Portfolio Construction

So-called buffer ETFs offer investors exposure to the market’s ups and downs, with limits on both directions — hence providing potential gains and protection. A new STOXX whitepaper explores the relative performance of a hypothetical European buffer index over the short and long term to assess its benefits and drawbacks.

Ladi Williams, Head of Thematics and Alternative Strategies at STOXX, explains in an article on ETF Stream how we have catered to the specific needs and objectives of ETF managers in devising a series of indices targeting the defense sector.

For US dollar-based investors, euro weakness has curbed returns from the record rally in European stocks. A strategy that systematically hedges against declines in the common currency, on the other hand, has significantly enhanced those returns. Two ETFs from Amundi allow investors access to said strategies.

The STOXX Optimal 100 indices mirror their parent indices with a smaller constituency. In controlling tracking error and active exposures through an optimization process, the new indices offer a tool for efficient hedging of benchmark portfolios.

Direct Indexing has exploded in popularity and more financial advisors are incorporating it into client portfolios than ever before. Increased adoption, advances in technology and appreciation for the tax benefits of Direct Indexing will likely continue to accelerate its rapid growth. How will this impact the advisors’ perception and use of ETFs going forward? Qontigo’s Rob Reina, and other expert panelists addressed the pros and cons of each when constructing portfolios for your clients and offer in-depth analysis on their most appropriate applications.

Term spreads have risen in multiple regions around the globe, as long-term sovereign yields soared amid rising (expected and actual) inflation but central banks took longer to raise short-term interest rates. The impact of this on international real estate has mostly been positive over the past two-and-a-half years.

Real estate has long had the reputation of being at least a partial hedge against inflation, since both rental income and property values typically respond positively to inflationary pressures. The iSTOXX Developed and Emerging Markets ex USA PK VN Index has lived up to this reputation historically and is continuing to do so in the current inflationary environment.

The STOXX WTW Climate Transition Indices are a new approach to managing climate risk that offer investors a systematic and transparent way to incorporate climate transition risk into their investment decisions.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine spooked equity investors around the world, but losses were not distributed equally across all sectors, with some industries even exhibiting positive returns. This opens up opportunities for more focused strategies such as thematic investing.

We devised a series of co-branded indices that offer investors a spectrum of strategy tools and specific optionality, and gave our client flexibility, full support in index management, and the objectivity of a third-party index provider

Qontigo announced today the appointment of Mohan Verma as Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Business Development.