New products and changes introduced over the last week include 14 commission-free ETFs added to Schwab ETF OneSource, a suite of ETFs from Legg Mason and a bond fund from Ivy Funds.
Also, WisdomTree launched a dynamic currency hedged suite, Reality Shares is adding three ETFs and Franklin Square launched a fifth business development company.
Here are the latest developments of interest to advisors:
1) Schwab Adds 14 Commission-Free ETFs
Charles Schwab added 14 commission-free ETFs to its Schwab ETF OneSource. Six of the ETFs are strategic beta ETFs from new provider John Hancock Investments; six are from Deutsche Asset Management, another new provider and include five currency-hedged ETFs and one fixed-income ETF; and two are fixed-income ETFs from existing provider Guggenheim Investments.
Here's the list: From John Hancock, the John Hancock Multifactor Consumer Discretionary (JHMC), John Hancock Multifactor Financials (JHMF), John Hancock Multifactor Healthcare (JHMH), John Hancock Multifactor Technology (JHMT), John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap (JHML) and John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap (JHMM).
From Deutsche Asset Management: X-trackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity (DBEF), Deutsche X-trackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity (DBEM), Deutsche X-trackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity (DBAW), Deutsche X-trackers MSCI Eurozone Hedged Equity (DBEZ), Deutsche X-trackers Municipal Infrastructure Revenue Bond (RVNU) and Deutsche X-trackers MSCI All World ex US High Dividend Yield Hedged Equity (HDAW).
The two from Guggenheim ETFs are Guggenheim BulletShares 2025 Corporate Bond (BSCP) and Guggenheim Bulletshares 2023 High Yield Corporate Bond (BSJN).
2) Legg Mason Launches Suite of ETFs
Legg Mason introduced four index-based ETF funds in partnership with its investment affiliate QS Investors.
The Legg Mason Developed ex-US Diversified Core ETF (DDBI), Legg Mason Emerging Markets Diversified Core ETF (EDBI) and Legg Mason US Diversified Core ETF (UDBI) take a macro approach to build portfolios and balance risk in order to deliver broad market exposure that can complement core portfolios. The Legg Mason Low Volatility High Dividend ETF (LVHD) is focused on income, risk mitigation and capital appreciation.
3) Ivy Funds Adds Targeted Return Bond Fund
Ivy Funds launched the Ivy Targeted Return Bond Fund (IRBAX), which aims for a positive total return over the long-term across all market environments.
IRBAX can invest in any form of debt security, including corporate, U.S. and foreign government securities, and can hold up to 50% of its assets in high-yield bonds. It's managed by a team of five portfolio managers with Pictet Asset Management; the lead portfolio manager is Andres Sanchez Balcazar.
