Trillions

The first six months of 2020 has felt more like five years, at least in ETF terms. So much has happened: the lockdown, the selloff, the rebound, the Fed, not to mention oil, airlines, ANTs, ESG, and day-trading on Robinhood. On this episode of Trillions, Eric and Joel invite the Bloomberg Intelligence team of analysts, including Athanasisos Psarofagis, James Seyffart and Morgan Barna, to discuss and debate all the big ETF topics from the first half, as well as themes to watch in the second half.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest rising trends in the ETF world is the rise of model portfolios, which are almost like pre-packaged meals. On this episode of Trillions, Eric and Joel -- along with Morgan Barna, an ETF research associate with Bloomberg Intelligence -- speak with Tim Clift, chief investment strategist at Envestnet, one of these proverbial "supermarkets" where advisers go shopping on behalf of their clients. They discuss how ETFs get on the platform as well as who makes and uses the models. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exchange-traded funds have upended investing, so how does the Securities and Exchange Commission feel about them? Eric and Joel, along with Nathan Dean of Bloomberg Intelligence, interview SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce about the recent environment, passive investing, ownership trends, the ETF Rule, exotic products, ESG, Bitcoin, and more. They also discuss what she hopes to accomplish before her term ends and the contribution ETFs have made to investing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Global Jets ETF (JETS) has seen over half a billion dollars worth of inflows over 50 straight days - unheard numbers for a thematic ETF - despite the fund's 60% year-to-date decline and selling from Warren Buffett. But the depressed airline industry is attracting retail value investors in droves who see huge upside potential as well as looking for a proxy for the re-opening and rebound of the global economy.  On this episode of Trillions we interview the founder of JETS, Frank Holmes, about his surprising success after five years of almost no interest in the fund. He also gives his outlook on the airline industry as well as the more-than-meets-the-eye design of the index it tracks.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lockdown has roiled oil markets and with it the world's largest oil ETF, USO, which has changed its exposure almost daily, gone through a reverse split and halted creations after seeing a huge influx of investors looking to call a bottom in oil.  On this episode of Trillions, Joel and Eric are joined by Peter Tchir, Head of Macro Strategy for Academy Securities, to break down the USO story and discuss whether an ETF like this should exist and what alternative exist for investors hellbent on trying to time an oil rebound. Peter also gives his take on bond ETFs and brings his sector ETF picks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you are an ETF issuer, you typically have some products doing well — and other ones doing less well. No better example of that than VanEck Vectors, an eclectic brand of ETFs that reflect the many phases of this year's wild ride. On this episode Trillions, Joel and Eric chat with the firm's CEO, Jan Van Eck, about the Fed's ETF plans, fallen-angel bonds, high-yield munis, video games, and the juxtaposition of offering both green and coal ETFs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March started in one place (high) and ended in another (low). Amid the carnage, traders and investors leaned on ETFs, which saw record volumes. On this episode of Trillions, Eric and Joel speak with Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Athanasios Psarofagis about who the winners and losers in the selloff were, who benefits most from the Fed's rescue plan and how the stage is set for smart-beta to have its next "immaculate rebalance."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember the good old days? An unloved, decade-long bull market that never seemed to end? When investments went only up? Well, the coronavirus crash of 2020 has turned those fun times into distant memories. At its worst point during the recent sell-off, more than $10 trillion of equity value was erased, wiping out three years of gains. So how have ETFs been faring amid all the carnage? Katherine Griefeld, a reporter with Bloomberg News, joins Eric and Joel to discuss liquidity, flows, fixed income, exotics, leveraged ETFs, and more. All three recorded from their closets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While much of the stock market has suffered over the past few weeks thanks to fear of the new coronavirus and its global economic fallout, there are a handful of stocks and exchange traded-funds that have managed to avoid damage, and even flourish. On this coronavirus-themed episode of Trillions, Bloomberg Intelligence Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas and Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber dive into the world of niche biotech ETFs. Joining them are Paul Yook and Ryan Cinalli of LifeSci Index Partners, who have launched Virtus LifeSci Biotech Product ETF and Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF, and are currently working on a third. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If exchange traded funds are ingredients and the portfolio is the meal, then ETF strategists are the master chefs. One of the best chefs out there is Gary Stringer, president of Stringer Asset Management, an active manager that uses ETFs instead of individual securities to try and generate outperformance. On this episode we go through Stringer’s ETF portfolio full of non-obvious picks, and ask him why he uses them—both the macro case and the product case.  ETFs discussed include the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO), the Invesco Taxable Municipal Bond ETF (BAB), the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) and many, many more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are active non-transparent ETFs going to be a hit or flop? How can ESG succeed when everyone’s definition is different? What can little issuers do to succeed in an industry dominated by giants? But how can giant asset managers make money if investors want everything for free? These were some of the big questions debated at this year’s Inside ETFs, a conference and networking extravaganza featuring issuers, advisors, service providers, the media and even a few celebrities. We discuss these big themes featuring audio clips recorded on the ground at the event from key attendees as well as in studio commentary from first time attendees, Claire Ballentine and Katherine Greifeld of Bloomberg News.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his annual letter to CEOs earlier this month, BlackRock's Larry Fink pushed business leaders to prioritize climate change as a "defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects." For its part, BlackRock will double the number of sustainable ETFs it offers and pressure index providers to create more environmental, social and governance-related benchmarks. How much will these moves ultimately matter, given that ESG ETFs currently have just 0.5% of the overall ETF pie? And what's the more powerful force, pressure from activist consumers or activist investors? Eric and Joel return to the topic of ESG investing to explore its promises and limitations, with guests Annie Massa, a finance reporter with Bloomberg News; Shaheen Contractor, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence; and Graham Sinclair, an ESG strategy consultant, joining to offer their perspectives and insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Americans are paying more and getting less for their health care than ever before. On the new season of Prognosis, reporter John Tozzi explores what went wrong.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ETFs have democratized investing -- everything under the sun is available with the click of a button, and for cheap. Yet this really only applies to the half of the country with the ways, means and desire to invest. What about the other half? How do we get more of them benefiting from the markets? Joel and Eric speak with financial consultant Tyrone Ross, who's passionate about getting the "unbanked" more involved. Smartphones and services such as Cash App make his mission easier, he says, but it's still an ongoing challenge that requires what Ross calls the three Es: exposure, education and empowerment.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s rarely a dull moment covering ETFs. And this year, as well as the past decade, was no exception. The industry has solidified itself as the hottest destination for new cash, new firms and new ideas.  On this last episode of the year for Trillions, Joel and Eric talk to Rachel Evans of Bloomberg News and Todd Rosenbluth of CFRA in a round table format getting their expert takes and outlooks on everything from flows, returns, issuers, launches, fees, active, ESG, themes, marketing and regulation. Eric and Todd also make a new bet! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was nothing short of a spectacular year for the U.S. stock market. Oh, and fixed income. And emerging markets. And gold. Basically everything went up — even if it didn’t necessarily feel that way. But why exactly? And what might next year hold for investors? How crucial is the Fed? The election? So many questions... On this episode of Trillions we talk all things markets with Michael Regan and Sarah Ponczek from one of our favorite fellow Bloomberg podcasts called “What Goes Up?” in what may be the greatest crossover event since the Harlem Globetrotters landed on Gilligan’s Island.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just as a maker of organic salad dressing wants to get into Whole Foods, every ETF issuer is trying to get its products distributed by the fund superstores. Known as wirehouses by the industry, these mega-platforms from the likes of Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley service advisors with trillions in assets -- and can transform an ETF from zero to hero overnight. But only a minority of funds make it to their shelves.  So how does an ETF get on these crucial platforms? By getting through the all-important gatekeeper. On this week's Trillions, we chat with Mariana Bush of Wells Fargo and Jon Maier of Global X about their extensive experience in this world of gatekeepers and keymasters. Rachel Evans of Bloomberg News co-hosts.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ETFs compete with just about everything, including mutual funds, options, derivatives, and even single security investing. Another competitor is direct indexing, which means investing in a customized portfolio directly -- bypassing the fund's "wrapper" altogether.  On this week’s Trillions, Joel and Eric sit down with Brian Langstraat, the CEO of Parametric, the largest direct indexing provider. He explains what direct indexing is, who it's best for, what the benefits and drawbacks are, and why it isn’t really an “ETF killer,” as some have claimed. Morgan Barna of Bloomberg Intelligence joins the discussion as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite -99% returns, burning through billions, and the occasional controversy, exchange-traded products (ETPs) that track a volatility index called the VIX are flirting with record flows and volume this year thanks to a loyal audience of traders who love their jackpot potential. On this episode of Trillions, Greg King, who was behind some of the most popular products before founding Rex Shares, and Luke Kawa of Bloomberg News, who often writes about volatility, join Joel and Eric for the ultimate power-tool discussion. The group gives an overview of what investors need to know about the products, how they gained some infamy with the 2018 termination of XIV, and some developments to look out for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg's Travel Genius podcast is back! After clocking another hundred-thousand miles in the sky, hosts Nikki Ekstein and Mark Ellwood have a whole new series of flight hacking, restaurant sleuthing, and hotel booking tips to inspire your own getaways—along with a who's who roster of itinerant pros ready to spill their own travel secrets. From a special episode on Disney to a master class on packing, we'll go high, low, east, west, and everywhere in between. The new season starts Nov. 6. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.