ETF Prime Podcast

A growing area of investing is sustainable or socially responsible investing, where companies are screened based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.  Nate & Jason discuss the trends driving this expanding segment and explain how ETFs are at the forefront of helping investors reflect social views through their investments.  Also, Ben Johnson, Director of Global ETF Research at Morningstar, discusses his recent article on the topic, offering perspective on the intersection of sustainable investing and ETFs.

A recent PwC survey shows U.S. ETF assets are expected to nearly triple in the next five years, growing from approximately $2.3 trillion to $6.2 trillion by 2021.  Nate & Conor explain the important role of investor education in reaching this impressive projection.  Also, Greg King, Founder & CEO of REX Shares, spotlights the REX Gold Hedged S&P 500 ETF (GHS) and the REX Gold Hedged FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (GHE).

Recently, some media types, and even investment industry professionals, have suggested that ETF proliferation has gotten out of hand.  Nate & Conor offer some rather pointed thoughts on this topic and wonder where the concern is over the roughly 8,000 mutual funds in existence.  Also, Andrew Chanin, CEO of PureFunds, spotlights their Video Game Tech ETF (GAMR) and Drone Economy Strategy ETF (IFLY).

Bloomberg recently published “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Investors”, which offers seven simple ways to increase your odds of financial success.  Nate & Jason offer their perspective on these personal finance basics.

Generating portfolio income might be the single biggest challenge facing investors right now.  Nate & Jason explain the dilemma and discuss properly balancing risk and yield.  Also, Tom Boccellari, Fixed Income Product Strategist at PowerShares, offers his perspective on the search for yield and highlights several income-focused PowerShares ETFs.

We revisit some of our favorite guest interviews from the first half of 2016 including Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas, Abnormal Returns’ Tadas Viskanta, and ISE ETF Ventures’ Kris Monaco.