Seven issuers were active on London Stock Exchange in June, listing seventeen new ETFs or ETF share classes, bringing the total number of new listings (including ETPs) to 188 year-to-date. Lida Eslami, Head of London ETP Business Development, London Stock Exchange, commented: “We continue to see growing demand for ETPs both in terms of issuance and volumes traded in the first half of the year.”

BlackRock has announced the launch of the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (IRBO US) on NYSE Arca. The fund joins a growing number of thematic ETFs providing equity exposure to global firms that are involved in the production and/or application of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Horizons ETFs has launched the Horizons Blockchain Technology & Hardware Index ETF (BKCH CN) on Toronto Stock Exchange, becoming the latest in a string of ETF issuers this year to provide targeted access to the theme of blockchain technology.

First Trust Global Portfolios has launched the First Trust Dow Jones Internet UCITS ETF (FDN LN) on London Stock Exchange, providing pure-play access to the thematic growth story of US-listed internet firms. Derek Fulton, CEO at First Trust Global Portfolios, said, “This new, highly liquid ETF provides exposure to this burgeoning asset class in a transparent UCITS structure…FDN offers exposure to FANG as well as driving alpha from other web-based companies.”

First Trust Advisors has launched a new actively managed ETF – the First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON US) – on NYSE Arca. Sub-advised by TCW Investment Management, UCON may invest in fixed income securities of any type or credit quality. “This actively-managed ETF provides another tool for investment advisors to build portfolios for their clients, leveraging the best thinking of the world-class team at TCW,” said Ryan Issakainen, senior vice president, ETF strategist at First Trust.

First Trust Advisors has launched the First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI 1 ETF (DALI US) on Nasdaq Exchange. The fund dynamically adjusts its exposure across four broad asset classes based on price momentum signals analysed by relative strength specialist Nasdaq Dorsey Wright.

First Trust Portfolios Canada has launched the First Trust International Capital Strength ETF (FINT CN) on Toronto Stock Exchange. The actively managed fund invests in equity securities of developed market companies, excluding the US and Canada, with a focus on fundamental strength and growth.

First Trust Global Portfolios has launched Europe’s first blockchain ETF, the First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction and Process UCITS ETFs (BLOK LN), on the London Stock Exchange. Derek Fulton, CEO at First Trust Global Portfolios, said: “We are pleased to bring to market this innovative UCITS ETF – BLOK. With an increasing number of institutions harnessing blockchain technology and applications spanning a wide range of industries, we believe the efficiency, auditability and transparency provided by blockchain offers the potential for significant growth opportunities.”

First Trust Portfolios Canada has launched the First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction and Process ETF (BLCK CN) on Toronto Stock Exchange. The fund provides rules-based exposure to a basket of companies globally that are associated with blockchain technology.

First Trust Advisors has announced that the Nasdaq-listed First Trust Taiwan AlphaDEX ETF (FTW US) will effectively cease to exist, with the vehicle being reorganised to pursue a new investment objective – tracking Indian equities – effective on or about 17 April 2018.