Forty-one ETFs based on S&P Indices were launched globally during the first three months of the year, representing more than half of the total number of S&P index-based ETFs launched for the whole of 2011.

Date: Apr 27, 2012

Tags: ETFs, S&P Indices, Equities, Commodities

Forty-one ETFs based on S&P Indices were launched globally during the first three months of the year, representing more than half of the total number of S&P index-based ETFs launched for the whole of 2011.

According to a statement, the growth in S&P-based ETF issuance was led by S&P Indices’ international business, with 23 ETFs launched in Europe during the first quarter. In addition, nine ETFs were issued by product providers in Asia-Pacific and one in Canada.

Lyxor, PowerShares and Mirae Asset Management were among the top providers launching S&P index-based ETFs in the first quarter. Ten of the ETFs provided access to the international commodities markets, while 27 targeted various equity asset classes.

Said Alexander Matturri, executive managing director at S&P Indices: “Investor interest in ETFs, especially outside of the US, is rapidly increasing as these products are providing greater access to niche market segments and varying asset classes at fractions of the cost typically associated with actively managed products such as mutual funds – once the primary option available to invest in broad baskets of securities.”