Derivatives exchange Eurex, has introduced a new segment with the launch of its first thematic index futures.
The new contracts are based on three indices from the STOXX Thematic Indices family, which are calculated by sister company Qontigo. Eurex writes that it is responding to the growing demand from many asset managers to align their investments with projected long-term structural trends that are transforming modern economies and societies.
The three contracts started trading on 20 June and are based on the following indices: STOXX Global Breakthrough Healthcare, STOXX Global Digitalisation, and STOXX Global Digital Security. All three track global, disruptive concepts that were chosen for their long-term growth potential, the firm writes.
Demand from asset managers to move from traditional sector and cyclical investment approaches to thematic investments has surged in recent years. According to Morningstar, assets under management in thematic funds nearly tripled to USD806 billion globally in 2020 and 2021, following record inflows.
Randolph Roth, Member of the Eurex Executive Board says: “Against the backdrop of disruptive trends transforming our societies and consequently changing investment behaviour, our new Eurex thematic index futures offer additional tools to manage and hedge portfolio risk with the benefits of a liquid and centrally cleared market.”
The STOXX Thematic Indices are comprised of companies from selected countries around the world exposed to a defined set of themes. Specialised data allow a detailed breakdown of the revenue sources of the eligible companies, helping the index to select companies with substantial exposure to the respective theme. The indices also incorporate ESG exclusionary screens that meet the standard sustainability criteria of investors.
“The STOXX Thematic Indices follow an objective, rules-based and clear methodology that makes them investable and suitable as underlyings for futures and other kinds of investment products. We are happy to build upon our existing partnerships to bring in new solutions in this segment,” says Axel Lomholt, Chief Product Officer, Indices and Benchmarks at Qontigo.
The STOXX Thematic Indices family already underlies ETFs with more than USD8.8 billion in assets managed by BlackRock – proof that the methodology has been tested and embraced by the market.
Jason Warr, Global Co-Head of ETF Markets at BlackRock says: “The launch of the first thematic index futures by Eurex complements our ETF offering. Today’s launch will help deepen liquidity in thematic investing and provide investors with greater access to thematic strategies as they seek to express more granular views in their portfolios.”
