ETFGI, a London-based ETF industry consultant, has reported that assets invested in smart beta ETFs/ETPs listed globally reached a new record high of $560 billion at the end of February 2017, up from $534bn at the end of the previous month. Record levels of assets were also reached for smart beta equity ETFs/ETPs listed in the US ($499bn), Europe ($39bn), Canada, (13bn) and Asia Pacific ex-Japan ($5bn).

London-based ETF research and consultancy firm, ETFGI, has reported that smart beta equity ETFs/ETPs assets have experienced a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 30.6%, according to data up to the end of January 2017. The data also reveals that assets invested in smart beta equity ETFs/ETPs listed globally reached a new record high of $534 billion at the end of January 2017.

The Index Industry Association (IIA), a New York-based not-for-profit organisation, has released survey data revealing that the growth of smart beta has been the most significant driver of innovation in the sector, according to its members. IIA members include MSCI, FTSE Russell and S&P Dow Jones, all leading index providers to the ETF industry.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has broken through the psychologically important 20,000 index level for the first time in its history, driven by increased optimism about the future of the US economy under President Trump’s stewardship. Financial stocks have been among the biggest winners since the election as investors bet on higher interest rates and less regulation in coming years. The bullish run has led to significant gains for related ETFs provided by SPDR ETFs, iShares and Lyxor.

S&P Dow Jones Indices has launched the S&P Global Revenue Exposure Indices, measuring the performance of companies dominating revenue streams from targeted regions internationally. The indices are derived from leading financial benchmarks, including the S&P 500, S&P/TSX 60, S&P/TOPIX 150 and the S&P Europe 350. Philip Murphy, Vice President, Product Management, at S&P Dow Jones Indices, commented: “The S&P Global Revenue Exposure Indices are an opportunity for targeted equity exposure, as they represent the markets that hold the greatest influence to a company’s top line.”

Asia Index, a joint-venture between S&P Dow Jones and BSE, India’s first stock exchange, has launched the S&P BSE SENSEX 50 Index, tracking the 50 largest and liquid companies listed at BSE. The index may serve as the underlying for future investment products including ETFs. Alka Banerjee, CEO, Asia Index, commented: “With the launch of the S&P BSE SENSEX 50 Index, we aim to provide a more effective tool for institutional and retail investors’ growing needs.”

Although many market pundits forecast US equity ETFs to plummet and gold ETFs to surge upon the election of Donald Trump, the opposite occurred. Physical gold, seen as a safe haven asset in times of turmoil, has actually fallen by roughly 7% since the election, hindered by rising yields and a stronger dollar. Conversely, the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq 100 have all risen since Trump was elected, buoyed by his promises to spend more on infrastructure; as well as lower taxes and regulations.

Taiwan Stock Exchange has welcomed eight new ETFs on its platform since the start of October, including seven inverse and leveraged ETFs. Taiwan’s ETF market has shown significant development recently, providing local investors with a wider range of investment choices including greater access to international and specialty exposures.

Index provider S&P Dow Jones Indices and sustainability investment specialist RobecoSAM have announced the results of the annual Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) review. The DJSI family consists of indices targeting environmental, social and governance (ESG)-compliant exposures globally and regionally. The indices are designed for use as performance benchmarks for ESG-conscious investors and as underlying references for index-linked investment products such as exchange-traded funds.

State Street Global Advisors’ SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE Arca: SPY), the first exchange-traded fund to launch in the US in January 1993, has hit more than $200bn in assets, making it by far the largest ETF in the world. “Since its inception in 1993, SPY has offered all investors tax efficient, cost effective and liquid exposure to US large cap stocks,” said David Mazza, head of ETF and Mutual Fund Research at SSGA. “Crossing $200bn in assets under management on August 12, 2016 is testament to SPY’s prominence in the market and broad use by investors.”