Blog posts

The annual event showcasing the latest developments in the listed derivatives world offered a stage to discuss equity index strategies and index-based investing. STOXX participated in several insightful panels.

Changes were announced as part of the March regular review, which also saw the introduction of methodology changes to have the indices aligned with the new ESMA fund naming guidelines.

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 Europe 600 extended January’s strong performance to post its best start to a year since 2019. The STOXX USA 500, meanwhile, retreated over the month, dragged by large technology stocks.

Net flows into funds tracking a DAX family index outpace the broader market, amounting to EUR 1.38 billion through February 24. Of those, EUR 1 billion flowed into ETFs tracking the benchmark DAX, while MDAX and SDAX funds also reported net investments.

With five thematic indices targeting the Artificial Intelligence theme, STOXX offers issuers and investors flexible opportunities to harness the entire value chain around the technology. A new whitepaper explores the construction of the indices through a life-cycle thematic framework.

VDAX, the benchmark for German equity implied volatility, remains below its long-term history and lower than other regions’ volatilities.

The STOXX World AC benchmark rose 3.3% in the month after logging an 18% advance in 2024. Investors’ focus on the strength of the US economy and corporate earnings helps offset concerns about global trade and politics.

Three iShares ETFs will switch to multifactor indices designed by STOXX and BlackRock, expanding an existing collaboration. The indices implement optimized strategies targeting risk premia while controlling for risk, and additionally screen out companies based on controversial activities and carbon emissions.

The next-generation net zero indices focus on a real-world view of the global low-carbon transition, and offer investors the tools and advanced data to steer capital towards companies driving the decarbonization journey.

The STOXX Europe 600 Banks index climbed 26% last year, its best performance since the 34% logged in 2021. High capital ratios, stronger earnings and expectations of consolidation in the industry helped share prices.

The STOXX World AC benchmark fell 2.2% in the month but logged an 18% advance for the year, taking its gains in the past two years to 47%. The STOXX USA 500 climbed 26% in 2024, nearly three times the return of the STOXX Europe 600.