On this week’s edition of ETF Prime, host Nate Geraci engaged in an enlightening discussion with VettaFi’s Head of Research, Todd Rosenbluth. The episode delved into Fidelity’s introduction of a $100 servicing fee for ETFs from nine different companies, shedding light on the evolving dynamics within the ETF landscape. Rosenbluth aptly compared the shift back to charging fees for commission-free trading to a return to the past when such perks were scarce commodities, available only to those willing to pay. He shared his pragmatic perspective, acknowledging that success in distribution comes at a cost, noting how this development, while expected, dampens the notion of democratized investing through ETFs.
Unveiling New Service Fees
Reflecting on Fidelity’s latest move to charge fees for ETFs, Rosenbluth remarked that the era of free services may be waning for asset managers, who now face the prospect of passing on these costs to investors. The evolution of fee structures underscores a fundamental aspect of the ETF industry as a profit-driven domain where strategic decisions impact different stakeholders.
The Intersection of Growth and Quality
The conversation then transitioned to insights from VettaFi’s Equity Symposium, exploring the preferences of advisors in the current investment climate. The symposium revealed a strong affinity for growth and quality among advisors, with Rosenbluth emphasizing the ongoing dominance of mega-cap stocks and the enduring appeal of quality metrics such as robust balance sheets and consistent earnings. He spotlighted funds like the American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) and the VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO) as prime examples that capture the blend of quality and growth factors.
The Momentum of Active Management
Rosenbluth and Geraci then dissected VettaFi’s findings on the increasing adoption of active strategies by advisors, signaling a notable shift in investor sentiment towards actively managed products. The surge in interest for these strategies within the ETF sphere speaks to a broader trend where active management is gaining traction and commanding attention across the market. Rosenbluth’s optimism underscored the resilience and appeal of active ETFs, reflecting their consistent popularity over successive years.
Discussing the lukewarm response towards thematic ETFs, Geraci sought Rosenbluth’s perspective on the saturation of thematic offerings in the market. Rosenbluth concurred, highlighting the niche focus of thematic products and the challenge they face in competing with broader, index-based products. While acknowledging the abundance of thematic ETFs, Rosenbluth acknowledged the allure of select offerings like the Amplify Online Retail ETF (IBUY) and the ProShares Online Retail ETF (ONLN) for investors seeking exposure to specific thematic themes.
Enhancing Proxy Vote Capabilities
The conversation then shifted to Troop co-founder Felix Dubarry, who discussed the role of technology in facilitating customized proxy voting. Dubarry’s insights shed light on how advancements in proxy advisory services are enabling asset managers to streamline voting processes, exemplifying a convergence of technology and governance in the asset management space.
Strategic Fitness in Portfolio Construction
Alpha Architect’s Jess Bost concluded the episode by offering a unique perspective on portfolio construction, drawing parallels between financial planning and physical fitness. Bost’s creative approach underscored the importance of goal-oriented strategies in both domains, showcasing how unconventional analogies can enhance understanding and engagement with complex investment concepts.
Listen to the full ETF Prime episode featuring Todd Rosenbluth, Felix Dubarry, and Jess Boss:
vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi, the index provider for IBUY, receives an index licensing fee, highlighting the multi-layered relationships within the ETF ecosystem.
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