Index spotlight

In the fifth anniversary of the launch of the first thematic ETFs resulting from the collaboration between BlackRock and Qontigo, we reflect on the performance of seven strategies covered in this partnership: Automation & Robotics, Ageing Population, Digitalization, Electric Vehicles, Digital Security, Healthcare Innovation and Smart City Infrastructure.

A Qontigo analysis shows that the DAX enlargement contributed to the German benchmark’s diversification, decrease in concentration, stability and market representation, and resulted in relatively limited changes to style exposures. In most cases, those changes were not of significant nature.

As the DAX indices complete the biggest reform in their three-decade history, we talk to Stephan Flaegel, Chief Product Officer, Indices and Benchmarks, at Qontigo, to hear what the new rules mean for the flagship DAX and how quality, simplicity and alignment with international standards were key drivers in the overhaul.

With DAX increasing its composition from 30 stocks to 40, we review the changes to the DAX® ESG Target Index, a sustainable version of the flagship German benchmark.

With the flagship German benchmark increasing its constituency from 30 stocks to 40, we look at the effects of the overhaul from the perspective of average constituent size and equity turnover.

A new Qontigo whitepaper compares the composition, risk profile and performance of the STOXX® Global Millennials and STOXX® Global Ageing Population indices, two thematic indices that help investors target companies most exposed to these two very distinct cohorts.

A new Qontigo whitepaper analyzes the risk, performance and returns attribution of four indices tracking technology themes, uncovering specific characteristics of the portfolios and differences vis-à-vis the broader technology sector and the overall market.

Changes to the ESG index follow a market consultation and were undertaken to keep the methodology and index aligned with evolving sustainability practices and new guidelines from regulators. A Qontigo analysis shows the new rules didn’t significantly affect the country or industry allocation of the resulting portfolio.

An annual study by IHS Markit and the German Investor Relations Association reveals a diverse and global structure in DAX shares ownership. In a volatile 2020, US- and UK-based institutional investors increased their presence in the German benchmark’s stock universe, while domestic investors continued to pull out.

The latest Qontigo whitepaper analyzes the risk, return and impact profile of three ESG indices tracking the STOXX® USA 500 benchmark: the STOXX® USA 500 ESG Broad Market, STOXX® USA 500 ESG Target and STOXX® USA 500 ESG Target TE. The study reveals that while performance and risk across the three ESG variants are similar to those of the parent benchmark, differences exist in the active risk and constitution of the portfolios.

Dispersion trading caught the attention of many in 2020 amid a marked divergence between different types of stocks (‘work-from-home’ vs. ‘reopening’ businesses) and factors (growth vs. value). We caught up with experienced market participants at Optiver and Ellipsis AM to find out more about how best to trade and exploit such market backdrops.

One of Qontigo’s Thematic Indices offers exposure to beneficiaries of the booming video gaming industry. We take a look at its methodology and composition.