Core & Value Smart Beta ETFs Filed
Columbia Threadneedle plans two domestic smart beta funds.
In a break with its usual offering, Columbia Threadneedle has filed for two ETFs that offer smart-beta plays on domestic stocks. Currently, only two of the firm’s ETFs cover U.S. securities. But the Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) and the Columbia Research Enhanced Value ETF (REVS) will both track stocks selected from the Russell 1000 Index of large- and midcap stocks.
The filing does not provide a listing exchange or expense ratios.
Methodology
The underlying index for RECS evaluates the securities of the Russell 1000 based on quality, value and “catalyst,” which the filing indicates is related to earnings and price momentum. Stocks are scored between 1 (best) and 5 (worst), with all stocks rated 4 or 5 excluded from the index. Meanwhile, all stocks rated 1 or 2 are included by sector. Stocks with a 3 rating are included if there are none rated 1 or 2.
Selected companies are weighted by market capitalization, but sector weights are kept consistent with their weights in the original Russell 1000 index, according to the prospectus.
The document also notes that all stocks classified under biotechnology are automatically included in the index. The issuer expects the index to hold anywhere from 325 to 400 of the original Russell 1000 component stocks.
The methodology for REVS is essentially the same, but it derives its components from the Russell 1000 Value Index and is expected to hold between 250 and 290 securities at any given time, according to the fund documents.
Both indexes are rebalanced semiannually.
Issuer
Columbia Threadneedle seems to be going through a bit of a shakeup in terms of its lineup. It recently announced it would be shutting down four of its 12 existing ETFs as of June 14. The following funds all cover developing markets and have $30 million or less in assets under management:
- Columbia Beyond BRICs ETF (BBRC)
- Columbia EM Quality Dividend ETF (HILO)
- Columbia India Infrastructure ETF (INXX)
- Columbia India Small Cap ETF (SCIN)
It also has slashed the expense ratios on two of its ETFs, bringing the price of the Columbia Multi-Sector Municipal Income ETF (MUST) from 0.28% down to 0.23% and the price of the Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) from 0.35% down to 0.16%, a reduction of more than 50%.
With these two domestically focused filings, the firm seems to be changing direction.
Contact Heather Bell at [email protected]