UBS Global Asset Management has expanded its range of ETFs to include six new passive ETFs with an "ethical" tilt. Whilst removing companies with significant business activities involving tobacco and controversial weapons the funds still provide a core diversified solution for investors wanting access to international, regional and Australian markets.
Bryce Doherty, Head of UBS Global Asset Management, Australia and New Zealand, said, "These funds have been brought to market in response to continued demand from clients, advisors and institutions for access to global index based investment solutions with an ethical philosophy. For the SMSF market, which is now worth around $520 billion with 550,000 contributors, ETFs provide investors with an ability to take control of their investments, lower the cost of investing and improve diversification of their portfolios."
The new funds are
UBS IQ MSCI Australia Ethical ETF (UBA)
UBS IQ MSCI World ex Australia Ethical ETF (UBW)
UBS IQ MSCI Europe Ethical ETF (UBE)
UBS IQ MSCI USA Ethical ETF (UBU)
UBS IQ MSCI Japan Ethical ETF (UBJ) **
UBS IQ MSCI Asia APEX 50 Ethical ETF (UBP) **
The ETF market in Australia grew by a record 50% over 2014 and has roughly tripled in size since 2010*. ETFs providing exposure to offshore markets continued to attract the largest inflows. As Australian investors look to diversify their portfolios beyond the local equity market, ETFs are a simple solution for investors looking to access international markets with the ease and simplicity of trading like any other ASX share.
"UBS IQ ETFs can be used by a variety of investors including institutions, SMSF and retail investors who are looking to gain access to a diversified portfolio of global equities or access to specific global markets (including Europe, U.S., Asia and Japan) in one simple transaction." added Mr Doherty.
UBS Global Asset Management has a long-term track record of providing index-based investment solutions to clients. The first UBS ETF was launched in Europe in 2001. Since then, UBS has launched over 155 ETFs globally. The UBS Australian ETF platform was established in 2012 with the launch of the UBS IQ Research Preferred Australian Share Fund, ASX code: ETF.
*Information based on ASX Market Statistics
**Listing in March
Media contact
Caroline Gurney, UBS Corporate Communications | +61 2 9324 3335 | +61 403 279 605 |
Shannon Turnbull, UBS Corporate Communications | +61 2 9324 3978 | +61 419 799 364 |
UBS
UBS draws on its 150-year heritage to serve private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. Its business strategy is centered on its pre-eminent global wealth management businesses and its leading universal bank in Switzerland, complemented by its Global Asset Management business and its Investment Bank, with a focus on capital efficiency and businesses that offer a superior structural growth and profitability outlook.
UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in more than 50 countries, with about 35% of its employees working in the Americas, 36% in Switzerland, 17% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 12% in Asia Pacific. UBS employs about 60,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
