Brandon Wendell, CMT
Brandon Wendell
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have long been used in the United States as a means for investing in multiple securities without the higher fees involved with mutual funds. An ETF is a tradable security that represents ownership in a basket of shares in multiple companies. The ETF is similar to a mutual fund in that you get to invest in more than one company with a smaller capital outlay.
The problem with Indian ETF’s has been twofold. First, there was a limited offering of different ETFs. There are only 33 ETFs available for trading in India. In the US there are over 500! The most well known ETFs are the Gold BEES. Secondly, the volume in these ETFs has been relatively low as investors and brokers were not educated in how to use them and chose mutual funds instead.
This may change with the recent entry of Goldman Sachs into the Indian markets. Goldman, one of the largest market players in the United States, did not have any interests in ETFs. They were primarily a large institutional trading firm. They started their own mutual fund unit in India in 2008 but as of March 2011, they bought Benchmark Asset Management Co. This purchase gave them ownership of the largest selection of ETFs in India.
As you can see by the picture below, the Nifty BEES ETF is weighted very similarly to the Nifty Index itself. The performance should mirror the index without the higher costs of a mutual fund.
You can buy a share of the ETF for Rs. 608.61 and have ownership in shares in all 50 Nifty stocks.
Even the Indian government is entering the ETF market. They have announced a bidding process for mutual fund companies to create an ETF that would allow people to invest in PSU’s. The bids must be submitted by 24th January.
With Goldman’s involvement in the market and more educational opportunities for investors, the ETF market share should continue to grow. This will offer a great way to diversify a portfolio with lowered costs. Since the ETFs are traded as stocks are, they also allow trading opportunities once the volume is sufficient. This is a market to watch in the upcoming year.
Neither Freedom Management Partners nor any of its personnel are registered broker-dealers or investment advisers. I will mention that I consider certain securities or positions to be good candidates for the types of strategies we are discussing or illustrating. Because I consider the securities or positions appropriate to the discussion or for illustration purposes does not mean that I am telling you to trade the strategies or securities. Keep in mind that we are not providing you with recommendations or personalized advice about your trading activities. The information we are providing is not tailored to any individual. Any mention of a particular security is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold that or any other security or a suggestion that it is suitable for any specific person. Keep in mind that all trading involves a risk of loss, and this will always be the situation, regardless of whether we are discussing strategies that are intended to limit risk. Also, Freedom Management Partners’ personnel are not subject to trading restrictions. I and others at Freedom Management Partners could have a position in a security or initiate a position in a security at any time.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD clings to small gains near 1.1750
Following a short-lasting correction in the early European session, EUR/USD regains its traction and clings to moderate gains at around 1.1750 on Monday. Nevertheless, the pair's volatility remains low, with investors awaiting this weeks key data releases from the US and the ECB policy announcements.
GBP/USD edges higher toward 1.3400 ahead of US data and BoE
GBP/USD reverses its direction and advances toward 1.3400 following a drop to the 1.3350 area earlier in the day. The US Dollar struggles to gather recovery momentum as markets await Tuesday's Nonfarm Payrolls data, while the Pound Sterling holds steady ahead of the BoE policy announcements later in the week.
USD/JPY weakens to near 155.00 amid BoJ rate hike bets, US data awaited
The USD/JPY pair loses traction to around 155.10 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. The Japanese Yen edges higher against the US Dollar amid the expectation that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates at the upcoming policy meeting on Friday. Traders will closely monitor key US economic data, including Nonfarm Payrolls, Retail Sales, and Purchasing Managers Index, which are due later on Tuesday.
Editors’ Picks
AUD/USD bulls remain on the sidelines after Aussie PMIs
AUD/USD trades with a negative bias for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, as recent mixed Australian labour market data and renewed concerns about the health of the Chinese economy undermine the Aussie amid a softer risk tone. However, the RBA's hawkish tilt and data showing a continuous expansion in Australia's business activity in December support the pair amid a weaker US Dollar, led by bets for more rate cuts by the Fed. Traders now look to the delayed US NFP report for some impetus.
USD/JPY weakens to near 155.00 amid BoJ rate hike bets, US data awaited
The USD/JPY pair loses traction to around 155.10 during the early Asian session on Tuesday. The Japanese Yen edges higher against the US Dollar amid the expectation that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates at the upcoming policy meeting on Friday. Traders will closely monitor key US economic data, including Nonfarm Payrolls, Retail Sales, and Purchasing Managers Index, which are due later on Tuesday.
Gold holds gains above $4,300 on prospect of further Fed rate cuts
Gold price extends its upside to around $4,305, the highest since October 21, during the early Asian trading hours on Tuesday. The precious metal edges higher on further US Federal Reserve cut bets. The US Nonfarm Payrolls report will take center stage later on Tuesday. Also, the US Retail Sales and Purchasing Managers Index will be published.
Ethereum: BitMine acquires 102,259 ETH as price plunges 5%
Ethereum treasury company BitMine Immersion scaled up its digital asset stash last week after acquiring 102,259 ETH since its last update. The purchase has increased the company's holdings to 3.96 million ETH, worth about $11.82 billion. BitMine aims to accumulate 5% of ETH's circulating supply.
NFP preview: Complex data release will determine if Fed was right to cut rates
The long wait is over, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US will release nonfarm payrolls reports for both November and October at 1330 GMT on Tuesday. The overall NFP figure for October is expected to be -10k, however, it is expected to be influenced by a massive 130k drop in federal department workers.
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