AdvisorShares has launched the AdvisorShares Sabretooth ETF (BKCH US) on Nasdaq Exchange. Sub-advised by Pennsylvania-based Sabretooth Advisors, BKCH provides actively managed exposure to companies globally that are closely linked to the themes of cloud computing and blockchain technology.

Environmental, social, and government (ESG) funds proved resilient during 2018, according to research by Morningstar, despite a difficult market environment marked by elevated volatility and broad declines in stock and bond prices.

Newcomer LeaderShares has launched the LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF US) on NYSE Arca, providing exposure to US large-cap equities that have been selected according to a multifactor process.

S&P Dow Jones Indices has launched the S&P Europe 350 Economic Cycle Factor Rotator Index. The index provides Europe-focused exposure and rotates across four distinct factor strategies – momentum, value, buyback, and low volatility/high dividend – based on changes in business and economic cycles.

SmartBe Wealth has launched the SmartBe Global Value Momentum Trend Index ETF (SBEA CN) on Aequitas NEO Exchange, providing exposure to value and momentum factor risk premia across global developed market countries. The fund also includes a trend-following strategy whereby it may shift part or all of its assets into Canadian aggregate bond exposure if the outlook for equities performance is unfavourable.

Vanguard Investments Canada has listed two new ETFs on Toronto Stock Exchange that are part of the firm’s asset allocation suite of funds. The Vanguard Conservative Income ETF Portfolio (VCIP CN) and Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT CN) provide exposure to globally diversified portfolios composed of Vanguard’s own passive ETFs.

Amundi has expanded its socially responsible investing (SRI) suite with the launch of the Amundi Index MSCI Emerging Markets SRI – UCITS ETF (EMSRI FP) on Euronext Paris. The fund harnesses data from MSCI’s ESG Research team to provide SRI-focused exposure to emerging market equities. Fannie Wurtz, Managing Director, Amundi ETF, Indexing and Smart Beta, commented, “This new listing follows on from Amundi’s ambitious three-year ESG action plan announced last October and demonstrates our commitment to meet investors’ rising demand for ESG passive solutions, at competitive pricing.”

ARK Investment Management has launched the ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF US) on NYSE Arca, providing actively managed exposure to companies at the forefront of financial technology (fintech) innovation. “…companies within fintech are working to disintermediate or bypass incumbent financial players and challenge traditional institutions by offering new solutions that are better, cheaper, faster, and more novel and secure,” said Catherine Wood, CEO at ARK Investment Management.

Index provider Bloomberg has confirmed that Chinese RMB-denominated government and policy bank securities will be added to the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index starting April 2019 and phased in over a 20 month period. The index is the preeminent barometer of the global fixed income market and the underlying reference index for a number of sizeable ETFs including the $2.4bn AUM iShares Core Global Aggregate Bond UCITS ETF (AGGG LN). “Today’s announcement represents an important milestone on China’s path towards more open and transparent capital markets, and underscores Bloomberg’s long-term commitment to connecting investors to China,” said Bloomberg Chairman Peter T. Grauer.

Morningstar has unveiled the Morningstar Low Carbon Risk Indexes, a new group of equity indexes that emphasize companies aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy. “Climate change is a significant challenge that impacts investors,” said Sanjay Arya, Head of Indexes at Morningstar. “This new family of indexes will empower investors to evaluate and invest in companies that are adapting to the low carbon economy and managing their businesses strategically for the long term.”