With news that iShares is due to launch swap-based ETFs "imminently" and with other providers hinting they too will start to offer synthetically replicated funds in the near future, it seems the industry as a whole is now more broadly willing to embrace this model.
This marks a significant departure from the polarised debate that has been waged between ETF issuers on the merits and drawbacks associated with traditional and synthetic funds. This latest development suggests ETF providers might now focus less on exploiting the structural differences between funds, and will perhaps instead concentrate on promoting ETFs as an efficient investment vehicle, to the benefit of the whole industry. Moving into the swap arena is an interesting tactical shift for certain providers, and implies some of the greater efficiencies swaps offer in tapping partic...
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