RBC Global Asset Management has launched the RBC Vision Women’s Leadership MSCI Canada Index ETF (RLDR CN), investing in Canadian equities of companies that exhibit a commitment towards women leadership among their board of directors and executive leadership positions. Judy Cotte, vice-president and head of corporate governance and responsible investment, RBC, said, “We hope this new ETF will help bring greater focus to the issue of gender diversity at Canadian companies.”

UBS has cross-listed its global gender equality ETF onto Borsa Italiana. The share class available on the Italian exchange is hedged to EUR and listed under the ticker code GENDEE IM. The UBS Global Gender Equality UCITS ETF launched in December 2017 and has since accumulated $44m assets under management.

Canadian ETF provider BMO has launched five new ETFs on Toronto Stock Exchange, three of which are fixed income. “As one of the top 10 fixed income ETF providers globally, we’re excited to build on our successful and comprehensive suite,” said Kevin Gopaul, Head of BMO Global Asset Management Canada.

In events co-coordinated by Women in ETFs, 63 stock exchanges around the world hosted bell ringing ceremonies to mark International Women’s Day and to help advance the cause of gender equality and women’s empowerment. ETF issuers have shown they are keen to play their part with a number of ETFs being launched in recent years that select stocks based on gender equality screening.

Doha Bank and Amwal have partnered to launch Qatar’s first ETF – the QE Index ETF (QETF QD) – an equity fund tracking the largest and most liquid companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange. “Amwal is proud to have the QETF as part of its product portfolio. Passive investment strategies are playing a bigger role for institutional investors looking for emerging market exposure as part of their global asset allocation,” said Sheikha Hanadi Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani, chairperson of Amwal.

Janus Henderson has announced plans to close and liquidate two of its NYSE-listed equity ETFs: the Janus Velocity Tail Risk Hedged Large Cap ETF (TRSK US) and Janus Velocity Volatility Hedged Large Cap ETF (SPXH US).

US investment manager Davis Advisors has launched the Davis Select International ETF (DINT US) on Nasdaq Exchange, expanding its line-up of actively managed funds. “This new ETF applies the time-tested Davis Investment Discipline to international investing, and provides our clients with another option as they look to build wealth over the long term,” said Chris Davis, portfolio manager and chairman at Davis Advisors.

So far this year, ETFs tracking Brazilian equity indices have reflected the country’s sunny summer weather. The Ibovespa, an index representing around 60 highly traded stocks listed on the São Paulo stock exchange and the underlying reference for the Lyxor Brazil (Ibovespa) UCITS ETF (RIOU_LN), is up some 10% year-to-date on the back of an improving economic background.

TriLine Index Solutions, an affiliate of BP Capital Fund Advisors, has launched the NYSE Pickens Oil Response ETF (BOON US), whose name and ticker honours the leadership of American oilman T. Boone Pickens. The fund tracks the NYSE Pickens Oil Response Index which selects stocks with a high correlation to changes in the price of Brent crude oil. It aims to provide a higher Sharpe ratio compared to traditional energy ETFs, the S&P 500, and ICE Brent Crude Oil, as well as commodity-oriented indices.

Direxion Investments is to close its billionaire-mimicking ETF, the Direxion iBillionaire Index ETF (IBLN US).