The Index Industry Association (IIA) has released the results of its fifth annual global benchmark survey, revealing record-breaking growth in the number of ESG indices produced by its members.

First Trust has expanded its actively managed multi-manager ETF line-up by launching a new fund on NYSE Arca focused on US small-cap equities.

Avantis Investors has expanded its investment offering with the launch of four new actively managed ETFs on NYSE Arca.

Hartford Funds has launched the Hartford Schroders ESG US Equity ETF (HEET US), an actively managed multi-factor US equity fund that is the firm’s first ETF to directly incorporate a socially responsible investment mandate.

FTSE Russell has launched the FTSE EU Climate Benchmarks Index Series, a suite of climate-themed equity indices aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to two degrees above pre-industrial levels.

Putnam Investments has debuted its first ETFs with the launch of four actively managed semi-transparent funds on NYSE Arca that replicate some of the firm’s most popular US equity strategies.

By FTSE Russell.

The rotation away from pricey defensive factors (notably Quality) into their cyclically sensitive counterparts (led by Value) went into overdrive in Q1 2021 as markets recalibrated expectations for a quicker post-crisis economic recovery.

BlackRock has launched a pair of actively managed equity ETFs aligned with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Franklin Templeton has expanded its US line-up of actively managed thematic ETFs with the introduction of the Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT US).

By Robin Marshall, Director of Fixed Income Research, FTSE Russell.

According to recent data, US Treasuries have become expensive compared to other major sovereign bond markets over the last four years.