ETF Prime Podcast

Juan Carlos Artigas, Director of Investment Research at the World Gold Council, discusses some of the key drivers behind gold’s surge this year and explains how physically-backed gold ETFs are structured.  Nate & Conor also spotlight the world’s largest gold ETF, the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD).

“Smart beta” ETFs have been one of the fastest growing segments of the overall ETF universe.  Nate & Conor explain why traditional active mutual fund companies are launching, and investors are gravitating to, these ETFs.  Also, Mike LaBella, Portfolio Manager at QS Investors, offers his views on the shortcomings of market cap weighting and spotlights the Legg Mason lineup of Diversified Core ETFs.

Disruptive innovation occurs when a game-changing innovation completely disrupts the status quo, turning an old way of doing business upside-down.  Nate & Jason discuss investing in disruptive innovation, considering both the enormous upside and potential risks.  Also, Cathie Wood, Founder & CEO of ARK Invest, offers her perspective on disruptive innovation and spotlights the ARK lineup of disruptive innovation ETFs.

A growing number of mutual fund companies are being hit with lawsuits from their own employees over the mutual funds being offered in their 401k plans.  Nate & Conor explain the rationale behind these lawsuits and why they should get the attention of every 401k investor.  Also, Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors, spotlights the U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) and goes in-depth on the airline industry.

Recently, investors have been flocking to emerging market bonds.  Nate & Jason explain why and walk through the basics of investing in this growing asset class.  Also, Fran Rodilosso, Portfolio Manager at Van Eck, spotlights the Vectors Emerging Markets Investment Grade USD Sovereign Bond ETF (IGEM).