Among the industry's recent notable product launches:
- Deutsche Launches European Equity Fund
A focus on European economies is the basis for the latest offering from Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management. The Deutsche European Equity Fund will invest in companies headquartered in Europe across a range of countries, sectors and capitalizations, the firm says. It will focus on European companies with above-average earnings potential and the management team comprises of over 30 portfolio managers. "Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management is uniquely positioned to help investors capitalize on opportunities stemming from ongoing structural adjustments in the Eurozone," says Jerry Miller, Head of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management in the Americas.
- China Commercial Paper Focus for KraneShares ETF
ETF providers continue to explore China-based investment, with New York-based KraneShares launching the KraneShares E Fund China Commercial Paper ETF. The fund will seek to deliver yields from investment-grade commercial paper issues in mainland China by local companies. The ETF launched in partnership with E Fund Management, the largest fixed income manager in China and the second largest RQFII manager globally.
- Behavioral Equity Fund Debuts
The Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund from Charlotte, N.C.,-based Sterling Capital Management seeks to "capitalize on the psychology that drives many investment decisions," the firm says. The fund will focus on developed markets outside the United States and Canada, and will be managed by Sterling's behavioral finance team, Robert W. Bridges and Robert O. Weller.
- Payden & Rygel Open Fixed-Income Fund
Seeking exposure across a spectrum of fixed income sectors, Los Angeles-based global asset manager Payden & Rygel opened the Payden Absolute Return Bond Fund to wider investor access. The open-end fund's objective is LIBOR and 3% return, and moves among fixed income sectors and individual securities to achieve its goal.
- First Trust Grows Mexican Exchange ETF Offerings
Continuing to expand its ETF offerings on the Mexican stock exchange, Wheaton, Ill.,-based First Trust says it added another five funds to the exchange, bringing its total offerings there to 37. The firm entered the Mexican market in 2011. "Given the demand and our positive outlook for Mexico, we have increased coverage and resources to the region substantially, and plan to further our focus on Mexico in 2015," says Codie Sanchez Baker, First Trust Latin America investment distribution.
- New International Long/Short Equity Fund
Europe, the U.K., Japan and Asia comprise the portfolios of a new fund offered by Henderson Global Investors. The Henderson International Long/Short Equity Fund will take a bottom-up approach to stock selection, the firm says, and will consist of roughly 70 positions. Management of the fund will be divided into the four regions, and it can invest in derivatives for exposure and risk management.
- Van Eck Global Closing Five Funds
Despite investor demand for international exposure, five Market Vectors ETFs offered by Van Eck Global with different country and currency focuses will be closed and liquidated by the end of the month, the firm says. The five are: Market Vectors Bank and Brokerage ETF, Market Vectors Colombia ETD, MarketVectors Germany Small-Cap ETF, MarketVectors Latin America Small-Cap Index ETF and the Market Vectors Renminbi Bond ETF.
