New York-based asset manager Global X Management Company today launched the Global X FTSE Nordic 30 ETF (GXF) , a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed on the NYSE Arca. The fund is the first ETF in the U.S. that enables investors to gain diversified access to the largest and most liquid companies in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway.
The new Global X FTSE Nordic 30 ETF seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE Nordic 30 index, comprised of the 30 largest and most liquid companies in the Nordic region. The index is compiled by FTSE Group, a leading global index provider.
The Nordic region has stood out in the developed Europe region - as of July 31, 2009, the FTSE Nordic 30 Index has outperformed the FTSE Developed Europe Index returning 56.5% vs. 33.0% in the last five years and 34.9% vs. 19.3% year-to-date, according to FTSE. In comparison, in the same five year and year-to-date period, the S&P 500 index returned -0.7% and 11.0% respectively.
These 4 countries are part of the select group of 15 countries globally that receive top AAA ratings with stable outlooks from Standard & Poor’s. In addition, Denmark, Sweden and Finland ranked third, fourth, and sixth respectively for global competitiveness in the World Economic Forum’s most recent Global Competitive Report, including the top 3 positions in higher education and training. “In our view, the Scandinavian region offers a stable macroeconomic environment and a unique economic model that has historically produced higher returns than its European neighbors” said Bruno del Ama, CEO at Global X Management. “The Scandinavian workforce is well positioned to continue capturing the growth opportunities of the future” continued del Ama. “Global leadership in education and training has produced high levels of technological adoption and innovation in the region.”
As of July 31, 2009, the FTSE Nordic 30 index had a 46% weighting in Sweden, 20% in Denmark, 17% in Norway, and 17% in Finland. The index is diversified across a number of sectors including financials (28%), industrials (16%), technology (15%), health care (8%), and oil and gas (8%). The largest companies in the index are Nordea Bank of Sweden, Novo-Nordisk of Denmark, and Nokia of Finland.
This is the second ETF from Global X Management Company following the launch of the Global X/Interbolsa FTSE Colombia 20 ETF (GXG) , which has returned 50.6% as of June 30, 2009 and 68.5% as of August 18, 2009 from its inception on February 5, 2009.
About Global X Management Company LLC
Global X Management Company, LLC, a New York-based asset manager, serves as the investment adviser to Global X Funds. The firm, registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specializes in innovative international ETFs.
