From cryptocurrency to private credit, Australia’s exchange traded fund (ETF) landscape has grown in both size and complexity.
Here are some of the ETF launches in 2024 that got you clicking.
6. Global X rounds up Mag Seven in hedged ‘next-gen’ tech ETF
In July, Global X ETFs announced the launch of its Global X FANG+ (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: FHNG), offering Australian investors exposure to companies at the forefront of “next-generation” technology with minimised exchange rate risk.
A culmination of both “household names and newcomers”, the hedged strategy provides exposure to 10 companies driving technology innovation across multiple segments, currency hedged to Australian dollar.
7. Betashares launches 2 ‘moderately geared’ ETFs
Betashares’ “Wealth Builder” range, announced in April, comprises two “moderately geared” ETFs.
The Betashares Wealth Builder Australia 200 Geared Complex ETF provides moderately geared exposure to the returns of the broad Australian sharemarket, while the Betashares Wealth Builder Diversified All Growth Geared Complex ETF will provide moderately geared exposure to the returns of an “all-cap, all-world” share portfolio.
According to the fund manager, these products marked Australia’s first such geared ETFs on the ASX, and will have a “competitive” fee structure of 0.35 per cent per annum of the fund’s gross asset value.
8. Cboe commits to ‘driving competition’ as Lazard lists first ETF
Cboe Australia commenced the quotation of Lazard Asset Management’s first local ETF – the Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Active ETF (GIFL) – in July.
The launch, Cboe Australia’s president Emma Quinn said, is a major milestone in Cboe’s bid to drive competition in the market and is a positive step forward in expanding the investable universe locally.
“The delivery of innovative and pioneering products such as this speaks to our vision of changing the face of the ETF marketplace with our leading-edge technology and best-in-class client service,” Quinn said at the time.
9. New defence tech ETF to hit the ASX
In early 4Q24, Global X revealed that it was bringing its Defence Tech ETF, under the ASX ticker DTEC, to Australian shores.
The offering, which has been listed on the NYSE Arca since 2023, under the ticker SHLD, holds over US$540 million in net assets and seeks to invest in companies positioned to benefit from the increased adoption and utilisation of defence technology.
10. BlackRock unveils expanded Australian ETF suite
Rounding out the list, BlackRock Australia announced three new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) among its product offerings in February to help investors access their preferred investment style in line with their broader objectives in a low-cost way.
The funds – iShares MSCI World ex Australia Momentum ETF (IMTM), iShares MSCI World ex Australia Value ETF (IVLU), and iShares MSCI World ex Australia Quality ETF (IQLT) – are available on Cboe and marks the inaugural iShares products listed on Cboe in Australia.
