Have you ever wondered where your gold comes from?

FRI, AUG 05, 2022

YOUR WEEKLY UPDATE ON TOP ETF TRENDS

A NOTE FROM BOB

A bitcoin ETF may still be on the back burner, but several new crypto ETFs have just launched. Horizon Kinetics launched the Blockchain Development ETF (BCDF) on Tuesday, an actively managed fund that invests in companies that benefit from digital assets, and on Thursday Charles Schwab launched the Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE), which tracks an index of global exposure to companies that may benefit from the development or utilization of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Why now, with bitcoin down 50% on the year? Join me Monday on ETF Edge at 1 PM ET when my guest will be David Botset, Managing Director, Head of Equity Product Management and Innovation at Schwab Asset Management.

"Buffered" ETFs, which provide a degree of downside protection to a particular stock or index, are having a moment. Last week Innovator launched the Innovator Hedged TSLA Strategy (TSLH), which seeks to track the upside performance of Tesla to a cap, with a maximum quarterly loss of 10%. Want to learn more? Innovator Capital Management CEO Bruce Bond will also join me Monday at 1 PM ET on ETF Edge.

Gold ESG? Wondering where your gold comes from? Sprott Asset Management this week launched the Sprott ESG Gold ETF (SESG), the first gold ETF that invests in gold that meets special ESG standards. They've partnered with the Royal Canadian Mint to source gold exclusively from companies and mines that meet ESG criteria.

Blackrock announced its iShares MSCI Russia ETF (ERUS) will begin closing August 17th and proceeds will be distributed to shareholders. It was halted after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. The problem is most of the fund's holdings remain frozen (Russia will not allow foreigners to sell its ordinary shares, and the depository shares held on foreign exchanges are also frozen), so no one knows how long it will take to fully liquidate the fund, not even Blackrock: "It is possible that the liquidation of the Fund will take an extended period of time if circumstances involving Russian securities do not improve," Blackrock said.

For more analysis and actionable insights, catch me live this Monday at 1 PM ET on ETF Edge.