First Trust has launched a new ETF – the First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (ECLN US) – which provides exposure to firms that are reducing, or planning to reduce, their carbon footprint. The fund has listed on NYSE Arca and is actively managed by Energy Income Partners according to a quantitative and qualitative investment process that favours dividend-paying stocks. Ryan Issakainen, Senior Vice President, ETF Strategist at First Trust, said, “This unique strategy provides exposure to companies that may have the greatest impact on reducing carbon emissions, while also pursuing attractive risk-adjusted returns, with a relatively stable stream of income.”

Financial advisors appear to be scaling back the number of ETF providers they deal with in a move that is expected to help the largest issuers consolidate their market-leading positions, according to a study in the US conducted by Escalent. “These findings sound a cautionary note for traditional mutual fund managers getting into the ETF market,” said Meredith Lloyd Rice, Vice President at Escalent. “A handful of long-established players continue to reign in this category as advisor interest in smart beta and active ETFs is cooling off.”

Evolve Funds has announced that the Toronto-listed Evolve Innovation Index Fund (EDGE CN) has started investing in companies linked to the theme of 5G technology, following an update to its underlying index. “5G technology will deliver much faster connection speeds with less latency and greater reliability,” said Raj Lala, President and CEO, Evolve Funds. “This will help fuel a huge rise in Internet of Things technology allowing for a smarter and more connected world.”

BlackRock has launched two new thematic ETFs in the US, providing exposure to firms linked to the cybersecurity and genomics immunology industries: the iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK US) and the iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF (IDNA US). The funds have been listed on NYSE Arca and form part of asset manager’s ‘megatrend’ suite of ETFs.

Global X has introduced the fourteenth fund in its thematic investing suite with the launch of the Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU US). Listed on Nasdaq Exchange, the fund provides exposure to firms that stand to benefit from the proliferation of cloud technology and services.

Twenty four new ETF/ETPs or additional share classes were listed on the London Stock Exchange in February 2019. ETF providers introducing new products on the exchange during the month included UBS, Invesco, Vanguard, First Trust, BlackRock, Lyxor, WisdomTree, and Tabula.

First Trust has announced upcoming changes to the First Trust Nasdaq Smartphone Index Fund (FONE US) including a new index, ticker, and name. The ETF will switch from tracking the Nasdaq CTA Smartphone Index to the Indxx 5G & NextG Thematic Index.

Invesco has partnered with Elwood Asset Management to launch the Invesco Elwood Global Blockchain UCITS ETF on London Stock Exchange, providing exposure to companies globally that have the potential to generate earnings from blockchain technology. “We believe the potential for blockchain technology to disrupt the status quo of companies in virtually every industry makes for a strong long-term investment case,” said Gary Buxton, Head of EMEA ETFs at Invesco. Elwood is owned by hedge-fund billionaire Alan Howard.

First Trust Global Portfolios has launched the First Trust Cloud Computing UCITS ETF (FSKY LN) in Europe, providing thematic exposure to companies that are actively involved in the cloud computing space. The fund is linked to the ISE Cloud Computing Index which also underlies a US-listed First Trust ETF that has accrued over $1.9 billion in assets under management since launching in 2011.

First Trust Advisors has launched the First Trust Long Duration Opportunities ETF (LGOV US) on NYSE Arca. The actively managed ETF invests in a portfolio of long duration, investment-grade fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by the US government.