Fund performance

Two ETFs in areas that pundits traditionally expect to benefit more from a Republican president gained.

The world is entering a phase of rising risks as the effect of central-bank stimulus policies diminishes, according to a long-term forecast by Pimco.

Smart beta funds now want to rein the risk of its founding strategies through diversification.

Over the past month, the biggest junk-bond ETF has experienced extraordinary record-breaking daily withdrawals even though the broader market has encountered relatively little turbulence.

Investors are taking their fascination with low-volatility stocks to new heights.

The Pimco Total Return Fund, Pimco's flagship bond fund, will be soon permitted to invest up to 20% of the Fund in junk bonds, up from 10% currently.

Faced with negative interest rates in their own countries, foreign banks and pension funds are looking increasingly toward U.S. municipal bonds.

Pimco's outflows continued, though at a slower pace, according to Allianz Chief Financial Officer Dieter Wemmer.

Out of the 72 ETFs created this year, most either have an overly complex design or track a trendy (yet less than substantive) theme.

Not every ETF launch works. But a team effort and a compelling idea can make an ETF a success in an industry where a handful of dominant firms and smaller players compete aggressively for assets.