Defensive ETFs flourish through volatile January
Defensive exchange traded funds (ETFs) are minimising the impact of market volatility, as investors look for alternative opportunities, robo-advice provider, Stockspot believes.
In its February ETF update, Stockspot reported that January 2016 saw volatility and share market falls across the globe which led to the first negative month of ETF funds under management (FUM) growth since August 2015 (falling four per cent), while the commodities sector had the highest monthly increase in FUM largely due to a 10 per cent rise in the gold price.
"Inflows into the fixed income and cash sector also highlights risk aversion during January," the report said.
"BetaShares' Australian High Interest Cash ETF (AAA) added $50M of new FUM.
"Other Australian bond ETFs, including IAF, RSM and VAF also received over $10M of new FUM each during January."
While there were declines in FUM at the very top end of the ETF market, ETF Securities, saw a 10 per cent surge in FUM, despite the market volatility, UBS suffered the biggest percentage hit to its FUM, dropping 26 per cent
AUTHOR
Nicholas O'Donoghue
Recommended for you
The Reserve Bank of Australia's latest interest rate announcement has left punters disheartened on Melbourne Cup Day.
Equity Trustees has been selected as the responsible entity for two new funds, one from Coller Capital focused on private equity and a second investing in fixed income from FIIG Securities.
Funds managers are being urged by financial advisers to improve their “outdated” education and communication about alternative funds as they actively target them towards retail clients.
GAM Investments has appointed Eric Finnell as its managing director for Australia after his predecessor left to take up the CEO role at Global X.
