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
Rapid rise of ETFs sparks growing pains
December 5, 2016--Can market sell instant gratification when underlying securities are harder to trade?
Source: FT.com
ETF Securities Weekly Flows Analysis: Oil suffers worst weekly outflows in six years
December 5, 2016--Investors take profit on a 15% gain in oil prices following OPEC's deal to cut production.
Gold ETP outflows of US$274mn were highest since July 2015.
Profit-taking on long GBP, short EUR positions after Pound rallies on hopes of a softer Brexit.
Oil ETP outflows reach highest level since August 2010 as investors take profit on a 15% surge in prices. There were US$126mn of outflows from long oil ETPs. OPEC's landmark deal to cut production for the first time in eight years drove the market euphoria as participants responded to the headline cut of 1.2 million barrels per day.
However, anyone looking at the details can see that OPEC is not committing to cutting 1.2 million barrels from today's levels. The reference figures from which they are cutting from are inflated (compare to what was produced in October).
Source: ETF Securities
State Street's head of ETFs in Emea departs
December 2, 2016--The head of State Street Global Advisors' exchange-traded fund business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa has left, shortly after the funds arm of the US banking giant made two high-profile appointments in London.
Alexis Marinof, who joined SSgA in 2003, left the $2.4 trillion asset management giant on November 14, according to regulatory filings.
Source: Financial News
OPEC deal: Producers agree to oil production cut, first since 2008
December 1, 2016--Under OPEC deal, Saudis to cut output by 0.5 million bpd
Iraq to reduce production, Iran will raise slightly
Qatar says Russia also joins cuts with 0.3 mln bpd
Brent oil jumps 9 per cent to more than $50/barrel
Indonesia suspends OPEC-membership after recently rejoining Members of the Organisation of Petroleum
Source: AMEInfo.com