S&P Indices saw a sharp rise in ETF licensing activity during the first quarter of 2012, with 41 new ETFs based on its indices launched globally during the first three months of the year. There are now 419 S&P-linked ETFs available to investors worldwide.
The 41 ETFs launched during the first quarter represents more than half of the total number of S&P index-based ETFs launched for all of 2011. S&P Indices attributes the growth in ETF issuance to a maturing European and Asia-Pacific ETF market.
Alexander Matturri, Executive Managing Director at S&P Indices, said: “Investor interest in ETFs, especially outside of the States, is rapidly increasing as these products are providing greater access to niche market segments and varying asset classes at fractions of the cost typically associated with actively managed products such as mutual funds.”
The growth in S&P-based ETF issuance was lead by S&P Indices’ international business, as 23 ETFs were launched in Europe during the first quarter. In addition, 9 ETFs were issued by product providers in Asia-Pacific and 1 in Canada during the first three months of 2012.
Lyxor, PowerShares and Mirae Asset Management were among the top providers launching S&P index-based ETFs in the first quarter. Ten of the first-quarter ETF launches provided varying access to the international commodities markets, while 27 targeted various equity asset classes.
“Product providers and issuers are choosing S&P Indices for the power of our brand, longevity of our business and knowledge of our trade,” added Matturri.