(CityWire) Here is a roundup of last week’s biggest ETF launches:
Natixis gets go-ahead for custom baskets
Natixis Investment Managers is the first asset manager to receive SEC approval for the use of custom baskets in its actively managed semi-transparent ETFs.
Natixis uses the NYSE methodology for its three semi-transparent ETFs. With the approval, Natixis can use securities not included in the fund’s proxy portfolio when creating or redeeming shares. The firm says it will reduce trading costs.
Actively managed ETFs abound
Newfleet Asset Management and Virtus ETF Solutions have teamed up again on a new fund. The Virtus Newfleet ABS/MBS ETF (VABS) is actively managed and invests in short-duration, investment-grade securitized debt across asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities. This is the third credit ETF for Newfleet and Virtus. The pair also manages the Virtus Newfleet Dynamic Credit ETF (BLHY) and Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT C).
American Century has also launched two actively managed non-transparent credit ETFs: the American Century Quality Preferred ETF (QPFF) and the American Century Quality Convertible Securities ETF (QCON). Both funds use Precidian’s model for nontransparent actively managed ETFs and use a quality tilt for securities selection.
Finally, Putnam Investments has announced that it is launching an ETF lineup using its active US equities strategies. It will include the Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF, Putnam Sustainable Future ETF, Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF, and Putnam Focused Large Cap Value ETF.
Canada bets on Bitcoin
Bitcoin ETFs have officially launched in Canada. The Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC.B), backed by Canadian investment firm Purpose Investments, will be the first ETF in the world to invest in physically settled Bitcoin. Evolve ETFs’ Bitcoin ETF (EBIT), which launched shortly after Purpose’s offering, will also invest in physically settled Bitcoin.
The launches follow closely on the heels of the first Ethereum ETF, which also premiered in Canada.
BNY’s model moves
In April, BNY Mellon will launch ETF model portfolios that will be available on Envestnet’s platform. Lockwood Asset Allocation Portfolios will also be available to firms using the Envestnet platform by the end of first quarter.
The models focus on growth and income generation and are available in both taxable and non-taxable formats.
Wilshire has joined the ETF space with a new gold fund, the Wilshire wShares Enhanced Gold Trust (WGLD), which invests in physical gold and cash.
Other ETFs in the space either track gold prices or gold miners. This fund, however, increases its allocation to cash when gold prices are volatile. If gold prices are positive and increasing, the fund invests more in gold.