SINGAPORE: Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced it is licensing its iEdge-FactSet Global Internet Index to Nikko Asset Management (Nikko AM). Nikko AM, one of Asia’s largest asset managers, will adopt the index for exchange-traded fund (ETF) listing.
Thematic investing is growing rapidly, as investors aim to capitalise on long-term, macro-economic themes and trends by investing in businesses that are poised to benefit from these economic, social or technological trends.
SGX Index Edge, in collaboration with partner FactSet, have developed a suite of indices aimed at capturing global, transformational trends, while offering investment opportunities in businesses impacted by these trends. iEdge-FactSet Global Internet Index is a new addition to the iEdge-FactSet series of indices, providing exposure to global stocks that are positioned to grow with the shift to web-based technologies.
Simon Karaban, Head of Index Services at SGX, said, “There is an increasing allocation of global assets to thematic-based investing and we are proud to be at the forefront of developing innovative and respected index-based solutions for our product partners. The iEdge-FactSet series of thematic indices offer flexibility and choice for investors who can better express their view on a range of emerging trends across global markets. We are pleased to be partnering with Nikko AM in licensing the iEdge-FactSet Global Internet Index, drawing on our respective strengths to offer a compelling solution for investors.”
Eleanor Seet, Head of Asia ex-Japan at Nikko Asset Management, said, “This is Nikko AM’s first ETF offering in Hong Kong, and we are pleased to have the partnership of SGX through the iEdge-FactSet Global Internet Index. The Nikko AM Global Internet ETF provides investors with easy and low-cost access to the world’s internet titans, across trending themes such as e-commerce, internet of things, social networking, cloud services and e-gaming. As a leading ETF issuer in an increasingly challenging environment, we are committed to delivering progressive and relevant solutions to our investors.”
The iEdge-FactSet Global Internet Index aims to trace the performance of developed market securities in the internet segments. Securities captured within this index include companies primarily in Internet and Data Services, General Internet and Online Services, Internet Support Services, Financial Software and Services, Virtual Reality and Engineering Software business segments and Online Retail.
SGX will continue to expand its series of thematic indices, working closely with product issuers to deliver differentiated products through customised index solutions that offer investors significant choice and investment opportunity.