CONVERGEX LAUNCHES DEDICATED DESK FOR ETF TRADING
Posted December 15, 2009
NEW YORK– Agency broker ConvergEx, a provider of investment and execution technology solutions to institutional clients worldwide, has expanded its exchange traded fund (ETF) capabilities and has launched a dedicated ETF desk as part of the firm’s continued commitment to the ETF space.
“While ConvergEx has always offered our clients the ability to trade ETFs, this new desk will expand our footprint in the ETF space and give clients access to a comprehensive global offering,” says Thomas Smykowski, Managing Director and head of ConvergEx’s ETF team. “Leveraging our proprietary technologies and extensive experience in portfolio, block and options execution strategies, we will provide clients with specialized analysis and customized approaches for trading ETFs.”
The new service will utilize the expertise and resources from across the firm to provide a unique set of tools for clients, including a new emphasis on block crossing ETFs within ConvergEx Cross, ConvergEx’s dark block trading platform.
ETFs are a basket of securities aligned to a
particular index that often offer a cost efficient investment and often
give investors the ability to purchase a diversified portfolio with one
instrument. Since 1993, over 1,500 ETFs have been launched worldwide and
account for over $700 billion in assets. ETFs make up an estimated 40
percent of composite volume in the
In another move, ConvergEx Chief Market Strategist Nicholas Colas has begun publishing weekly ETF market reports, offering commentary on economic and global market trends affecting ETFs. “ETFs have experienced steady and impressive levels of growth over the past several years and our clients have expressed an increasing amount of interest in these products,” says Colas. “However, with the large number and more complex ETFs being introduced to the marketplace, our clients appreciate this additional market color along with the knowledge of our seasoned ETF traders to help them make trading decisions.”