New products and changes introduced over the last week include SPDR's Risk Aware ETF; a laddered corporate bond portfolio from Invesco PowerShares; IFC launched Green Bonds for individual investors; and Schwab launched a real estate mutual fund.
Also, an iShares ETF has switched its benchmark; Advent announced the next generation of its Black Diamond wealth management platform; and Aspire Financial Services launched an enhanced 403(b) enrollment portal.
Here are the latest developments of interest to advisors:
1) SPDR Launches Risk Aware ETF
SPDR ETFs has launched the SPDR SSgA Risk Aware ETF (RORO), which leverages its proprietary risk model to construct an active equity market portfolio designed to align with the risk environment.
RORO's risk-first approach seeks to capitalize on where risk is being rewarded, and mitigate risk where it is not, potentially providing a smoother ride in an uncertain market environment.
2) Invesco Launches Laddered Corporate Bond ETF
Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC has launched the PowerShares LadderRite 0-5 Year Corporate Bond Portfolio ETF (LDRI).
LDRI tracks the NASDAQ LadderRite 0–5 Year Corporate Bond Index, providing access to investment-grade, fixed coupon, U.S. dollar-denominated bonds issued by companies in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and Japan. Bonds included in the index have an investment-grade rating from Fitch, Moody's or S&P, a minimum outstanding of $500 million, and five years or less to maturity. The laddering methodology evenly staggers bond maturities so that they occur on regular intervals, providing a balance between risk and return, which may help investors manage volatility during a period of rising interest rates.
3) Schwab Launches Global Real Estate Fund
Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc., has announced the launch of the Schwab Fundamental Global Real Estate Index Fund (SFREX).
Managed by CSIM, the mutual fund will track the Russell Fundamental Global Select Real Estate Index. The index, made up of more than 200 real estate companies in 20 countries, measures the performance of residential and commercial real estate companies and REITs in U.S. and non-U.S. markets, including developed and emerging markets, using a fundamentally weighted methodology.
4) IFC Launches Green Bonds for Individual Investors
