Investment Products and Services Launches

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) has announced the launch of three SPDR ETFs [exchange-traded funds] tracking Kensho New Economies indices. Designed to complement State Street Global Advisors’ existing sector and industry SPDR ETF suite, the new ETFs may help investors by providing both tactical and long-term  investment ideas with a transparent, rules-based approach.

The three ETFs, which track proprietary index methodologies developed by Kensho Technologies, a provider of next-generation analytics, machine learning, and data visualization systems, include:

• SPDR Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (XKII)
• SPDR Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (XKST)
• SPDR Kensho Future Security ETF (XKFS)

“We are continuously looking for opportunities to provide investors with the tools necessary for tapping into key market trends and new economic developments,” says Nick Good, co-head of the Global SPDR business at SSGA. “With the launch of XKII, XKST and XKFS, investors can make targeted allocations providing exposure to the firms behind the emerging trends that are reshaping our economy, and very way of life.”

The SPDR Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF seeks to track the Kensho Intelligent Infrastructure Index. This index aims to capture companies providing advanced products and services in the areas of smart building infrastructure, smart power grids, intelligent transportation infrastructure, and intelligent water infrastructure.

The SPDR Kensho Smart Mobility ETF seeks to track the Kensho Smart Transportation Index. This index aims to capture companies providing advanced products and services in the areas of autonomous vehicles, drones and drone technology for civilian/commercial application, and advanced transport systems.

The SPDR Kensho Future Security ETF seeks to track the Kensho Future Security Index. This index aims to capture companies providing advanced products and services in the areas of cyber security, advanced border security, and the following areas for military application: robotics, drones and drone technologies, space technology, wearable technologies and virtual or augmented reality activities.

Charles Schwab Announces Addition of 12 ETFs

Charles Schwab announced that Schwab ETF OneSource, one of the largest commission-free ETF [exchange-traded fund] programs in the industry, is adding 12 new ETFs to its lineup. With these additions, investors and advisers can access 254 ETFs covering 69 Morningstar Categories with $0 online commissions, no enrollment requirements and no early redemption fees—key differentiators for investors comparing Schwab ETF OneSource to other commission-free ETF offerings.

Schwab ETF OneSource offers commission-free ETFs from 16 providers—ALPS, Deutsche Asset Management, Direxion, ETF Securities, Global X Funds, Guggenheim Investments, IndexIQ, John Hancock Investments, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, OppenheimerFunds, PIMCO, PowerShares, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, USCF, WisdomTree and Charles Schwab Investment Management (CSIM). 

Today, seven of these providers are adding new funds to Schwab’s commission-free online ETF program. Notably, PIMCO is doubling the amount of ETFs they offer with the addition of three multi-factor products.

“As we approach the five-year anniversary of ETF OneSource, we’re incredibly proud of the growth this program has achieved and that it continues to capture investor interest,” says Heather Fischer, vice president of ETF & mutual fund platforms and client solutions strategy at Charles Schwab. “According to our research, trading ETFs without commissions or other fees continues to grow in importance for investors, so we’re thrilled to continuously expand our selection of ETFs. The fact that ETF providers continue to see value in the program is demonstrated by the ETFs they’ve continued to add to our program.”

The new funds that are available include:

A complete list of Schwab ETF OneSource ETFs is available here.