Finalists For The Annual ETF.com Awards

ETF.com and Inside ETFs are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2018 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.

2018 was a tumultuous year for markets, with major upheavals in the U.S. and abroad. However, the ETF industry plowed ahead, pulling in more than $315 billion in net new assets.

Innovation was also alive and well in 2018, with 250 new products coming to market. Fee wars continued to shake things up among issuers, and the notable new trend of “bringing your own assets” to new ETFs colored a lot of the distribution prowess we saw last year.

The annual independent ETF.com Awards are the most coveted in the industry, as they are widely seen as the most robust recognition of innovative success.

Winners in each category will be announced at the ETF.com Awards Dinner, taking place March 28, 2019, at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, in New York. Winners will also be announced on the www.etf.com website on March 29, 2018, and in the April 2019 issue of ETF Report.

Methodology

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

Step 1

The awards process began with open nominations, which started Dec. 3, 2018, and closed Jan. 3, 2019.

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 five finalists in each category. Votes were cast on a majority basis, and ties broken where possible with head-to-head runoff votes. If ties could not be broken, more than five finalists were allowed. The nomination voting concluded Jan. 14, 2019.

2018 Nominating Committee

Matt Hougan, Chairman, Inside ETFs (Chair)

Paul Britt, Senior Analyst, FactSet

Elisabeth Kashner, Director of ETF Research, FactSet

Dave Nadig, Managing Director, ETF.com

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

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.

2018 Awards Selection Committee

Kim Arthur, Main Management

Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg Intelligence

Ben Blaisdell, US Trust

Rob Glownia, RiverFront

Tom Lydon, ETFtrends.com

Phil Mackintosh, NASDAQ

Tyler Mordy, Forstrong Global Asset Management

Todd Rosenbluth, CFRA

Jim Wiandt, Industry Expert

Voting was completed in January, but results will be kept secret until they are announced at the ETF.com Awards Dinner on March 28, 2019.

AWARD CATEGORIES FOR 2018

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 other category. Note: Previous winners are not eligible.    

Debbie Fuhr, Managing Partner and Founder, ETFGI

JoAnne Hill, Chief Advisor for Research and Strategy, Cboe Vest

Marie Chandoha, CEO, Charles Schwab Investment Management           

Reggie Browne, Senior Managing Director ETF Group, Cantor Fitzgerald                

Blake Grossman, Managing Member, ThirdStream Partners       

2. ETF of the Year – 2018                              

Awarded to the ETF that has done the most to improve investor opportunities and outcomes in 2018, 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.             

JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF (BBJP)             

Cambria Core Equity ETF (CCOR)

Cambria Global Asset Allocation ETF (GAA)

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA)

Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST)

Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap ETF (PTLC)         

3. Best New ETF – 2018                                                 

Awarded to the most important ETF launched in 2018.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, 2017 were eligible.                                                             

JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF (BBJP)              

Innovator S&P 500 Buffer ETFs (Series) (BJUL)   

Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW)

iShares Evolved U.S. Sector ETFs (Series) (IECS)               

Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST)

Cambria Trinity ETF (TRTY)         

4. Most Innovative New ETF – 2018                                        

Awarded to the most groundbreaking and disruptive ETF launched in 2018. This is an ETF that is pushing the envelope in terms of what kinds of exposures can be packaged into an ETF. Only ETFs with inception dates after Dec. 31, 2017 were eligible.               

Breakwave Dry Bulk Shipping ETF (BDRY)

Innovator S&P 500 Buffer ETFs (Series) (BJUL)

iShares Evolved U.S. Sector ETFs (Series) (IECS)                

Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST)

WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund (NTSX)

5. Best New U.S. Equity ETF – 2018                                         

Awarded to the most important U.S. equity ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a U.S. Equity ETF to qualify.               

JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI U.S. REIT ETF (BBRE)

Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV)      

iShares Evolved U.S. Sector ETFs (Series) (IECS)                

iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA)     

Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (Series) (VFMF)

6. Best New International/Global Equity ETF – 2018                                                       

Awarded to the most important international or global equity ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as an Equity ETF, but not a U.S.-focused Equity ETF, to qualify.                                                        

AI Powered International Equity ETF (AIIQ)         

Global X MSCI China Health Care ETF (CHIH)      

JPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF (BBJP)              

Franklin FTSE India ETF (FLIN)                    

Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX)                                   

7. Best New U.S. Fixed-Income ETF – 2018                                                          

Awarded to the most important fixed-income ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a U.S. Fixed-Income ETF to qualify.

iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG)     

Goldman Sachs Access Inflation Protected USD Bond ETF (GTIP)               

JPMorgan U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (JAGG)                         

Columbia Multi-Sector Municipal Income ETF (MUST)   

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS)           

IQ Short Duration Enhanced Core Bond U.S. ETF (SDAG)

8. Best New International/Global Fixed-Income ETF – 2018                                                        

Awarded to the most important international or global fixed-income ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a Fixed Income ETF, but not a U.S.-focused Fixed Income ETF, to qualify.                                                            

iShares Global Green Bond ETF (BGRN)

Vanguard Total World Bond ETF (BNDW)             

Invesco BulletShares 2021 USD Emerging Markets Debt ETF (BSAE)                        

Franklin Liberty International Aggregate Bond ETF (FLIA)             

WisdomTree Yield Enhanced Global Aggregate Bond Fund (GLBY)          

9. Best New Commodity ETF – 2018                                                        

Awarded to the most important commodity ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a Commodity ETF to qualify.                                                               

Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF (AAAU)    

iShares Bloomberg Roll Select Commodity Strategy ETF (CMDY)               

SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)      

iShares Gold Strategy ETF (IAUF)              

GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM)   

10. Best New Currency ETF – 2018                           

Awarded to the most important currency ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as a Currency ETF to qualify.                     

No nominations for this category           

11. Best New Alternatives ETF – 2018                                                    

Awarded to the most important alternatives ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as an Alternatives ETF to qualify.        

JPMorgan Long/Short ETF (JPLS)               

VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF (RAAX)             

Cambria Trinity ETF (TRTY)          

12. Best New Asset Allocation ETF – 2018

Awarded to the most important ETF launched in 2018 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified by FactSet as an Asset Allocation ETF to qualify.                                               

Amplify EASI Tactical Growth ETF (EASI)               

WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund (NTSX)

Amplify Black Swan Growth & Treasury ETF (SWAN)      

Global X TargetIncome 5 ETF (TFIV)                                                                        

13. Best New Smart-Beta or Factor ETF – 2018

Awarded to the most important new ETF launched in 2018, 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, 2017 were 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.)                                                             

Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF (FLDR)    

iShares Evolved U.S. Sector ETFs (Series) (IECS)                

U.S. Diversified Real Estate ETF (PPTY)  

Xtrackers Russell 1000 U.S. QARP ETF (QARP)     

IQ Short Duration Enhanced Core Bond U.S. ETF (SDAG)                

14. Best New Active ETF – 2018                                                

Awarded to the most important new actively managed ETF launched in 2018, 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, 2017 were eligible. ETF must be classified as “Active per SEC” by FactSet to qualify.           

AI Powered International Equity ETF (AIIQ)

WisdomTree International Multifactor Fund (DWMF)   

WisdomTree Emerging Markets Multifactor Fund (EMMF)

iShares Evolved U.S. Sector ETFs (Series) (IECS)

JPMorgan Ultra-Short Municipal Income ETF (JMST)       

Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF)

15. Best New ESG ETF – 2018                                                     

Awarded to the most important ESG ETF launched in 2018. 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, 2017 were eligible.                                               

iShares ESG U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG)

Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV)      

Goldman Sachs JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (JUST)

InsightShares LGBT Employment Equality ETF (PRID)                      

Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX)    

16. Thematic ETF of the Year – 2018                                       

Awarded to the most important “thematic” ETF of 2018, 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.                           

Invesco BulletShares ETFs (BSAE)

Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF (IBD)

Amplify Online Retail ETF (IBUY)

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming and eSports ETF (ESPO)

EventShares U.S. Policy Alpha ET (PLCY)

17. ETF Issuer of the Year – 2018              

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 2018.

Charles Schwab

iShares by BlackRock

J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Pacer ETFs

Vanguard           

18. Most Innovative ETF Issuer of the Year – 2018           

Awarded to the ETF provider that has launched the most innovative and groundbreaking ETFs in 2018.  

Cambria Investments

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Impact Shares

Innovator Capital Management

iShares by BlackRock

Vanguard

19. New ETF Issuer of the Year – 2018   

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 2018. ETF.com considers “issuer” to mean the “brand” of the ETF, as classified by FactSet.

Cboe Vest

Cushing Asset Management

Defiance ETFs

Impact Shares

InsightShares

PGIM Investments

20. Index Provider of the Year – 2018    

Awarded to the index provider that has done the most to improve investor outcomes through index introductions, research, advisor support and more in 2018.      

Morningstar

MSCI

S-Network Global Indexes

Solactive AG

21. Index of the Year – 2018                       

Awarded to the index that has done the most to provide new ways of considering investment strategies, opportunities or ideas in 2018.                               

Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate + China

Cboe S&P 500 Buffer Protect Index Series

JUST U.S. Large Cap Diversified Index

Solactive Sharing Economy Index

WisdomTree U.S. Multifactor Index

22. ETF Liquidity Provider of the Year – 2018      

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.

Cantor Fitzgerald

Citadel Securities

Flow Traders

Jane Street

Virtu Trading

23. ETF Custodian of the Year – 2018      

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

BNY Mellon

Brown Brothers Harriman

JPMorgan Chase

State Street

U.S. Bank              

24. Best Online Broker for ETF-Focused Investors – 2018              

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

Charles Schwab

Fidelity

Merrill Lynch

Robinhood

Vanguard               

25. Best ETF Issuer Website – 2018         

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

Alpha Architect

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

iShares by BlackRock

VanEck

WisdomTree

26. Best Index Provider Website – 2018               

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

Alpha Architect

Benchmark Investments

Indxx

MSCI

S&P

27. Best ETF Issuer Capital Markets Desk – 2018               

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

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Invesco Global ETF Capital Markets Team

iShares by BlackRock

Vanguard

WisdomTree

28. ETF Investor of the Year – 2018         

Awarded to the ETF strategist, model portfolio provider, automated investment service or institutional investor that has done the most to improve investor outcomes in 2018. This includes novel approaches, education, results and advocacy.

Helios Quantitative Research

Horizon Investments

Newfound Research

Ritholtz Wealth Management  

Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

29. ETF Law Firm of the Year – 2018        

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 LLP

Dechert LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP

Stradley Ronon

Thompson Hine LLP

30. ETF Ticker of the Year – 2018                                              

Awarded to the ETF with the best new ETF ticker. The ETF must have launched in 2018 to qualify.                           

iShares Global Green Bond ETF (BGRN)

Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK)

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (GOAT)

ProShares Pet Care ETF (PAWZ)

Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN)

Pacer Military Times Best Employers ETF (VETS)