Swiss fintech lists crypto bitcoin on SIX Swiss Exchange
February 28, 2019--Swiss fintech specialist Amun AG has launched the world's first physically-backed crypto Bitcoin ETP (ABTC) on SIX Swiss Exchange. This ETP gives access to the world's most popular crypto coin.
Amun Bitcoin ETP is a fully collateralised product which is denominated in US dollars and has an annual investor fee of 2.5%.
Investors can buy it in a professional and reputable jurisdiction without worrying about custody, which for the underlying component of the ETP, is handled by qualified and independent custodians and also held in cold storage.
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Source: investmenteurope.net
FCA releases updated guidance on EU departure preparations
February 28, 2019--The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published updated information to help support regulated firms in finalising their preparations for as smooth a transition as possible when the UK leaves the EU.
It is urging firms to ensure they are making any necessary changes to protect customers from negative impacts of leaving the EU, whatever the outcome of negotiations-for instance, in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Firms are also being reminded to consider what information needs to be communicated to their customers, and how this will be done in a way that is clear, fair and not misleading.
For UKbased firms, particularly those operating within the European Economic Area (EEA), the FCA information highlights the FCA's approach to changes to UK legislation, implications for cross-border data sharing, and the consequences of the loss of passporting as some of the main issues that have to be dealt with.
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Source: wired-gov.net
LSE to cut 250 jobs as it resets earnings target
February 28, 2019--The London Stock Exchange Group is to cut 250 jobs as its new chief executive David Schwimmer reset earnings targets.
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Source: FT.com
STOXX Global Electric Vehicles & Driving Technology Index licensed to BlackRock
February 28, 2019--STOXX Ltd., the operator of Deutsche Boerse Group's index business and a global provider of innovative and tradable index concepts, has licensed the STOXX(R) Global Electric Vehicles & Driving Technology Index to BlackRock to serve as an underlying for an ETF.
The index is focusing on the irreversible sustainable trend towards electric vehicles by including companies, which are involved in the manufacturing of electric and autonomous vehicles, battery suppliers for electric vehicles, and other suppliers in the electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturers' supply chain.
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Source: Stoxx
New iShares ETFs on Xetra offer access to US government bonds
February 28, 2019--Since Thursday, two new Exchange Traded Funds from iShares are tradable via Xetra and Börse Frankfurt.
The two bond ETFs give investors the opportunity to participate in the performance of US dollar-denominated government bonds issued by the US government.
Investors can choose between maturities of three to seven years and seven to ten years.
Both ETFs use a hedging strategy to minimize the exchange rate risk between the base currency of the index components and the euro.
Name: iShares USD Treasury Bond 7-10yr UCITS ETF-EUR Hedged (Dist)
Asset class: Bond ETF
ISIN: IE00BGPP6697
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Source: Deutsche Börse Group
WisdomTree unveils two roll-enhanced commodity ETPs
February 27, 2019--WisdomTree has launched two new exchange-traded commodities on the London Stock Exchange, providing exposure to baskets of commodity futures from the industrial metals and energy sectors.
The Boost Enhanced Industrial Metals ETC (META LN) and Boost Enhanced Energy ETC (BENE LN) are linked to 'optimized roll' indices embedded with a smart roll mechanism based on the S&P GSCI Dynamic Roll Indices.
The mechanism aims to enhance the roll yield compared to traditional passive commodity products by adjusting the rolling strategy based on the shape of the futures curve for each underlying commodity.
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Source: etfstrategy.com
ECB-Monetary developments in the euro area: January 2019
February 27, 2019--Annual growth rate of broad monetary aggregate M3 decreased to 3.8% in January 2019 from 4.1% in December 2018
Annual growth rate of narrower monetary aggregate M1, comprising currency in circulation and overnight deposits, decreased to 6.2% in January from 6.6% in December
Annual growth rate of adjusted loans to households stood at 3.2% in January, unchanged from previous month
Annual growth rate of adjusted loans to non-financial corporations decreased to 3.3% in January from 3.9% in December
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Source: ECB
European Semester Winter Package: assessing Member States' progress on economic and social priorities
February 27, 2019--In its annual assessment of the economic and social situation in the Member States, the European Commission today stresses the need to promote investment, pursue responsible fiscal policies and implement well-designed reforms.
Challenges vary significantly across countries and call for appropriate and determined policy action.
This review of country-specific challenges comes against the backdrop of a European economy that is expected to grow for the seventh consecutive year in 2019, but at a more moderate pace. Employment is at a record high and unemployment at a record low. Public finances have also improved across the board, although some countries are still facing high levels of debt. However, challenges remain. Productivity levels remain subdued, population ageing is intensifying and rapid technological change is having a significant impact on labour markets. Real household income remains below pre-crisis levels in some Member States. Youth unemployment has been significantly reduced, but is still unacceptably high in some Member States. At a time of more pronounced global uncertainty, it is crucial that EU Member States step up their action to boost productivity, improve the resilience of their economies and ensure that economic growth benefits all citizens.
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Source: European Commission
New iShares ETFs track indices with focus on sustainability
February 27, 2019--Since Wednesday, six new Exchange Traded Funds from iShares are tradable via Xetra and Börse Frankfurt.
The six new equity ETFs give investors the opportunity to participate in the performance of companies from different regions with comparatively high ESG ratings.
This excludes companies that are involved in the manufacture of controversial weapons such as nuclear weapons, civil and military firearms, tobacco products and alcohol or generate income from the extraction of power station coal. Also excluded are companies related to gambling, pornography and genetically modified organisms. The six ETFs cover the regions Europe, USA, Japan, emerging markets or companies
Name: iShares MSCI Europe SRI UCITS ETF EUR (Dist)
Asset class: Equity ETF
ISIN: IE00BGDPWW94
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Source: Deutsche Börse Group
New ETF of BNP Paribas Easy for bonds with good ESG ratings
February 26, 2019--Since Tuesday, a new Exchange Traded Fund of BNP Paribas Easy is tradable via Xetra and Börse Frankfurt.
The BNP PARIBAS EASY EUR Corp Bond SRI Fossil Free UCITS ETF Acc provides investors exposure to around 400 euro-denominated investment grade bonds, selected using environmental, social and governance ("ESG") criteria.
In addition, the ETF excludes companies involved in fossil fuels activities, one of the most carbon-intensive areas.
Name: BNP PARIBAS EASY EUR Corp Bond SRI Fossil Free UCITS ETF Acc
Asset class: Bond ETF
ISIN: LU1859444769
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Source: Deutsche Börse Group