Exchange-traded fund provider Global X Funds has launched a new ETF offering exposure to companies best positioned to benefit from Millennials, those aged 16-36, entering their peak earning years.The Global X Millennials Thematic ETF (Nasdaq: MILN), tracking the Indxx Millennials Thematic Index, is the ninth ETF in Global X’s suite of thematic funds, and the first in its ‘People’ category, which focuses on emerging trends pertaining to changing demographics and consumer behaviour. “As Millennials enter their prime earning years, companies that cater to their unique spending preferences are expected to gain market share,” said Jay Jacobs, director of research of Global X.

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA), has launched 10 new exchange-traded funds on Euronext’s newly established London platform. It brings the total ETF count on the new exchange to 12 following its launch earlier this week [3rd May]. The 10 MSCI World Sector SPDR ETFs, that are also cross-listed on the London Stock Exchange, will track indices provided by MSCI offering exposure to globally-listed companies operating within chosen sectors. Sector ETFs provide a means for investors to adjust their exposures simply and cost-efficiently in response to changes in the economic cycle. Alexis Marinof, Head of SPDR ETFs for EMEA said: “Investors would do well to consider a sector rotation strategy. It can add an important layer of diversification and control to multi-asset portfolios.”

The first two months of the year saw total net inflows to Japan-listed exchange traded funds and exchange traded products hit a record $9.24bn, according to data from consultancy ETFGI. However, while these domestically listed ETFs/ETPs have gathered record flows, ETFs providing exposure to Japan itself have fared less well with foreign investors withdrawing money. Japan presents a mixed bag for investors with the Nikkei 225 (the most widely quoted average of Japanese equities) performing badly. ETF Strategy takes a closer look at the investment case for Japan and which ETFs are available in the first of this two part series.

The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (GSCI) recorded its best performing month for a year and the second best April on record. The index is up 15.5% since 29th February 2016, marking the biggest consecutive two months in almost seven years since May-June 2009 when it gained 20.4%. According to data from S&P Dow Jones Indices, the Dow Jones Commodity Index and S&P GSCI total return indices also saw positive performances with gains of 9.1% and 10.1%, respectively. However, the rally could be short lived, proving hard to sustain as a result of poor fundamentals underpinning the commodities.

The unprecedented leak last month of millions of documents in Panama exposing the world’s rich and powerful offshore havens revealed one important issue facing investors – and it wasn’t how to avoid tax. The 11.5 million documents, covering elected officials to dictators and their associates, highlighted the value of investing for the long term in a growing cyber security market. The wealth of riches that can be discovered by simply using a keyboard are making bank robberies with balaclavas seem outdated and the sophisticated attack on Hatton Garden diamond vault seem unnecessary. That’s why ETFs tracking the cyber security market, mostly following US companies, have experienced such success, at least in the US. But in Europe it’s another story.

iShares has expanded its suite of socially responsible exchange-traded funds with a new fund targeting global companies that enable positive social and environmental change. Martin Small, Managing Director and Head of US iShares, said : “The iShares Sustainable MSCI Global Impact ETF provides an easy way for investors to gain exposure to companies that have a record of positive environmental and social impact, and further strengthens our suite of socially responsible ETFs. These ETFs in particular are seeking to meet growing demand from investors who are looking to have a positive impact and seek global equity market returns.”

Global index provider FTSE Russell has launched a new index reducing investor exposure to fossil fuel companies while increasing exposure to companies with green revenues. The FTSE Divest-Invest Developed 200 index is launched on the back of the provider’s new LCE green investment data model. The new index is made up from the largest 200 companies in the FTSE Developed All-Cap Index. Constituents that are not eligible for inclusion are categorised under Industrial Classification Benchmark (ICB) sectors and sub-sectors – they include, oil and gas producers, oil equipment services and distribution providers, and coal and general mining.

Deutsche Asset Management has launched a GBP-hedged share class on the London Stock Exchange of one of its most high profile fixed income exchange-traded funds, the db x-trackers II Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index UCITS ETF (XBGG). The fund mimics the performance of the Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index, which tracks the market for government, governmental, supranational, corporate, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities across the full spectrum of maturities in the BBB to AAA credit rating range, and on a global basis.

Exchange-traded fund provider Deutsche Asset Management has launched the Deutsche X-trackers FTSE Emerging Comprehensive Factor ETF (DEMG), which provides exposure to emerging market companies that have demonstrated relatively strong exposure to factors such as value, momentum, quality, low volatility and size. The ETF is the latest multifactor fund from the provider and will track the FTSE Emerging Comprehensive Factor Index. The ETF’s total expense ratio is 0.50%. Fiona Bassett, Head of Passive in the Americas, said in a statement: “Emerging market equities may be an interesting opportunity for diversification or growth.”

Global index provider FTSE Russell has launched the FTSE4Good ASEAN 5 Index, adding to its existing FTSE4Good family of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) themed indices. The new index tracks the performance of companies listed on the five ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) exchanges: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Using FTSE Russell’s ESG ratings methodology, companies are assessed on over 300 indicators, both qualitative and quantitative, covering 14 themes. The FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to help investors integrate ESG factors into their investment decisions. The indices identify companies that better manage ESG risks and can be used as a basis for tracker funds, exchange-traded funds, structured products and as performance benchmarks.