Finalists For The Annual ETF.com Awards
Winners will be announced March 28, 2019 at Chelsea Piers in New York for the 2018 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)
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)
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)