Global asset manager Columbia Threadneedle Investments has launched three smart beta exchange-traded funds targeting global, international or US-listed dividend paying firms. The suite of rules-based, factor-driven, smart beta ETFs – called the Columbia Beta Advantage family – are launched on NYSE Arca. Each ETF’s custom-designed index is calculated by MSCI. To construct the indices, all securities from their parent index are screened according to their MSCI environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores, as well as their dividend yields. Smart beta ETFs are predicted to boom with BlackRock’s iShares predicting an annual organic growth rate of 19% to reach total global assets of $1tn by 2020.

New York-based asset manager IndexIQ has launched the first exchange-traded funds to introduce a momentum investing approach to fixed income markets. The IQ Enhanced Core Bond US ETF (AGGE) and IQ Enhanced Core Plus Bond US ETF (AGGP) have begun trading on the NYSE Arca. The ETFs adopt a ‘fund of funds’ structure, investing in fixed income sector ETFs that are displaying the strongest positive total return momentum. AGGE invests in sectors across the US investment grade fixed income market. AGGP employs the same investment approach, with the added ability to include exposure to US high yield debt and US dollar denominated debt of emerging market issuers.

IndexIQ, a New York based asset management firm, has announced the launch of the IQ Leaders GTAA Tracker ETF (NYSE Arca: QGTA) which provides exposure to the performance characteristics of leading global allocation mutual funds. The ETF does not invest in these mutual funds itself, but rather in a portfolio of highly liquid, low-cost ETFs that, when taken as a whole, is designed to replicate leading global allocation mutual funds’ aggregate performance. Global Allocation mutual funds are able to rapidly switch between asset classes and geographic regions, allowing them to pursue opportunities and avoid painful downturns.

IndexIQ, a leading developer of alternative ETFs, in partnership with MainStay Investments, has announced the launch of three 50% currency-hedged international equity ETFs. “Our research has shown that 50% hedged portfolios have the potential to capture up to 80% of the risk reduction benefits of a fully hedged approach, while potentially securing steadier performance, regardless of exchange rate fluctuations,” said Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of IndexIQ, Adam Patti.

FTSE Russell, a global index provider, has announced the launch of the FTSE 50% Hedged Index Series. The suite is designed for use in the creation of index-tracking funds, such as ETFs, and as a performance benchmark. Commenting on the launch, Ron Bundy, CEO Benchmarks North America, FTSE Russell, said: “In recent years currency exposure has become an increasingly important factor in global equity portfolios and our clients are asking for currency hedged benchmarks that go beyond the 100% hedge ratio available today. The FTSE 50% Hedged Index Series is designed to assist our clients in gaining a more complete understanding of the impact of currency in their international equity portfolios.”

IndexIQ’s leading hedge fund-style exchange-traded fund, the IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (QAI), has topped $500 million in assets, with assets up 50 percent year to date. Listed on the NYSE Arca, the fund seeks to track the performance of the IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Index, a proprietary index that attempts to replicate the risk-adjusted return characteristics of hedge funds using various hedge fund investment styles.

IndexIQ, a US-based specialist provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), best known for its hedge fund-style products, has surpassed $1 billion in assets under management. Adam Patti, IndexIQ’s chief executive officer, said: “In a few short years, liquid alternatives have gone from a novelty to playing an important role in a diversified investment portfolio and we’ve seen strong interest in our offerings from the institutional and retail advisor channels.”

International Securities Exchange (ISE) and IndexIQ have announced a broad partnership to develop and launch a range of exchange-traded products (ETPs) linked to physical commodities. While ISE is perhaps best known as a US options exchange, the company has an established index business and recently has manoeuvred itself deeper into the fast-growing ETP industry. The link-up with IndexIQ, a niche provider of alternative ETFs, looks well suited as both companies have a demonstrated pedigree in creating innovative products.

The big turnaround of US oil production brought by new light tight oil developments was fully recognised in 2012, putting to rest the long-held notion that US domestic oil production was in terminal decline. Some market observers predict the US could become the world’s largest oil producer by 2020. Investors looking to play the US oil boom – or indeed the oil market in general – have a range of exciting options open to them owing to the vast number of ETFs on offer.

The IndexIQ Global Resources ETF (GRES) has received the top 5-Star rating from Morningstar. The NYSE-listed fund uses momentum and valuation factors to identify global companies that operate in commodity-specific market segments. The fund includes a short position in global equities as a partial equity market hedge.