Solactive has released the Solactive L&G ESG Index Family, targeted at investors who wish to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their investment strategy. Timo Pfeiffer, head of research at Solactive, commented, “This is quite a big achievement for Solactive, as these launches help us fulfil our commitment to enlarge the range of ESG strategies available in the market. With increasing focus from investors and regulators alike, sustainability is becoming the rule, rather than the exception.”

Horizons ETFs (Canada) is enhancing its suite of marijuana-focused ETFs with the listing of futures contracts on the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF (HMMJ CN) and the filing of a preliminary prospectus to launch inverse and leveraged ETFs that provide exposure to Canadian marijuana companies.

Sydney-based BetaShares has teamed up with Frankfurt-based index provider Solactive to launch the BetaShares Australian Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (CRED AU) on the Australian Securities Exchange. Timo Pfeiffer, Head of Research at Solactive, commented: “We are very happy to partner up with BetaShares, one of the leading players in the Australian ETF market, and increase the portfolio of investment strategies targeting Australian investors.”

Beyond Investing has launched the US Vegan Climate Index, an equity index that screens US large-cap stocks for veganism and environmental criteria. Claire Smith, CEO, Beyond Investing, said “We anticipate demand for financial products based on this index to serve the requirements of vegans and environmentalists who do not want their money supporting businesses whose activities they oppose.”

Solactive is to expand its benchmark offering by launching the Global Benchmark Series, one of the largest projects undertaken by the German index provider. When completed, the series will include around 2,000 equity indices, covering 23 developed and 25 emerging markets. Steffen Scheuble, CEO of Solactive, commented: “Thanks to the GBS, customers will not only experience a wider range of choices in the benchmark space but will also have access to more price-competitive solutions compared to what is currently available in the market.”

Solactive has partnered with Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) to launch the Solactive L&G Gender in Leadership UK Index. The index provides exposure to UK large-, mid- and small-cap equities from firms that score well in terms of gender diversity in the workplace. Timo Pfeiffer, head of research at Solactive, commented, “As an all cap index, the Solactive L&G Gender in Leadership UK Index can be used to track the performance of gender diversity among UK-listed companies and gain more exposure to those with better scores.”

RBC Global Asset Management has launched the RBC US Banks Yield Index ETF (RUBY CN) on Toronto Stock Exchange, providing exposure to high income stocks from the large-cap US banking universe. Mark Neill, head of RBC ETFs, said, “Recent trends in the US, such as strong growth signals and changing monetary policy, has created a positive long-term outlook for US banks.”

BMO Global Asset Management Canada has launched the BMO Global Communications Index ETF (COMM CN) on Toronto Stock Exchange. “This ETF provides investors with a unique balance of global companies that are reshaping and driving the market through communications, technology and new media,” said Kevin Gopaul, head of BMO Global Asset Management Canada.

Index provider Solactive has launched the Solactive Australia 200 Index, tracking the performance of the 200 largest companies by market capitalisation listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Timo Pfeiffer, head of research at Solactive, commented: “With the Solactive Australia 200 Index, we are targeting investors interested in gaining access to the largest corporations driving the Australian economy.”

The first ETF to target the ETF industry – the ETF Industry Exposure & Financial Services ETF (TETF US) – has delivered a strong return of 36.0% in the first year since its launch on 30 April 2017. Mike Venuto, CIO of Toroso Investments, commented, “The key facets of the ETF structure – transparency, liquidity, lower costs – are by now well understood, but investors are just now catching onto the fact that as the ETF has gone mainstream, the ETF industry itself has emerged as a compelling investment idea.”