Race into commodities risks stalling
September 9, 2016--Flows into commodity investments have hit their highest levels since the global financial crisis as negative interest rates boost the appeal of real assets, but they risk reversing as rallies falter in metals and oil.
The threat of investors liquidating their commodity stakes has climbed in recent years as speculative funds have become dominant and longer-term investors increasingly shun the sector.
Source: Reuters
Weekly Robotics News for Investors: September 3-9
September 9, 2016--ROBO Global Europe CEO Richard Lightbound wrote a thoughtful piece to help investors know what robotics & automation is doing for you. He explains a bit of the breakdown between different robotics portfolios and what you should be looking for.
It also gives a much deep dive into the ROBO index to give a greater understanding of the portfolio construction.
Source: ROBO Global
World Gold Council-August gold ETFs marginally higher to 2,297.3t
Gold ETF holdings update-August 2016
September 8, 2016--As of August 31, the total amount of gold held by the universe of funds that we track-73 active funds-stood at 2,297.3t (73.9 moz), up 27.0t from the previous month. In value terms, assets under management totaled US$96.7bn, 1% lower from the end of July.
The increase in European gold ETFs countered declines in North America and Asia. European funds added 32.8t to 842.8t (+4% month-on-month), while gold holdings in North American funds trimmed 7.5t (-1%) to 1,333.1t. ETFs in Asia and the "other" category totalled 71.1t (-1%) and 50.3t (+5%) respectively.
view latest gold ETF holdings data
Source: World Gold Council
Air Pollution Deaths Cost Global Economy US$225 Billion
September 8, 2016--Air pollution has emerged as the deadliest form of pollution and the fourth leading risk factor for premature deaths worldwide.
Those deaths cost the global economy about US$225 billion in lost labor income in 2013, a new study finds, pointing toward the economic burden of air pollution.
The Cost of Air Pollution:
Strengthening the economic case for action, a joint study of the World Bank and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), seeks to estimate the costs of premature deaths related to air pollution, to strengthen the case for action and facilitate decision making in the context of scarce resources.
view The Cost of Air Pollution: Strengthening the Economic Case for Action
Source: World Bank
Active managers must get down to basics
September 7, 2016--The low-cost pull of passive investing will remain but active managers can help themselves
Source: FT.com
Source: Surging interest in gold this year is driven by both optimists and pessimists
September 7, 2016--The surging interest in gold this year is being driven by both pessimists and optimists, according to Source. While pessimists see gold as a haven from potential market crashes,,optimists are using the yellow metal to hedge bullish exposure to higher-risk assets elsewhere in their portfolios.
Matt Johnson, Head of European Coverage at Source, commented: "There are some investors, most likely a minority, who feel they need to be super-cautious and buy "safe" assets. With a significant proportion of hard currency government debt delivering negative yields, the obvious choice is gold.
Source: financialinvestigator.nl
Infographic-27 Fintech Unicorns,and Where They Were Born
September 7, 2016--Everyone wants faster, cheaper, and more customized financial services-and since technology now makes this possible, the world is embracing the fintech revolution.
In 2015, investments in fintech nearly doubled to $22.3 billion. And although there were 1,108 deals made, there are only 27 companies that can call themselves unicorns-private companies valued at over $1 billion or more.
Source: visualcapitalist.com
BlackRock issues climate change warning
September 6, 2016--Investors can no longer ignore climate change and should act to protect their portfolios as extreme weather events become more common and governments step up their efforts to fight global warming, according to BlackRock.
Source: FT.com
Morningstar founder Joe Mansueto to step down
September 6, 2016--Billionaire executive built Morningstar into a mutual fund and ETF ratings and data giant since its 1984 launch from a Chicago apartment.
Source: Financial News
BetaShares Weekly Newsletter-Global Market Outlook September 2016: Fed fears re-emerge
September 6, 2016--Solid US economic data and hawkish rhetoric from several Federal Reserve members saw markets last month start to fear re-commencement of US official interest rates hikes.
Whether the Fed hikes rates or not in coming months, a key emerging investment theme nonetheless is a maturing in America's expansion due to diminished spare labour market capacity. In turn, this continues to favour our long-held defensive stance with regard to growth assets.
Source: BetaShares