ETFs

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

Several European ETF issuers will be able to launch ETFs on the S&P 500 index as of 17 May, when Standard and Poor's exclusive arrangement with iShares ends.

Markit, the financial information services group and index provider, has created the ETF Encyclopedia, offering information on exchange-traded products (ETPs) around the world.

CONTRARIAN INVESTOR

Last week saw major indices hit 18-month highs with many now comfortably sitting at pre-crash levels.

Deutsche Bank has released an ETF providing exposure to euro-denominated corporate bonds on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Exchange-traded products (ETPs) tracking commodity futures can offer consistent returns and diversification benefits, industry experts say.

ProFunds Group has launched a range of single inverse ProShares ETFs in the US, providing exposure to China, US real estate and the US basic materials sector.

HSBC is set to launch its Japanese equity ETF tomorrow, tracking the MSCI Japan index.

ETF Securities (ETFS) has listed a fund tracking commodity three month forward contracts on the London Stock Exchange.