competitive advantage in yields: Guotai Junan
Chinese investors are pouring money into two new exchange-traded funds tracking Saudi Arabian shares as the dismal performance of local equities supercharges demand for overseas assets.

China's Third Plenum all about muddling through

July 22, 2024--Third Plenum announced reform measures that were either already underway or vexingly vague in detail at a crucial juncture for the economy
Four days of highly anticipated high-level Third Plenum meetings (from July 15 to 18) among Chinese Communist Party leaders ended with a perplexingly vague readout.

WTO-Trade Policy Review: China

July 19, 2024--SUMMARY
1. During the review period, China remained an important driving force for global economic growth. The economy recovered well from pandemic-related shocks, and China's exports and imports continued to increase

Tech-focused ETFs Take Spotlight after Mainland China-Hong Kong ETF Connect Expansion

July 18, 2024--On July 12th, it was announced that 91 additional ETFs will be added to the Mainland China-Hong Kong ETF Connect Program, which will take effect on July 22nd. This expansion brings the total number of ETFs in the program to 241, with 19 of them being managed by E Fund Management ("E Fund"), the largest fund manager in China.

OKX Ventures Releases Bi-Monthly Investment Report (May-June 2024)

July 17, 2024--OKX Ventures, the investment arm of leading Web3 technology company OKX, has released its bi-monthly investment report for May-June 2024, highlighting steady progress across multiple fields and maintaining an optimistic outlook on market prospects.

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese exchanges add 91 ETFs to Stock Connect scheme

July 12, 2024--A total of 85 ETFs will be added for trading in the northbound direction and six in the southbound direction, with the expanded list to take effect from July 22

Samsung Active Asset Management Launches KoAct AI Infrastructure Active ETF Benchmarked Against Solactive Korea AI Infrastructure Index

July 9, 2024--The global AI infrastructure market has grown significantly against the backdrop of increasing global adoption of AI technologies across various industries, driven by the data explosion and advancements in AI algorithms. In response to this fast-growing industry, Solactive is pleased to announce that Samsung Active Asset Management has listed the KoAct AI Infrastructure Active ETF, benchmarked against the Solactive Korea AI Infrastructure Index.

Mainland China-Hong Kong ETF Connect Marks Two Years of Strengthened Market Integration, Expansion Expected to Boost Investment Options and Liquidity

July 8, 2024--On July 4th, the ETF Connect Program, which facilitated two way capital flows between mainland China and Hong Kong for eligible ETFs, celebrated its two-year anniversary.
Over the past two years, the program strengthened its position in deepening the integration of the two capital markets, the number of eligible ETFs increasing from 87 to 151 since launch and the monthly Northbound trading volume rising from US$55 million to US$2.98 billion in June this year.

A Closer Look at H1 2024 A-share ETF Market: Rise of Broad-based and High Dividend Yield ETFs

July 5, 2024--In the first half of 2024, the A-share ETF market scaled a new record high and the market size surpassed US$292 billion, with broad-based ETFs as the main driving force. According to Wind, the assets of broad-based ETFs doubled from US$83 billion in mid-2021 to over US$171 billion, increasing their share from 41% to 59%.

China ETF assets register 'explosive' growth

July 2, 2024--Booming sector has enjoyed annual growth rate of 40% since 2018 as actively managed funds have slumped
China's exchange traded fund industry has surged in recent years, buoyed by record high inflows into equities strategies and amid a slump in the take-up of active funds, according to Morningstar research.

IMF-China's Economic Outlook: Expert Insights on Growth and Global Impact

June 27, 2024--China is embarking on an economic transformation, centring the energy transition as the key driver of growth.
Beijing's economic policies aim to stabilize and invigorate global markets despite headwinds.
Ahead of a key economic policy meeting in Beijing, experts convened at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian to unpack China's policy direction and economic outlook.

Green Building Revolution Could Open $1.8 Trillion Global Market Opportunity by 2030

June 26, 2024--A new report identifies 11 strategies that could abate building emissions by 80% and potentially unlock $1.8 trillion in global market opportunities by 2030.
China, as the world's largest construction market, can play a critical role in driving sustainable change across the global building industry.
The report identifies key barriers facing the global building industry including gaps in regulations and industry standards, data management and advanced tech adoption, biomaterials, financing and labour force upskilling.

SOLOWIN Driving Investor Adoption of Virtual Assets as the Largest Holder of Multiple Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in Hong Kong

June 17, 2024--June 17, 2024--SOLOWIN HOLDINGS ("SOLOWIN" or "the Company"), a securities brokerage company that offers comprehensive financial services primarily to Chinese investors globally, today announced that Solomon JFZ (Asia) Holdings Limited ("Solomon"), its operating subsidiary, has become the largest holder of customer assets in the ChinaAMC Bitcoin ETF (HKEX: 9042), ChinaAMC Ethereum ETF (HKEX: 9046), and Harvest Bitcoin Spot ETF (HKEX: 3439).

Solactive Launches Subordinated Bank Bond Index for Betashares in Australia

May 17, 2024--Solactive has launched the Solactive Australian Major Bank Subordinated Index in partnership with Betashares, a leading exchange traded fund (ETF) provider in Australia. To be eligible for inclusion in the index, bonds must have amounts outstanding of at least $500 million and a remaining maximum term to maturity of 10 years.

Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia explore funds to track Hong Kong stock indices

May 9, 2024--Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are exploring the creation of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking Hong Kong indices, Hong Kong Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong said in a statement on Thursday.

HKD 2.4 Billion AUM Highlights Strong Market Entry for Newly Launched Spot Crypto ETFs in Hong Kong

May 7, 2024--OSL's key partnerships secure 76% market share in spot BTC/ETH ETF market
The inaugural week of the newly launched ETFs has exceeded all projections, with asset under management (AUM) surpassing HKD2.4 billion as of 6 May, a testament to the strong investor interest and confidence in the market.

Asia ESG fund flows plummet in first quarter

May 7, 2024--Strong inflows to Taiwan's sustainable vehicles help offset heavy outflows from Hong Kong and Singapore
There were "subdued" flows in sustainable funds in Asia excluding Japan and China in the first quarter of the year, recording a 63 per cent decline from a revised $1.7bn in net new money chalked up during the previous quarter.

MetaComp and Bosera Strengthen Collaboration to Promote Bosera Cryptocurrency ETFs Among Global Investors

May 7, 2024--MetaComp Pte Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "MetaComp") and Bosera Fund Management (International) Co., Ltd. ("Bosera International") strengthened their collaboration to introduce the eagerly awaited Bosera cryptocurrency ETF to investors worldwide.

South Korea's Newly Elected Party to Fulfill Election Promise with Bitcoin ETF Review Request

May 7, 2024--During the campaign, the Democratic Party of Korea promised to allow trading and listing of spot ETFs in the country to entice young voters to participate in the election.
The Democratic Party of Korea has revealed its plans to request the Financial Service Commission (FSC) to clarify the regulatory framework governing Bitcoin ETFs in the country.

Mirae Asset introduces high dividend yield ETF to China

May 7, 2024--Mirae Asset Global Investments, a leading asset manager based in Korea, has introduced a high dividend yield exchange-traded fund to the mainland Chinese market through cross-border trading with Hong Kong, the firm announced Tuesday.

Premia Partners announced fee reduction for Premia Vietnam ETF and change of underlying index

May 1, 2024--Premia Partners, a leading ETF provider from Hong Kong, announces today fee reduction of its Premia Vietnam ETF (the ETF) and change of the underlying index to S&P Vietnam Core Index (USD) NTR (the index) with immediate effect.

IMF-Asia's Growth and Inflation Outlook Improves, but Risks Remain

April 29, 2024--The regional outlook has strengthened as price pressures have moderated, although China's property market correction and geoeconomic fragmentation remain key risks.
The outlook for Asia and the Pacific in 2024 has brightened: we now expect that the region's economy will slow less than we previously projected as inflation pressures continue to dissipate.

MetaComp Announces Strategic Partnership with Harvest Global Investments to Explore Bringing HK-Listed ETFs to Investors in Singapore and Beyond

April 29, 2024--MetaComp Pte Ltd, a leading Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) licensed Singapore fintech company that specializes in blockchain technology and digital assets, and its affiliates (collectively referred as MetaComp), is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Harvest Global Investments Limited (HGI), a leading asset management company licensed with the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Option2Trade Becomes Attractive Hong Kong Set to Approve First Spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETF's, Alongside Ethereum ETF's Once Approved

April 11, 2024--In the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investment, Option2Trade (O2T) has emerged as a platform of choice for traders seeking exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). As Hong Kong moves closer to approving its first spot Bitcoin ETFs, with Ethereum (ETH). ETFs to follow suit once approved, the attractiveness of Option2Trade (O2T) as a versatile trading platform is on the rise. In this article, we delve into the significance of Hong Kong's ETF approvals and their implications for Option2Trade (O2T) traders.

China's continued focus on the same export-driven model is bound to hit an impasse

April 2, 2024--China's 'Two Sessions'- the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)- took place from 4-11 March in Beijing. Premier Li Qiang delivered his first 'work report' which marked both the beginning of a new era for China and the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Five key takeaways from China's annual meeting of parliament

March 12, 2024--China is turning to 'future technologies' to boost is economy as it tries to turn the page on developers' struggles.
China's week-long meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC), which gathered some 3,000 delegates from the political, business and cultural elite in Beijing, has closed without the customary press conference by the country's premier.

S.Korea authorities discuss prospects for allowing spot bitcoin ETFs

March 8, 2024--March 4, 2024--South Korean authorities are discussing whether to allow sales of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the country, the financial watchdog chief said on Tuesday.
"Among authorities, I am one of those who are positive about virtual assets, while there are others who are wary, and we need to hear their opinions as well.

Phillip Capital Management partners China Universal Asset Management to launch mainland-linked ETF

March 7, 2024--Phillip Capital Management has partnered with China Universal Asset Management (CUAM) to launch the Phillip-China Universal MSCI China A 50 Connect exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The product will be listed on the Singapore Exchange S68-(SGX) on March 20, with the initial offering period from March 4 to March 14.

Pacific Economic Growth Slowing After Post-Pandemic Rebound

March 5, 2024--Investment in education critical to address significant learning gaps, foster sustainable growth, report finds.
Growth in Pacific island countries is estimated to have slowed in 2023 and is forecast to continue to decelerate in 2024 and 2025 as the temporary boost from the COVID-19 pandemic recovery fades and fiscal policies begin to tighten, the World Bank said in its semi-annual economic outlook for 11 Pacific island countries.

China cuts key interest rate in the latest move to boost its ailing property sector

February 20, 2024--China's central bank announced Tuesday that it cut its 5-year loan prime rate while leaving its 1-year rate unchanged in the latest move to ease pressures on the ailing property market.

Solactive and KB Asset Management Partner for the First Time with ETF Launch Tracking Realty Income Index

February 20, 2024--Solactive is delighted to announce KB Asset Management's introduction of the KB KBSTAR Global Realty Income ETF in Korea, tracking the Solactive Global Realty Income Index, marking the initiation of partnership and further expanding Solactive’s presence in the region.
The Solactive Global Realty Income Index comprises REIT securities known for their appealing dividend payments. Notably, Realty Income Corp and the Macquarie Korean Infrastructure Fund (MKIF) are included as fixed components.

JPMorgan AM to join China 'fundraising war' for CSI A50 ETFs

January 15, 2024--Move marks first time a 100% foreign-owned enterprise will compete directly with domestic managers at a launch
JPMorgan Asset Management's China retail asset management subsidiary will go head to head with about half a dozen top local fund houses after the Lunar New Year holiday to raise money for exchange traded funds that track a newly established index.

IMF Staff Country Report-People's Republic of China: Selected Issues

February 12, 2024--Summary:
SMOOTHING THE PATH TO A NEW NORMAL: CHINA'S PROPERTY SECTOR TRANSITION1
The Chinese authorities have taken resolute actions to address the risks from the property sector since the start of the pandemic. The key challenge now is to smooth the transition of the sector to a smaller, more sustainable size amid unresolved financial distress among developers, weakened home buyer confidence, and a backdrop of large inventories and structurally declining demand.

Japan: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

February 8, 2024--The Japanese economy continues to recover from the pandemic. Initially driven by cost-push factors, inflation is becoming demand driven with the output gap closed and labor shortages intensifying . In the near term, the focus should shift to tighten fiscal policy and wind down unconventional monetary policy, while maintaining financial stability.

IMF Staff Country Report-People's Republic of China: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release

February 2, 2024--Summary:
China has enjoyed decades of impressive growth, which has significantly improved living standards and largely eradicated extreme poverty. The growth has, however, been accompanied by widening imbalances and rising vulnerabilities, as excessive investment in infrastructure and housing has resulted in rising debt levels among property developers, local governments (LG), and local government financing vehicles (LGFVs).

China's Real Estate Sector: Managing the Medium-Term Slowdown

February 2, 2024--Accelerated cleanup of distressed developers and other policies will help smooth the path to a smaller, more sustainable role in the economy
Real estate has long been important for China's economy, driving its rapid growth in recent decades and accounting for as much as 20 percent of activity.

IMF Staff Country Report-Thailand: 2023 Article IV Consultation

January 30, 2024--Thailand's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple shocks in 2022 is continuing, amid elevated uncertainty.
Growth is projected at 2.5 percent in 2023, broadly on par with 2022, while inflation is expected to remain well-within the authorities' target range.

'Snowball' derivatives feed China's stock market avalanche

January 23, 2024--China's plunging stock market is leading to losses on billions of dollars worth of derivatives linked to the country's equity indexes, forcing a vicious cycle of selling in stocks and futures contracts as market participants manage their risks.

Homegrown asset managers grab limelight in Asia ETF boom

January 19, 2024---ChinaAMC, E Fund and Taiwan’s Yuanta have been among the biggest beneficiaries in the Asia-Pacific
Double-digit growth in exchange traded fund assets across many Asia-Pacific markets last year helped a handful of local fund firms strengthen their position as market leaders.

China's $6.3 Trillion Stock Selloff Is Getting Uglier by the Day

January 19, 2024---Property sector's slump and geopolitical risks are negatives
China's valuation discount to India hit a record this week
Chinese stocks just capped another dismal week, with a gauge of mainland firms listed in Hong Kong languishing at the bottom of global equity index rankings for the year so far.

China's Economy Grew 5.2% in 2023, Chinese Premier Li Qiang Says

January 16, 2024--The National Statistics Bureau is due to publish 2023 growth figures on Wednesday
China's economy grew around 5.2% in 2023, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday, a day before the country's statistics agency is due to release full-year growth figures.

China's economy faces growing deflationary pressures as prices extend fall

January 12, 2024--Dec CPI fell year-on-year
CPI in 2023 was 0.2%, compared with around 3% government target
Dec PPI was down from a year earlier, steeper than expectation
China's consumer prices declined for a third month in December while factory-gate prices extended their prolonged slide, highlighting persistent deflationary pressures in an economy struggling to mount a solid recovery.

South Korea Watchdog Intensifies Crackdown on China-Linked Notes

January 7, 2024--Regulators to start an investigation into 12 banks and brokers
Authorities unsure if investors understood the product: FSS
South Korea's regulator is launching a wider probe into local banks and brokers which sold exotic notes linked to Chinese stocks amid concerns that the securities may saddle investors with heavy losses.

IMF Staff Country Report-IMF Executive Board Concludes 2023 Article IV Consultation with India

December 15, 2023--India's economy showed robust growth over the past year. Headline inflation has, on average, moderated although it remains volatile. Employment has surpassed the pre pandemic level and, while the informal sector continues to dominate, formalization has progressed.
The financial sector has been resilient-strongest in several years-and largely unaffected by global financial stress in early 2023.

Thai Economy to Recover in 2024 Driven by Tourism, Exports Recovery

December 14, 2023---Carbon pricing critical for achieving climate objectives
Thailand's economic growth is projected to pick up to 3.2% in 2024 from 2.5% this year, supported by a recovery in tourism and goods exports and sustained private consumption, the World Bank said in its semi-annual Thailand Economic Monitor, launched today.

Indonesia's Economic Growth to Ease Slightly in 2024 as Commodity Prices Soften

December 13, 2023---Indonesia can tackle climate challenges while achieving strong long-term growth
Indonesia's economic growth remains resilient, with inflation on a declining trend, and a stable currency, the World Bank said in its semi-annual Indonesia Economic Prospects report. GDP growth is projected to ease slightly to an average of 4.9% over 2024-2026 from 5% this year as the commodity boom loses steam.

Despite Strong Growth, South Asia Remains Vulnerable to Shocks

April 2, 2024--Growth in South Asia is expected to be strong at 6.0% in 2024, driven mainly by robust growth in India and recoveries in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But persistent structural challenges threaten to undermine sustained growth, hindering the region's ability to create jobs and respond to climate shocks, says the World Bank in its twice-a-year regional outlook.

IMF Departmental Paper-Asia's Perspectives on Climate Change: Policies, Perceptions, and Gaps

November 29, 2023--Summary:
Asia and the Pacific's green transition will have far-reaching implications for the global economy. Over the past decades, the region has become the engine of global economic growth. With relatively heavy reliance on coal and high energy intensity, the region has recently become the largest contributor to growth in global GHG emissions, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total emissions in 2020.

IMF Asia's Perspectives on Climate Change: Policies, Perceptions, and Gaps

HKEX Welcomes APAC's First Saudi Arabian ETF

November 28, 2023--First Saudi Arabian ETF listed in Hong Kong, offering global and regional investors unique Middle East exposure in Hong Kong
ADT of Hong Kong-listed ETPs reached HK$14 billion YTD 2023, up over 20% year-on-year
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to welcome today (Wednesday) the listing of Asia Pacific's first ETF to track Saudi Arabian equities- the CSOP Saudi Arabia ETF (Stock code: 2830/82830).

Investors are funding 85% of dividends at one Taiwan ETF

November 24, 2023--Regulator has introduced mandatory disclosures of dividend composition after receiving complaints
One of Taiwan's most popular high-dividend exchange traded funds has announced that 85 per cent of its monthly payout in November was taken from investor capital rather than corporate dividends or capital gains.

Macquarie brings long-awaited ETFs to market

November 22, 2023--In a statement, MAM said the launch provides local investors with the transparency and convenience of an ETF structure and access to its global active management strategies, previously only available as unlisted managed funds.

Republic of Korea: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Korea

November 16, 2023--Summary:
Korea faced challenges from inflation, growth slowdown, and financial stress in the wake of the pandemic. Growth started to slow in mid-2022 as global demand for electronics waned and domestic demand weakened but has begun to gradually recover in recent quarters.

Japan's economy sinks into contraction as spending, investment decline

November 15, 2023--Japan's economy contracted at a 2.1% annual pace in July-September as consumption and investment weakened, the government said Wednesday.
Weak wage growth in the world's third-largest economy also sapped its vitality, the Cabinet Office said. In quarterly terms, the economy contracted by 0.5%.

Third time lucky? China's push to internationalise the renminbi

November 2, 2023--This paper analyses China's different attempts to internationalise its currency and how they have fared.
Executive summary
Western concerns that the renminbi could rival the dollar as an international currency contrast with underwhelming numbers in terms of global settlements in renminbi and with the experience of China's two main previous failed attempts to achieve renminbi internationalisation.

Taiwan rules on dividend ETFs will not deter investors, experts say

October 31, 2023--'Earnings equalisation mechanisms' used by managers to help artificially increase dividend payouts are under scrutiny
Regulatory pressure on Taiwanese asset managers to disclose how much capital is being used to make payouts from high-dividend exchange traded funds is unlikely to dent investor enthusiasm for the products, experts say.

The Global Energy Transition Offers an Opportunity to Boost Growth in South Asia

October 30, 2023--Despite solid growth, South Asia faces a risky outlook, says the World Bank in its latest regional economic update, urging countries to fully capitalize on the global energy transition to help boost growth. Toward Faster, Cleaner Growth is the subject of a two-day conference organized by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) and the World Bank.

DOD Report Details Chinese Efforts to Build Military Power

October 20, 2023--The People's Republic of China is continuing its efforts to overturn the international rules-based order and is building an increasingly effective military to further these aims, said a senior defense official speaking on background.

Australian ETF 'underdog' is taking on Vanguard and BlackRock

October 19, 2023--Sydney-based Betashares has recently expanded into New Zealand and the superannuation industry
Three fund firms have emerged as leaders in Australia's exchange traded fund industry, which has become one of the fastest growing in the world. Battling alongside two global ETF giants is a local "underdog" with a different origin story and challenges for ensuring longer-term growth.

UBS and Barclays buck trend with substantial China ETF bets

October 19, 2023--Both banks are top backers of a China-domiciled financials exchange traded funds launch
Barclays Bank and UBS have been named among the biggest investors in two newly launched exchange traded funds in China, at a time when many foreign investors continue to shun Chinese stocks.

China's economy grows 4.9% in Q3, beating expectations but slowing from previous quarter

October 18, 2023--China's economy slowed in the summer as global demand for its exports faltered and the ailing property sector sank deeper into crisis, the government said Wednesday.
The world's second-largest economy expanded at a 4.9% annual pace in July-September, beating analysts' forecasts of about 4.5%, official data show.

Solactive Collaborates with BT Funds Management (BTNZ) on a Range of International Equity Indices against which c.3 Billion NZD are to be Benchmarked

October 16, 2023--Solactive and BT Funds Management (BTNZ) have joined forces to introduce a suite of indices derived from Solactive's flagship Global Benchmark Series (GBS). Some of them incorporate a customized strategy to align with the investment manager's sustainability principles, adhering to the exclusion list of companies identified and maintained by BTNZ.
The new indices serve as benchmarks for active funds and mandates managed by five different asset managers acting on behalf of BTNZ and their members.

BIS Working Papers-To lend or not to lend: the Bank of Japan's ETF purchase program and securities lending

October 16, 2023--August 2, 2023-Summary
Focus-We study the effects of the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) ETF purchasing programme on stock returns, focusing particularly on the role of the stock lending market. In 2010, the BOJ established a programme to conduct outright purchases of various financial assets to stimulate the economy. This policy is unique as a monetary policy because equity index-tracking exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were included in those assets.

Asia Continues to Fuel Global Growth, but Economic Momentum is Slowing

October 13, 2023--The region is likely to see faster disinflation, but prospects for growth in coming years are dimming
Strong consumer spending has supported growth in Asia's three largest economies this year, but there are already signs that the region's recovery may be running out of steam.
We expect growth in Asia and the Pacific to accelerate from 3.9 percent in 2022 to 4.6 percent this year, unchanged from the projection from last April.

AllianzGI unrattled by surge in ETF popularity in Taiwan

October 11, 2023--German manager reaffirms confidence in its actively managed mutual fund strategies
Many established global managers in Taiwan have been left on the sidelines of an explosion in appetite for exchange traded funds, which have driven the onshore market to new highs and swept up new hordes of younger investors via online channels.

Korean degens have gone nuts for leveraged ETFs

October 10, 2023--Autocallables are so passé
Forget Mrs Watanabe and her carry trades in Turkey, Indonesia or Brazil; it turns out that South Koreans are the true trading degens of Asia.

World Bank Expects Solid Growth but Risky Outlook for South Asia

October 3, 2023--South Asia is expected to grow by 5.8% this year-higher than any other developing country region in the world, but slower than its pre-pandemic pace and not fast enough to meet its development goals, says the World Bank in its twice-a-year regional outlook.
Released today, the latest South Asia Development Update, Toward Faster, Cleaner Growth forecasts growth to slow to 5.6% in 2024 and 2025, as post-pandemic rebounds fade and a combination of monetary tightening, fiscal consolidation, and reduced global demand weigh on economic activity.

India's Growth to Remain Resilient Despite Global Challenges

October 3, 2023--India continues to show resilience against the backdrop of a challenging global environment, according to World Bank's latest India Development Update (IDU).
The IDU, the Bank's flagship half yearly report on the Indian economy, observes that despite significant global challenges, India was one of the fastest-growing major economies in FY22/23 at 7.2%.

Chinese ETFs tracking new CSI 2000 index underperform in IPOs

October 2, 2023--In a recent development, eight Chinese Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) tracking the newly launched CSI 2000 index have shown disappointing performance. Despite the anticipation that the index would stimulate domestic equities, these ETFs managed to raise an average of RMB574 million ($78.5 million) each in their initial public offerings (IPOs), falling short of the RMB668 million September average for all ETFs.

East Asia and Pacific: Sustained Growth, Momentum Slowing

October 1, 2023--Improving external conditions to benefit region in 2024
Growth in developing East Asia and Pacific is projected to remain strong at 5% in 2023 but will ease in the second half of 2023 and is forecast to be 4.5% during 2024, the World Bank said on Sunday in its semi-annual economic outlook for the region.

Indxx Licenses Cybersecurity Index to Global X ETFs Australia for an Exchange Traded Fund

September 13, 2023--Indxx is pleased to announce the licensing of their Indxx Cybersecurity Index to Global X ETFs Australia as the underlying benchmark for the Global X Cybersecurity ETF (Ticker: BUGG) which began trading today on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Taiwan to crack down on payout mechanism for high-dividend ETFs

September 12, 2023--New investors' money is often used to boost dividends that would otherwise be diluted by huge inflows
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission has announced plans to crack down on exchange traded funds' use of so-called earnings equalisation mechanisms that are used to shore up existing investors’ dividends.

China attracts record ETF flows even as US and Europeans pull out

September 12, 2023--Stimulus measures appear to have prompted a surge that accounts for nearly a third of August global ETF investment
A push by Beijing to pump money into Chinese equity markets appears to have prompted a surge in investment resulting in China accounting for almost a third of global exchange traded fund flows in August.