An array of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were launched over the past three months.
Money Management reviews the most notable ETF launches during 2024’s third quarter, including new products from Global X, Betashares and BlackRock.
July
Global X started off the quarter with the launch of its Global X Australian Bank Credit ETF (BANK), which provides exposure to credit in the Australian banking sector and tracking the Solactive Australian Bank Credit Index’s performance. The ETF provider described the investment product as Australia’s first “three-in-one” passively managed package of senior bonds, subordinated bonds and hybrid securities.
Also in July, State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) expanded its ETF model portfolio range with the addition of a High Growth offering for advisers seeking to service younger investors. SSGA said the new option complemented its three existing risk-based portfolios – Moderate, Balanced and Growth – that invest in a range of asset classes and sectors across the risk spectrum.
At the end of the month, Betashares announced a new addition to its product suite with the launch of the Betashares Australian Momentum ETF (MTUM). According to the ETF provider, the product is the first Australian equities momentum ETF on the ASX and aims to help investors access exposure to a systematic, rules-based momentum investing strategy.
August
The JPMorgan Global Equity Premium Income Complex ETF (JEGA) was launched on the ASX on 1 August. The actively managed outcome-oriented ETF strategy looks to produce an income of 7–9 per cent annualised each month, combining equities with options to balance yield, capital growth and risk.
Meanwhile, Dimensional Fund Advisors expanded its range of ETFs in the Australian market with an additional three products in August: the Dimensional Australian Value Trust, the Dimensional Global Value Trust, and the Dimensional Global Small Company Trust.
BlackRock Australia rounded out the month with the announcement of its iShares 20+ Year US Treasury Bond ETF (AUD Hedged) for Australian advisers and investors. The firm said investors may consider the product for portfolio diversification, as adding duration can provide defence against potential market volatility and during periods of slowing growth.
September
At the beginning of September, VanEck announced it will launch an ASX-listed ETF focused on global defence stocks. The VanEck Global Defence ETF was in its “final stages of preparation” at the time of the announcement and will offer investors an opportunity to invest in stocks which are typically unavailable to retail investors.
Most recently, the Global X S&P World Ex-Australia GARP ETF was made available to ASX investors on 26 September. The product provides investors with exposure to global companies with strong earnings growth, solid financial strength and trading at reasonable valuations.
