December 2016 BIS Quarterly Review: Delving deeply into currency and derivatives markets
December 12, 2016--The December 2016 issue of the BIS Quarterly Review examines the data collected earlier this year from close to 1,300 banks and other dealers in 52 jurisdictions as part of the Triennial Central Bank Survey of foreign exchange and OTC derivatives markets, the most comprehensive snapshot of the size and structure of these markets.
Trading on global currency and over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets continues to grow, but why are some segments thriving while others fall back?
view the BIS Quarterly Review, December 2016
Source: BIS
Commodities ETFs a short-term bet for investors
December 12, 2016--Big inflows mask flightiness of those pumping money into such funds
Source: FT.com
Traditional index funds must emerge from the shadows
December 11, 2016--Each day, the investing public hears news of the latest developments in exchange traded index funds (ETFs).
But rare is the mention of traditional index funds, which I call Tifs, although the acronym has yet to gain acceptance.
Source: thearabianpost.com
OPEC-Monthly Oil Market Report November 2016-December 2016
December 11, 2016--Oil market highlights
Crude Oil Price Movements
Crude oil prices were volatile in November, with the OPEC Reference Basket dropping by 10% to $43.22/b. ICE Brent was down by 8.4% at $47.08/b and NYMEX WTI fell 8.4% to $45.76/b, reflecting uncertainties in the market.
However, crude futures prices moved sharply higher in the first weeks of December, following OPEC and non- OPEC meetings.
In November, the Brent-WTI spread averaged around $1.30/b
Source: OPEC
FTSE Russell and Research Affiliates Launch New ESG Smart Beta Indexes
December 8, 2016--Indexes are designed for investors with ESG investment objectives
Indexes build on the RAFITM Fundamental IndexTM methodology
Indexes provide systematic, smart beta approach to ESG investing
FTSE Russell, the global index provider, and Research Affiliates, LLC, a pioneer in smart beta strategies, today announced the launch of two new ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) smart beta indexes: the FTSE4Good RAFITM Indices and the FTSE RAFITN ex Fossil Fuels Indices. Both indices can be used by a wide variety of market participants in creating responsible investment products.
Source: ftserussell.com
ETFs and the question of systemic risk
December 8, 2016--Odd conduct of funds focused on gold mining highlight case for regulatory review
Source: FT.com
Russia close to issuing first renminbi bond
December 7, 2016--Beijing backs deal that helps to tighten relations and bypass western sanctions.
Source: FT.com
Active managers still hanging on to ETF coat-tails
December 7, 2016--US stockpickers remain far too heavily weighted in cyclicals and inflationary stocks.
Source: FT.com
Rise of ETFs mean little mourning for the middleman
December 6, 2016--Funds provide investors with critical liquidity at times of wider markets stress.
Source: FT.com
Active managers should cut complaints about ETFs
December 5, 2016--The supposed death of the stock picker has become one of the dominant narratives of post-crisis finance.
As trillions of dollars have rushed into low maintenance, index-based products facilitated by exchange traded funds, it has become common place to hear traditional fund managers and analysts complain that this wall of cash is making it increasingly tricky for them to practice their craft. Some have warned of ETFs and their ilk being bubble machines that funnel vast sums of money into the same trades.
Source: thearabianpost.com