The Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) ETF industry experienced record net inflows in the first half of 2016
The Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) ETF industry has surpassed US$123 billion and experienced record net inflows of US$11 billion in the first half of 2016.
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PowerShares Launches International BuyBack Achievers ETF
Invesco PowerShares listed an ETF this week that provides exposure to a portfolio of international companies with a demonstrated track record of stock buybacks.
Fading China
Weak manufacturing data continues to be a drag on the performance of China equities. The FTSE-Xinhua China 25 Index Fund (FXI) is up only 6% in the past 12 months while the S&P 500 is up 28% over the same time period.
Sinking Spain
The outlook for equities in Spain has gradually deteriorated over the past year and recent developments have continued the trend. The MSCI Spain Index Fund (EWP) is down over 45% over the past year while the S&P 500 has been flat over the same time period.
Financials Give Back
After outperforming other sectors since the beginning of the year, financials have given up most of the gains and are now even with the broader market. State Street’s Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) was up 20% as late as the beginning of April before beginning a 6-week slide. XLF is now up only 3% year-to-date compared to a 2% gain for the broader market.
Home Builders Remain Constructive
Housing related stocks have outpaced the broader market in 2012 as the new home market continues to recover. The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) is up 24% year-to-date compared to a 7% gain for the broader market.
Trading France
According to the WSJ, the euro, European stocks, bank shares and “peripheral” euro-zone sovereign bonds all suffered as funds moved into the safety of the dollar and assets like German bunds following the weekend elections in France.
Low Energy
Energy stocks have underperformed the broader market in 2012 and the trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. The Energy Select Sector ETF (XLE) is flat year-to-date in 2012 compared to an 11% gain for the broader market.
Industrials Forge Ahead
After a long decline last summer, industrial stocks have turned around and are now outpacing the broader market. The Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) is up 13% since September 1, 2011. That compares to an 8% rise for the broader equity market over the same time period.
Tough Quarter for Gold Investors
The final quarter of 2011 is one that Gold investors would like to forget. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) was down over 5% in the last three months of the year compared to a 15% gain for the SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) over the same time period.