Finalists Announced For 2017 ETF.com Awards

ETF.com and Inside ETFs are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2017 ETF.com awards. These annual awards are designed to recognize the people, companies and products driving the ETF industry forward and delivering new value to investors.

Winners in each category will be announced at the ETF.com Awards Dinner, taking place March 22, 2018, at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, in New York. Winners will also be announced on the ETF.com website on March 23, 2018, and in the April 2018 issue of ETF Report. For information on attending the dinner, please email [email protected].

As a reminder, the ETF.com Award winners are selected through a three-part process designed to leverage the insights and opinions of leaders throughout the ETF industry.

Step 1

Public nominations opened on Dec. 4, 2017 and closed on Jan. 2, 2018. As with any rational awards process, only nominated people, firms and products are considered. We received a record number of nominations this year, so thank you to everyone who contributed your thoughts to the process.

Step 2

Following the open nominations process, the ETF.com Awards Nominating committee—made up of senior leaders at ETF.com, Inside ETFs and the FactSet ETF team (whose data powers the ETF.com website and fund reports)—voted to select up to six finalists in each category.

Step 3

Winners among these finalists will be selected by a majority vote of the ETF.com Awards Selection committee, a group of independent ETF experts from throughout the ETF community. Committee members will recuse themselves from voting in any category in which they or their firms appear as finalists. Ties will be decided where possible with head-to-head runoff votes.

 

2017 Nominating Committee

Matt Hougan, CEO, Inside ETFs (Chair)

Paul Britt, Senior Analyst, FactSet

Elisabeth Kashner, Director of ETF Research, FactSet

Dave Nadig, CEO, ETF.com

Drew Voros, Editor-in-Chief, ETF.com

 

2017 Awards Selection Committee

Kim Arthur, Main Management

Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg Intelligence

Ben Blaisdell, US Trust

Rob Glownia, RiverFront

Tom Lydon, ETFtrends

Phil Mackintosh, Virtu

Tyler Mordy, Forstrong Global Asset Management

Jason Nicastro, LPL Financial

Todd Rosenbluth, CFRA

Jim Wiandt, Industry Expert

 

Voting will be completed by the end of Jan. 26, 2018, but results will be kept secret until they are announced at the ETF.com Awards Dinner on March 22, 2018.

 

AND THE NOMINEES Are …

 

1. Lifetime Achievement Award              

Awarded annually to one living individual for outstanding long-term contributions to ETF investor outcomes, whether from a position of media, regulation, product provider, investor or another category. Note: Previous winners are not eligible.                

David Abner, EVP, Head Of WisdomTree Europe                             

David Blitzer, Managing Director & Chairman of the Index Committee, S&P Dow Jones Indices               

Reggie Browne, Senior Managing Director, ETF Group, Cantor Fitzgerald    

Henry Fernandez, Chairman & CEO, MSCI           

Joanne Hill, Chief Advisor for Research & Strategy, CboeVest

 

2. ETF of the Year – 2017              

Awarded to the ETF that has done the most to improve investor opportunities and outcomes in 2017, by providing access to interesting areas of the market, lowering costs, delivering new exposures or otherwise creating better results for investors.

Note: There is no requirement for this award regarding when this fund was launched.                 

ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK)

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

SPDR Portfolio Total Stock Market ETF (SPTM)

U.S. Tax Reform Fund (TAXR)    

WisdomTree Emerging Markets ex-State-Owned Enterprises Fund (XSOE)

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)

 

3. Best New ETF – 2017                                 

Awarded to the most important ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible.  

USCF SummerHaven SHPEI Index Fund/USCF SummerHaven SHPEN Index Fund (BUY/BUYN)    

Principal Active Global Dividend Income ETF (GDVD)      

VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (GRNB)

iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV)

NuShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD)

Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC)

 

4. Most Innovative New ETF – 2017                                        

Awarded to the most groundbreaking and disruptive ETF launched in 2017. This is an ETF that is pushing the envelope in terms of what kinds of exposures can be packaged into an ETF.                         

USCF SummerHaven SHPEI Index Fund/USCF SummerHaven SHPEN Index Fund (BUY/BUYN)

GraniteShares Bloomberg Commodity Broad Strategy No K-1 ETF (COMB)

Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (GIGB)

Republican Policies Fund/Democratic Policies Fund (GOP/DEMS)

VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (GRNB)               

QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF (XUSA)

 

5. Best New U.S. Equity ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important U.S. equity ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a U.S. Equity ETF to qualify.                            

USCF SummerHaven SHPEI Index Fund/USCF SummerHaven SHPEN Index Fund (BUY/BUYN)

Republican Policies Fund/Democratic Policies Fund (GOP/DEMS)

Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW)

Oppenheimer Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF (OMFL)

PowerShares PureBeta MSCI USA Portfolio (PBUS)         

Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK)

 

6. Best New International/Global Equity ETF – 2017                                                       

Awarded to the most important international or global equity ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as an Equity ETF, but not a U.S.-focused Equity ETF, to qualify.

Arrow DWA Country Rotation ETF (DWCR)

Davis Select Worldwide ETF (DWLD)

Principal Active Global Dividend Income ETF (GDVD)      

iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV)

PowerShares PureBeta FTSE Developed ex-North America Portfolio (PBDM)

PowerShares PureBeta FTSE Emerging Markets Portfolio (PBEE)

 

7. Best New U.S. Fixed-Income ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important fixed-income ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a U.S. fixed-income ETF to qualify.                                              

PowerShares Treasury Collateral Portfolio (CLTL)

Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (GIGB)

NuShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD)

Global X U.S. Preferred ETF (PFFD)

Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC)

 

8. Best New International/Global Fixed-Income ETF – 2017                                                        

Awarded to the most important international or global fixed-income ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a Fixed Income ETF, but not a U.S.-focused fixed income ETF, to qualify.              

Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL)

First Trust TCW Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF (FIXD)

VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (GRNB)

IQ S&P High Yield Low Volatility Bond ETF (HYLV)

JPMorgan Global Bond Opportunities ETF (JPGB)

 

9. Best New Commodity ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important commodity ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a Commodity ETF to qualify.

GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR)

ETFS Bloomberg All Commodity Strategy K-1 Free ETF (BCI)

GraniteShares Bloomberg Commodity Broad Strategy No K-1 ETF (COMB)

GraniteShares S&P GSCI Commodity Broad Strategy No K-1 ETF (COMG)

SPDR Long Dollar Gold Trust (GLDW)

 

10. Best New Currency ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important currency ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a currency ETF to qualify. 

There are no nominees for this category.            

                               

11. Best New Alternatives ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important alternatives ETF launched in 2017.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as an Alternatives ETF to qualify.

Anfield Capital Diversified Alternatives ETF (DALT)

JPMorgan Event Driven ETF (JPED)

JPMorgan Managed Futures Strategy ETF (JPMF)            

QuantX Risk Managed Real Return ETF (QXRR)

QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF (QXTR)

 

12. Best New Asset Allocation ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important ETF launched in 2017 that combines exposure to multiple asset classes. Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as an Asset Allocation ETF to qualify.                             

ClearShares OCIO ETF (OCIO)

QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF (QXMI)

Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL)

WisdomTree Balanced Income Fund (WBAL)

 

13. Best New Smart Beta or Factor ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important new ETF launched in 2017, regardless of asset class, that uses a quantitative, research-driven approach to attempt to deliver superior long-term risk-adjusted returns. Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified as a Smart-Beta strategy by FactSet to qualify. (Please note: Despite the FactSet categorization, currency-hedged exposures do not qualify.)

Arrow DWA Country Rotation ETF (DWCR)

Goldman Sachs Access Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (GIGB)

NuShares Enhanced Yield 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA)

Oppenheimer Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF (OMFL)

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (VMOT)

QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF (XUSA)

 

14. Best New Active ETF – 2017                                                

Awarded to the most important new actively managed ETF launched in 2017, regardless of asset class. Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible. ETF must be classified as “active per SEC” by FactSet to qualify.          

AI Powered Equity ETF (AIEQ)

Principal Active Global Dividend Income ETF (GDVD)      

Republican Policies Fund/Democratic Policies Fund (GOP/DEMS)

JPMorgan Global Bond Opportunities ETF (JPGB)

IQ Mackay Shields Municipal Insured ETF (MMIN)                           

U.S. Tax Reform Fund (TAXR)    

 

15. Thematic ETF of the Year – 2017

Awarded to the most important “thematic” ETF of 2017, as measured by its ability to capture important macro plays that can lead to specific portfolio outcomes.

Note: There is no requirement for this award regarding when this fund was launched.

ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK)

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

Emerging Markets Internet & Ecommerce ETF (EMQQ)

Oppenheimer Global ESG Revenue ETF (ESGF)

Republican Policies Fund/Democratic Policies Fund (GOP/DEMS)

 

16. Best New ESG ETF – 2017

Awarded to the most important ESG ETF launched in 2016.

Note: Importance is measured by the overall contribution to positive investor outcomes. The award may recognize ETFs that open new areas of the market, lower costs, drive risk-adjusted performance or provide innovative exposures not previously available to most investors. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible.    

Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES)

VanEck Vectors Green Bond ETF (GRNB)

KraneShares MSCI China Environment ETF (KGRN)

NuShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUBD)

iShares ESG USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSC)

 

17. ETF Issuer of the Year – 2017              

Awarded to the ETF issuer that has done the most to improve investor outcomes through product introductions, product performance, fund management, asset gathering, investor support and innovation in 2017.

ARK         

Exchange Traded Concepts        

iShares by BlackRock

State Street Global Advisors

Vanguard Group             

 

18. Most Innovative ETF Issuer of the Year – 2017           

Awarded to the ETF provider that has launched the most innovative and groundbreaking ETFs in 2017.  

Alpha Architect

ARK     

EventShares      

Exchange Traded Concepts        

iShares by BlackRock

State Street Global Advisors                     

 

19. New ETF Issuer of the Year – 2017

Awarded to the new ETF issuer that has done the most to improve investor outcomes through product introductions, product performance, fund management, investor support and innovation. Issuer must have launched its first ETF in 2017. ETF.com considers “issuer” to mean the “brand” of the ETF, as classified by FactSet.       

Davis Advisors

GraniteShares  

Inspire Investing             

QuantX (Blue Sky Asset Management)

Sage Advisory Services

USAA   

 

20. Index Provider of the Year – 2017    

Awarded to the index provider that has done the most to improve investor outcomes through index introductions, research, advisor support and more in 2017.                      

FTSE Russell      

Kensho

MSCI    

Solactive

Toroso Investments      

 

21. Index of the Year – 2017       

Awarded to the index that has done the most to provide new ways of considering investment strategies, opportunities or ideas in 2017.    

BlackRock High Yield Defensive Bond Index      

EMQQ The Emerging Markets Internet & Ecommerce Index      

FTSE OFI Dynamic Multifactor Index Series        

MSCI China A Inclusion Index

Solactive Equileap Gender Equality Family of Indices     

SummerHaven Private Equity Strategy Index    

 

22. ETF Liquidity Provider of the Year – 2017      

Awarded to the ETF liquidity provider (including market maker, authorized participant, agency broker, etc.) that has done the most to improve investor outcomes through education, support, services, innovation and outreach.                             

BAML   

Citadel Securities           

Jane Street

Susquehanna International Group         

Tradeweb Markets

 

23. ETF Custodian of the Year – 2017   

Awarded to the ETF custodial firm offering the best and most innovative service to clients.

BNY Mellon

Brown Brothers Harriman           

Citi        

State Street       

US Bank              

 

24. Best Online Broker for ETF-Focused Investors – 2017              

Awarded to the online brokerage offering the best package for ETF-focused investors. This award will consider commission-free trading options, education materials, supporting services and other factors.   

Charles Schwab

Fidelity               

Interactive Brokers        

TD Ameritrade

 

25. Best ETF Platform – 2017      

Awarded to the wirehouse, broker-dealer or other service provider that offers its reps and advisors the best total offering in the ETF space, including research, data, tools, trading capabilities and education.

Bloomberg        

Merrill Lynch    

Morgan Stanley               

Raymond James              

TD Ameritrade

 

26. Best ETF Issuer Website – 2017         

Awarded to the most informative and user-friendly website of an ETF issuer.    

Alpha Architect               

iShares by BlackRock

Global X

VanEck

WisdomTree    

 

27. Best Index Provider Website – 2017               

Awarded to the most informative and user-friendly website by an index provider.          

Alpha Architect               

MSCI    

S&P Dow Jones Indices

STOXX

WisdomTree      

 

28. Best ETF Issuer Capital Markets Desk – 2017               

Awarded to the ETF issuer providing the most useful support to advisors for ETF trading.             

Deutsche Asset Management     

iShares by BlackRock

State Street Global Advisors     

Vanguard Group

WisdomTree    

 

29. ETF Strategist of the Year – 2017       

Awarded to the ETF strategist or model portfolio provider that has done the most to improve investor outcomes in 2017.

Note: Automated investment services are eligible for this award, as they provide managed portfolios en masse to investors.                

3EDGE Asset Management                

iShares by BlackRock

CLS Investments

Newfound Research     

Northern Trust Asset Management        

Richard Bernstein Advisors

 

30. ETF Law Firm of the Year – 2017        

Awarded annually to the law firm that has done the most to push the ETF industry forward, including driving new and innovative products through the Securities and Exchange Commission, advocating for the industry and the rights of investors, and improving outcomes for investors.

Chapman and Cutler     

Dechert LLP       

K&L Gates          

Ropes & Gray                   

Stradley Ronon                

 

31. ETF Investor of the Year – 2017         

Awarded to a financial advisor, advisor team or institutional investor that is using ETFs to deliver high-quality portfolios in an innovative way.

CLS Investments

ClearRock Capital           

FIS Group           

Heck Capital Advisors   

Ritholtz Wealth Management  

 

32. ETF Ticker of the Year – 2017                                              

Awarded to the ETF with the best new ETF ticker. The ETF must have launched in 2017 to qualify.            

ProSports Sponsors ETF (FANZ)

Republican Policies Fund/Democratic Policies Fund (GOP/DEMS)

Point Bridge GOP Stock Tracker ETF (MAGA)

Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE)

Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL)