Betashares gives access to European and Japanese ETFs

BetaShares has launched two new equity exchange traded funds (ETFs) on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to give investors access to European or Japanese equities markets, without the need to worry about currency fluctuations.

The new funds would provide access to strategies used by firm, WisdomTree, which were hugely successful overseas, said BetaShares. 

'BetaShares WisdomTree Europe ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HEUR)' provided access to the US-listed WisdomTree’s Europe ETF, which was ranked number one in the ETF global market based on inflows in 2015, as it received over US$13 billion throughout the year.

Meantime, 'BetaShares WisdomTree Japan — Currency Hedged (ASX: HJPN)', on the other hand, provided access to WisdomTree’s Japan ETF, which had over US$9 billion in assets under management, the firm said.

HEUR and HJPN, were both hedged to Australian dollars and aimed to give exposure to global competitive companies placed to benefit from international trade growth, the ongoing reliance on exports by European and Japanese economies and currency weakness.

Managing director, Alex Vynokur said he was pleased to expand the relationship with WisdomTree to launch these "innovative investment strategies for Australian investors."

Overseas markets were the second most important reason investors sought to invest in ETFs, after diversification, said Vynokur .

"The products allow us to address this need and provide investors with exposure to European and Japanese companies, whil... sheltering their returns from currently volatility," Vynokur said.