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This week's highlights Tech-related funds posted strong gains last week. Cloud computing fund CLDD was the week’s top performing equity fund, followed by FANG, ATEC, HACK and NDQ. Gold mining funds GDX and MNRS were the week’s biggest decliners, followed by other commodity-related funds including FOOD, QRE and OZR. Precious metals declined across the board on the back of a quickly strengthening US dollar. Palladium (ETPMPD) led the decline, falling 5.8%. GOLD fell 3.0% as the metal ended the week below US$1,800 per ounce for the first time since April. Leveraged US dollar fund YANK was the week’s overall top performer, adding 6.2% as the AUD fell below US75c. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $209m, while outflows totalled $273m. Domestic equity fund A200 saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by international funds FUEL, ASIA, IVV and QUAL. Domestic equity fund IOZ saw the largest outflows for the week. IOZ was the most traded fund for the week, followed by VAS and BBOZ. Hedged international equity fund VGAD saw above average volumes. ...

This week's highlights ETFS S&P Biotech ETF (CURE) was last week’s top performing ETF, returning 7.5% for the week. Tech-related funds ATEC, CLDD and HACK also saw strong performance alongside broad healthcare funds HLTH and IXJ. China-focused funds CNEW and CETF were amongst the week’s poorest performers along with financial sector funds MVB, OZF, QFN and BNKS. Short Nasdaq fund SNAS was the week’s overall biggest decliner. In the commodity world, silver (ETPMAG) added 3.3% to be amongst the week’s top performers, while other precious metals declined. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $228m, while outflows totalled $110m. International equity funds QUAL and NDQ saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by hybrids fund HBRD. Domestic equity fund IOZ saw the bulk of the outflows for the week. IOZ was the most traded fund for the week, followed by VAS and VGS. ...

This week's highlights Oil fund OOO and global energy fund FUEL were the top performing funds last week as oil prices passed US$70/bbl for the first time since mid-2018. Australian property funds VAP, SLF and MVA also outperformed alongside domestic resources fund MVR. Clean energy (CLNE), global healthcare (HLTH) and gold miners (GDX and MNRS) were all amongst the poorest performers for the week. Precious metals pulled back from recent gains, with silver (ETPMAG) dropping 1.5% and GOLD dropping 0.8% to end the week just below US$1,900/oz. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $235m, while outflows totalled $281m. A200, ERTH and QUAL saw the week’s biggest inflows. Cash fund AAA and IOZ saw the bulk of the outflows for the week. IOZ was the most traded fund for the week, followed by AAA and BBOZ. GOLD and ETHI saw above-average volumes. ...

Investment Strategy Investors buy ETFs because they like their investment strategies. They give them access to things they want to own and help them achieve their financial goals, but there are stark differences between ETFs’ investment strategies. Below is a guide. What assets does the ETF buy? ETFs can own many different assets: global shares, Australian shares, bonds, precious metals—and more. Some ETFs can even own multiple types of assets—what are called “multi-asset ETFs”. Knowing what assets an ETF holds is therefore crucial, as it can help determine whether the fund is suited to your goals and risk tolerance. ...

This week's highlights Chinese equities, oil and technology performed well last week. VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC A-Share ETF (CETF) was the top performer over the week helped in part by AUD/CNY performance. ETFS Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ACDC) also had a strong week up 4.5%, with BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ATEC) and BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF - Ccy Hedged (OOO) both up 4.3% The worst performers for the week were derivative-based bearish products. Elsewhere, ETFS Physical Platinum (ETPMPT) was down 2% and ETFS S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF (ZYUS) was also down 0.3%. Flows were positive for the week and totalled A$185m, this comprised of A$224m of inflows and A$39m of outflows. ETFS Physical Gold (GOLD) saw the highest inflows of A$21.7m followed by BetaShares NASDAQ 100 (NDQ) and SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (STW). The biggest outflows were across BetaShares Australian High-Interest Cash ETF (AAA) (A$23m) and iShares Treasury ETF (IGB) (A$6.6m). BetaShares Australian High-Interest Cash ETF (AAA) and Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) maintained the highest turnover for the week. BetaShares Australian Equities Strong Bear (BBOZ) made the top three by turnover, as trading in short products picked up. ...

This week's highlights Thematic funds focused on clean energy (CLNE and ERTH), video gaming (ESPO) and technology (ASIA and ATEC) provided the bulk of the top performing ETFs last week. Indian equities (NDIA and IIND) also posted a strong week, as did global gold mining stocks (GDX and MNRS). The domestic resources sector (QRE, OZR and MVR), global energy (FUEL) and domestic yield strategies (SYI and SWTZ) were the week’s poorest performers across the equity segment. In the commodity world, silver (ETPMAG) and gold (GOLD) both posted strong weekly returns, while platinum (ETPMPT) lagged. Oil fund OOO was the poorest performing fund for the week, dropping 2.7%. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $286m, while outflows totalled $94m. Broad based equity funds A200, IOZ and IVV saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by gold miners fund GDX. Cash fund AAA and hedge gold fund QAU saw the largest outflows for the week. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by IOZ and AAA. GOLD and GDX saw above average volumes. ...

Technology has been the best performing sector for the past 10 years1. This outperformance is attributable to superior fundamentals. In the past decade, tech has had the best earnings growth and profit margins2,3. This has naturally translated into higher stock prices. The coronavirus has been the cherry on top. Thanks to social distancing, more people are working from home, shopping online and using online entertainment. This has brought forward years of technological adoption. But which companies may stand to benefit? Below we look at some of the bright lights. The companies listed are all found in the ETFS Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX Code: TECH). Five companies fuelling the transition ...

This week's highlights Volatility crept back into global markets last week as inflation readings in the US spooked some investors and led to some sell offs. China exposed ETFs were the best performers over the week, CNEW and CETF were both up over 3%. Goldminer ETF GDX and healthcare sector offering IXJ were also both up 2% and 1.4% respectively. The worst performers for the week were technology sector ETFs. Australian technology ETF ATEC was down 6% whilst ASIA was down 5.5%. Net inflows for the week were A$144m which consisted of A$563m of inflows and outflows were A$419m. The biggest inflows were seen in IVV, IAF and AAA. The largest outflows were across IOZ, IHCB and IEM. With inflation readings spiking last week some investors are turning towards a natural inflation hedge such as GOLD to counteract lower real yields. ETF Securities offers Australia’s largest fully physically backed gold ETP. GOLD offers investors a simple, cost-efficient and secure way to access gold by providing a return equivalent to the movements in the Australian dollar price of gold less a daily management fee. ...

This week's highlights Commodity related stocks outperformed last week. Gold mining funds GDX and MNRS were the week’s top performers, followed by energy (FUEL), agriculture (FOOD) and resources funds (QRE, OZR and MVR). Clean energy (CLNE and ERTH), biotech (CURE) and technology sector/thematic funds (ATEC, CLDD, FANG, ASIA and TECH) were all amongst the week’s biggest decliners. Silver was the top performing commodity fund, with ETPMAG up 4.2%. Gold also posted a strong week, with the metal pushing above US$1,800/oz for the first time since February. Palladium was the biggest decliner, with ETPMPD dropping 5.6% for the week. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $276m, while outflows totalled $145m. Emerging markets fund IEM saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by broad equity fund A200 and sustainability fund ETHI. Australian equity funds IOZ and STW saw the largest outflows for the week. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by IOZ and AAA. GOLD and ETHI saw above average volumes. ...

The Future of Technology As we kick off 2021, there are six emerging technology trends that are set to define the next decade. Cloud Computing ...

Companies have been adopting robotics and automation into their businesses for many decades now. Robots, which are essentially programmable machines, offer businesses greater productivity. Machines, unlike humans, can work endlessly—days, nights, weekends and holidays. They are also better suited to repetitive and mundane tasks, which humans can find boring. But robots also offer answers to demographic questions. Thanks to the global aging population, labour shortfalls are on the horizon. Countries such as Japan – where the robotics industry is among the most developed in the world – are already leaning on robotics and automation to plug the gap. The companies listed below are all found in the ETFS ROBO Global Robotics & Automation ETF (ASX Code: ROBO). Five companies fuelling the transition ...

Below we share with you a breakdown of the differences between costs, dividends, and functionality of an exchange traded fund versus a managed fund. Costs ...

This week's highlights The US equity market finished the week relatively flat as some technology and energy company results missed expectations. Commodities, oil and metals were also steady along with the US dollar. The top performer for the week was ETFS-NAM India Nifty 50 ETF (NDIA) which was up 2.9% and BetaShares Global Banks ETF (Hedged) (BNKS) was up 2.5%. The bottom performers for the week were VanEck Vectors Global Clean Energy ETF (CLNE) which was down 6.4% and BetaShares Global Gold Miners ETF (Hedged) (MNRS) 5.4%. Total flows for the week were A$278m which consisted of A$352m of inflows and A$78m of outflows. The highest inflows were in cash and broad-based equities. BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (AAA) had A$61m and iShares S&P/ASX 200 ETF (IOZ) A$56m. Most outflows were seen in VanEck Vectors MSCI Australian Sustainable Equity ETF (GRNV) of A$28m. Total turnover for the week remains highest amongst the broad-based equity and cash products. ...

This week's highlights Chinese equities outperformed last week, with CETF and CNEW being the two top performing equity funds for the week. Clean energy (CLNE) and climate solutions (ERTH) funds were strong performers as world leaders spoke at Biden’s climate summit. Biotech (CURE) and healthcare (IXJ) stocks were also amongst the top performers. India funds were amongst the biggest decliners as the COVID-19 situation escalated, with both IIND and NDIA down more than 2.5%. Precious metals all posted positive returns for the week. Palladium fund ETPMPD continued its recent rally and was the overall top performing product for the week. Platinum fund ETPMPT also had a strong week. Oil fund OOO was amongst the biggest decliners. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $367m, while outflows totalled $55m. Domestic cash fund AAA saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by broad equity funds A200 and F100. Equity fund IOZ saw the largest outflows for the week. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by IOZ and AAA. IOO and GEAR saw above average volumes. ...

This week's highlights In a week that saw the S&P 500 push to new highs and the S&P/ASX 200 near its pre-pandemic peak, the top performing equity funds were Australian technology fund ATEC, global healthcare fund DRUG, gold miner fund MNRS and battery technology fund ACDC. China and India funds were amongst the biggest decliners, with CETF, IIND, ASIA and NDIA all dropping by 2% or more. Precious metals were mixed, with palladium (ETPMPD) and silver (ETPMAG) amongst the week’s top performing funds. Gold was relatively flat, while platinum (ETPMPT) declined. Oil fund OOO was the week’s overall top performing fund, returning 6.4%. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $302m, while outflows totalled $164m. Active bond funds BNDS and XARO saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by broad equity funds IOZ and IVV. Cash fund AAA saw the largest outflows for the week. IOZ was the most traded fund for the week, followed by VAS and AAA. VEU and WVOL saw above average volumes. ...

This week's highlights Tech stocks posted a strong week, with ATEC, FANG and HNDQ all amongst the top performing unleveraged equity funds. Australian small and mid-cap equity funds also outperformed, with MVS, MVE and SMLL all returning more than 3.7%. Leveraged Nasdaq 100 fund LNAS was the overall top performing fund for the week, adding 8.9%. Biotechnology (CURE), clean energy (CLNE), India (NDIA) and China (CETF) were all amongst the biggest decliners for the week. Precious metals were relatively flat, with silver (ETPMAG) gaining 3.4% being the biggest mover. Oil fund OOO was amongst the biggest decliners for the week, dropping 3.5%. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $305m, while outflows totalled $57m. Cash fund AAA saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by domestic equity and bond funds IOZ and IAF. Domestic top 50 equity fund SFY saw the largest outflows for the week. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by AAA and STW. IAF saw above average volumes. ...

This week's highlights Global equity markets marched onwards to fresh highs last week even with a shortened trading week. ETFS Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund (LNAS) was the best performing fund for the week up 10.2%, while VanEck Vectors Global Clean Energy ETF (CLNE) was up 8.1%. Precious metals were amongst the worst performers, with ETFS Physical Silver (ETPMAG) down 1.9% and ETFS Physical Gold (GOLD) down 1.1%. Total inflows for the week totalled A$226m which consisted of A$305m of inflows and A$76m of outflows. The best inflows on a fund basis were seen by BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (A200) which had A$79.9m of inflows and iShares S&P/ASX 200 ETF (IOZ) had A$31.5m. The biggest outflows were in SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (STW) A$38.1m and iShares Edge MSCI World Minimum Volatility ETF (WVOL) had A$5.2m of outflows. Turnover for the week remains highest amongst vanilla equity ETFs. Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) had A$21.1m of turnover and SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (STW) had A$16.4m. ETFS Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund (LNAS) provides hedged leveraged target exposure to the Nasdaq-100 in the range of 200-275%. ...

Lesson #1. Gold does well in crises, acting like portfolio insurance Every investor wants an asset that offers downside protection, or insurance of a sort. And preferably one that is not suspiciously complicated or synthetic. Perhaps the major lesson from the coronavirus is that gold can provide this type of insurance as gold historically does well during collapsing equity markets, as the chart below illustrates. Gold has performed well in times of crisis ...

This week's highlights Defensive stocks came to the fore last week as some big technology names took a hit. Infrastructure fund VBLD was the week’s top performing ETF, up 4.3%, followed by consumer staples fund IXI. Global quality (QUAL), income (INCM) and high yield/low volatility (ZYUS) funds were also amongst the top performers. Biotech fund CURE saw the biggest drop for the week, down 6.7%, while gold miners (MNRS), Asia tech (ASIA) and FAANG stocks (FANG) also declined. Precious metals were mixed, with silver (ETPMAG) amongst the biggest decliners, but other metals advanced. The Aussie dollar dropped below US 77c, with strong dollar fund YANK amongst the top performing ETFs and strong AUD fund AUDS amongst the poorest. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $302m, while outflows totalled $98m. Domestic equity fund A200 and cash fund AAA saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by a range of equity and fixed income funds including XARO, BNKS, SUBD and ILC. Hedged S&P 500 fund IHVV and cash fund BILL saw the largest outflows for the week. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by A200 and IHVV. VAP saw above average volumes. ...

Technology companies’ share prices have hit some turbulence. Thanks to rising interest rates, volatility in the tech sector is picking up. And as the Nasdaq-100 – a popular gauge used to follow the US tech sector – is retreating from its all-time pandemic-induced highs, investors are wondering how to profit from or protect against this influential sector. Nasdaq-100 up days and down days year-to-date Source: ETF Securities, (Dates: 1 Jan - 24 March 2021) ...

For some years, commentators have been comparing the thundering run in technology stocks to the dotcom bubble of the 1990s. For the past three years, technology has outperformed all other sectors, as promising new technologies have captured investors' imaginations. But comparisons of the present day to the dotcom era are arguably misguided. And claims that technology stocks are in a dotcom-style bubble are most likely wrong. Today’s tech rally vs dotcom The first difference between the two eras is the strength of the tech rally. Simply put: the dotcom rally in technology stocks was far more powerful than today’s. Had you invested $1 into the S&P 500 Information Technology Index, the major gauge of US tech stocks in June 1997, it would have turned into $3.20 by March 2000—a whopping 320% return in just two and half years. ...

This week's highlights Global equity markets experienced heightened volatility last week as quadruple witching occurred. Precious metals rallied and were the best performers over the week. ETFS Physical Palladium (ETPMPD) finished the week up 10.9%, ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket (ETPMPM) up 4.5% and ETFS Physical Silver (ETPMAG) up 2.8%. The worst performers over the week were energy funds. VanEck Vectors Global Clean Energy ETF (CLNE) was down 8% and BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF - Ccy Hedged (OOO) was down 6.4%. Total inflows for the week were A$206m which consisted of A$257m of inflows and A$50m of outflows. The best inflows on a fund basis were seen by BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (AAA) which had A$30m of inflows and VanEck Vectors MSCI World Ex-Australia Quality ETF (QUAL) had A$23.5m. The biggest outflows were in BetaShares Australian Bank Snr Floating Rate Bond ETF (QPON) A$12.5m and BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ETHI) had A$6.7m of outflows. Turnover for the week remains highest amongst vanilla equity ETFs. Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) had A$18.7m of turnover and SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Fund (STW) had A$16.4m. ETFS physical palladium (ETPMPD) returned 10.9% for the week. ETPMPD is fully-backed by physical holdings of palladium and provides exposure to the supply and demand dynamics for palladium in areas like the automotive industry. ...

Value investing, which involves buying beaten up and unloved stocks, has underperformed for years now. With central banks keeping interest rates low and global technology giants on a tear, growth stocks have thoroughly outperformed. But are things about to change? Steepening yield curve may mean a higher discount rate The yield curve has steepened sharply in recent months, as investors take stock of the coronavirus vaccine rollout and weigh fears that Biden’s stimulus package could trigger inflation. ...

This week's highlights Small cap US equity fund IJR was the top-performing ETF last week, returning 6.2%, followed by leveraged funds GGUS and LNAS. Biotech (CURE), midcap (IJH), agriculture (FOOD) and Europe (HEUR) funds were all amongst the top performers. China and Asia funds were the poorest performers, with CNEW, ISS, IAA, CETF, and IKO all declining by more than 2%. Precious metals mostly declined, though platinum fund ETPMPT was amongst the week’s top performers. Leveraged US dollar fund YANK was amongst the poorest performers on the back of the rising AUD. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $342m, while outflows totalled $209m. Domestic equity fund IOZ and composite bond fund IAF saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by a range of equity funds including ETHI, NDW, QUAL and FAIR. Cash fund AAA and silver fund ETPMAG saw the largest outflows for the week. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by AAA and BBOZ. ASIA saw above average volumes. ...

Renewable energy is in the spotlight and the battery technology supply chain is key to the transition. Wind and solar energy are forecast to supply around 48% of world electricity needs by 2050, with battery technology, gas peakers (turbines or engines that burn natural gas) and dynamic demand anticipated to drive market penetration of solar and wind by more than 80% according to BloombergNEF1 . The same report also suggests the costs of renewable energy will undercut coal and gas in most parts of the world by 2030 – a compelling reason for countries to focus on it. While investors may be well aware of Tesla’s credentials in battery storage, the supply chain for battery technology extends far beyond one company and covers mining companies, manufacturers of battery storage and storage technology providers. Here are 5 companies fuelling the transition. 1) SolarEdge Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: SEDQ) ...

This week's highlights Equity markets saw a week of sector rotation with cyclical stocks outperforming and technology-related companies lagging. Top performing equity ETFs were in the energy (FUEL), and financial (MVB, QFN, OZF and BNKS) sectors. Low volatility (ZYUS) and value (VVLU) factors outperformed. India funds (IIND and NDIA) were also amongst the top performers. Biotech fund CURE was the poorest performing equity fund for the week, with FANG, ROBO, ESPO and HACK also amongst the poorest performers. Precious metals mostly declined. Platinum (ETPMPT), silver (ETPMAG) and gold (QAU and PMGOLD) were amongst the poorest performers. Palladium (ETPMPD) posted a small gain. Oil fund OOO gained 7.5% for the week and was the overall top performing fund. Total reported flows into domestically domiciled ETFs were $369m, while outflows totalled $252m. Domestic equity fund IOZ and Australian government bond fund AGVT saw the week’s biggest inflows, followed by a range of equity funds including A200, IEM, FAIR and IJR. Cash and variable interest funds AAA, QPON and FLOT saw the bulk of the week’s outflows. VAS was the most traded fund for the week, followed by AGVT, which saw above average volumes. ...