The independent research and consultancy firm ETFGI confirms 2015 was another banner year for the global exchange traded funds/exchange traded products (ETFs/ETPs) industry, with $372 billion (U.S.) in net new assets — a 10 per cent increase over the 2014 record of US$338.3 billion.
Global assets under management grew from US$2.784 trillion to US$2.992 trillion. The number of ETFs/ETPs increased from 5,550 to 6,146; and the number of providers expanded from 239 to 276.
Ernst and Young says institutional investors outside the U.S. have been responsible for most global ETF industry growth in recent years. An E&Y survey showed clear potential for stronger institutional take-up of ETFs, especially among pension funds and insurers. Active and enhanced beta funds are areas of interest, and E&Y notes that strong liquidity is key to attracting institutional money.
Investors often misunderstand ETF liquidity. Trading volumes have a negligible effect on ETF liquidity. ETFs have three levels of liquidity with the natural first one occurring on the stock market exchange where buyers and sellers match up. The second is through the activity of designated brokers responsible for ensuring an orderly market. The third level involves underwriters who create or redeem ETF units. An ETF’s true liquidity is linked to that of the underlying securities.
The BMO S&P/TSX Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) is a good example. Its underlying holdings are the six major Canadian banks. Although the ETF usually doesn’t trade many shares in a day, the bank stocks regularly trade in the millions. The daily trading volume of the banks is so huge, significant trade orders can be placed for the ETF without affecting its price.
A quick way to assess an ETF’s liquidity is by checking the spread between buying and selling prices. A large spread between bid and ask generally indicates that its underlying securities may be less liquid. ETFs must publish all of their holdings on a daily basis which means investors can examine the individual securities and assess their liquidity. Investors should be particularly mindful of this with ETFs exposed to the junk bond space or emerging markets debt and bank loans.
Prudent ETF investors will follow simple rules such as using limit orders on ETF trades. These allow them to set limits on the prices at which they are willing to buy or sell.
Investors trading in international, commodity, or currency ETFs should make certain the underlying markets are open. If trades are made when the underlying market is closed, investors risk buying or selling at prices different than the ETF’s net asset value.
Trading ETFs near the open or close of the market should be avoided. An ETF’s price depends on the value of its portfolio content, and it can be a few minutes after market open before the underlying securities start trading. Similarly, movement in the underlying portfolio can be volatile near market close.
Kim Inglis, CIM, PFP, FCSI, AIFP, is an investment advisor with Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, a division of Canaccord Genuity Corp.
, Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund (ReynoldsInglis.ca).
