VanEck Vectors has launched a smart beta emerging markets ETF – the VanEck Vectors MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (EMKT AU) – on the Australian Securities Exchange. Arian Neiron, head of Asia Pacific, VanEck Vectors, said, “The index EMKT tracks is a rules-based smart beta strategy that has a strong history of outperformance compared to the benchmark MSCI Emerging Markets Index.”

China International Capital Corporation and Krane Funds Advisors have launched their first joint ETF, the CICC KraneShares CSI China Internet Index ETF. Listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, the ETF offers investors exposure to Chinese internet companies.

Invesco has completed its acquisition of Guggenheim Investments’ ETF division. The deal follows the company’s recent acquisition of ETF provider Source, and makes Invesco the fourth largest ETF provider globally with ETF AUM over $215bn. Dan Draper, global head of ETFs at Invesco, commented, “We’re excited to add Guggenheim Investments’ complementary ETF business to our existing robust range of factor, smart beta, fixed income and equal weight ETFs.”

Illinois-based ETF provider Elkhorn Capital will lose its last four ETFs due to the falling through of an expected acquisition by Turner Investments. Without an acquirer, Elkhorn’s investment advisory contracts have not been renewed by its board, leaving the ETF issuer unable to continue providing its four remaining ETFs to the market. Two of Elkhorn’s ETFs will be taken over while the other two will be liquidated.

VanEck has cross-listed two high-yield fixed income ETFs onto Xetra: the VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond UCITS ETF (HY3M GY) and the VanEck Vectors Global Fallen Angel High Yield Bond UCITS ETF (GFEA GY). The funds debuted on the London Stock Exchange last month.

Deutsche Asset Management, part of newly listed DWS Group, has unveiled two new Xtrackers ETFs offering exposure to high-dividend-paying quality stocks. The funds, which target US and global equity markets, have been listed on Deutsche Börse and the London Stock Exchange.

BlackRock has launched the iShares US Infrastructure ETF (IFRA US) on Cboe ETF Marketplace. IFRA tracks the NYSE FactSet US Infrastructure Index, composed of equities from two groups of infrastructure companies: owners and operators, such as railroad and utility firms; and enablers, such as materials and construction companies.

By Amanda Rebello, head of passive distribution, UK and Ireland, at Deutsche Asset Management.

Despite the wide choice of indices of sufficient market size available to bond investors, many are faced with a dilemma. Investment grade corporate bond indices combine superb liquidity with the security of a respectable credit rating, while high-yield corporates offer significantly higher returns, albeit with noticeably higher risk. So what are the alternatives?

The Japanese market has come a long way since the so-called ‘lost decade,’ a period of severe economic stagnation for the country, following the Nikkei 225 index’s plunge from its all-time high of 38,957 in the winter of 1989. Investors seeking to benefit from the country’s ongoing turnaround have a multitude of interesting ETFs to choose from.

Purpose Investments has launched three actively managed ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Som Seif, president and CEO of Purpose Investments, commented, “These three funds will further expand access and choice for investors seeking active, innovative strategies with a focus on risk management – characteristics we believe are essential in helping Canadians achieve their long-term financial goals.”