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Xtrackers by DWS Marks a Decade of Innovation in the U.S. ETF Market

By: via Business Wire

-       Launched ETF industry’s first S&P 500 ESG ETF1 in U.S. and first ETFs providing exposure to ESG versions of S&P MidCap 400 and S&P 500 SmallCap 6002

-       Major milestones reached, from bringing currency-hedged ETFs to the mainstream, to providing easy access to mainland China stocks

Xtrackers by DWS marks a decade of innovation and commitment to sustainable investing in the U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF) market this month.

It is 10 years since Xtrackers entered the US market with the launch of Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF), which now has around USD 4 billion in assets under management. Since then Xtrackers has become firmly established as a leading provider of environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds, and sought after niche exposures, benefitting from the global strength of being part of one the world’s largest ETF providers.

Xtrackers by DWS has launched a number of industry firsts in the ETF space, including the U.S. markets first S&P 500 ESG ETF (SNPE). In more recent firsts, DWS launched the Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF (MIDE) and the Xtrackers S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (SMLE), further expanding the Xtrackers footprint in the rapidly growing area of sustainable index investing.2 Assets under management in Xtrackers NYSE-listed ESG ETFs is currently USD 4.3 billion.3

Xtrackers by DWS looks forward to another 10 years of being a leading innovator in the US ETF market. “Being a global leader on all things ESG is part of our DNA and will continue to be core to our service proposition to clients going forward,” adds Noack. “We firmly believe that our three pillars of ‘Innovation, Access and Value’ position us extremely well to bring to market highly relevant ETF solutions by collaborating with clients here in the US as well as globally.”

Track Record of Innovation

In 2011, launched a range of currency hedged Xtrackers, starting with DBEF, that proved popular with investors looking for efficient ways to take international equity exposure in an environment of a strengthening US dollar. It paved the way for Xtrackers to establish itself as a leading innovator in currency-hedged exposures, but also in providing access to mainland China equities, to high-yield bonds, and increasingly to ESG indices.

“Our team at the time created a unique range of currency-hedged international equity ETFs that turned out to be the right products at the right time to fill a gap in the market. Prior to the Xtrackers launch, U.S. ETF investors wanting to gain exposure to non-U.S. equities generally had to accept implicit currency exposure in their portfolios,” said Arne Noack, DWS Head of Systematic Investment Solutions, Americas.

During this time, DBEF was one of the most effective ways for US ETF investors to participate in the equity rally without experiencing significant losses from implicit currency exposure.

Amanda Rebello, DWS Head of Passive Sales, U.S. onshore, commented: “As the effects of ultra-loose monetary policy and quantitative easing impacted markets around 2015, our currency hedged Xtrackers range really came into its own. That was when their popularity soared, raising close to $20 billion by the end of 2015.”

While currency hedged ETF solutions still represent around 23% of Xtrackers U.S. assets under management, the overall mix has become significantly more diversified. Xtrackers U.S. ETF assets under management now comprise1: USD 7.6bn fixed income (notably USD high yield bonds ETFs), USD 4.3bn in ESG-focused solutions (especially U.S. large-cap equity ETFS), USD 3.6bn non currency hedged international equities (in particular, onshore China A-shares ETFs) and just over one billion in factor-based strategies. “Our key to success has mostly been listening to our clients closely and executing on their feedback,” emphasizes Rebello.

Global Perspective, Client-Driven

Some of the largest U.S.-listed Xtrackers ETFs were developed directly in response to client requests for new exposures, examples being China A-Shares ETF (ASHR) and Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG). Key milestones for the Xtrackers business over the past decade include:

  • 2021 – Xtrackers launched ETFs providing exposure to ESG versions of the S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600 indices; MIDE, SMLE
  • 2020 – Xtrackers launches emerging markets bond ESG ETF in the US, ESEB
  • 2019 – Launches S&P 500 ESG ETF, SNPE
  • 2019 – Achieved ‘the biggest launch of any ETF in the past 15 years’4 with Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF, USSG
  • 2018 – Innovated in the U.S. high yield bond space by launching two ETFs to split the high yield bond market into high yielding- and low yielding segments; HYUP and HYDW
  • 2016 – Disrupted the high-yield bond ETF space by bringing to market the low-cost Xtrackers High Yield Corporate Bond ETF HYLB
  • 2013 – Launched an ETF providing exposure to Chinese A-Shares with Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 China A-Shares ETF, ASHR
  • 2011 – Launched currency-hedged MSCI EAFE ETF in the US, DBEF

The Xtrackers US franchise, with close to USD 22bn in assets under management, has grown to become a top 20 issuer in the most competitive ETF market globally and a fully integrated part of the global DWS ETF business, which has around USD 200 billion in assets under management2.

1 ESG is the abbreviation for “environmental, social and governance” – a term that encompasses environmental considerations, social affairs and corporate management. Source: DWS

2Source: S&P Dow Jones Indices

3Source: DWS, as at 4 June 2021.

4ETF.com, March 8, 2019: https://www.etf.com/sections/features-and-news/esq-etfs-launch-biggest-15-years

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with USD $892bn of assets under management (as of 31 March 2021). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.

We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management – as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus – complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,500 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors – entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients’ future.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ETF shares are not individually redeemable, and owners of shares may acquire those shares from the Fund, or tender such shares for the redemption to the Fund, in Creation Units only.

Consider each fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other important information can be found in the fund’s prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-855-DBX-ETFS (1-855-329-3837) or by viewing or downloading a prospectus at www.Xtrackers.com. Please read it carefully before investing.

Xtrackers ETFs are managed by DBX Advisors LLC (the Advisor), and distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS). The Advisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, and is not affiliated with ALPS.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Stocks may decline in value. Bond investments are subject to interest rate, credit, liquidity and market risks to varying degrees. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Foreign investing involves greater and different risks than investing in US companies, including currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or less efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries.

Funds investing in a single industry, country or in a limited geographic region generally are more volatile than more diversified funds. Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund which may reduce Fund returns. Any reduction or elimination of access to A-shares will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the fund to achieve its investment objective. Special risks associated with investments in Chinese companies include exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, less developed or less efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards the nature and extent of intervention by the Chinese government in the Chinese securities markets, and the potential unavailability of A shares.

Performance of a Fund may diverge from that of an Underlying Index due to operating expenses, transaction costs, cash flows, use of sampling strategies or operational inefficiencies. There are additional risks associated with investing in high-yield bonds, aggressive growth stocks, non-diversified/concentrated funds and small- and mid-cap stocks which are more fully explained in the prospectuses, as applicable. An investment in any Fund should be considered only as a supplement to a complete investment program for those investors willing to accept the risks associated with that fund. Please read the prospectus for more information.

DWS ESG Funds: Xtrackers S&P 500 ESG ETF (SNPE); Xtrackers S&P MidCap 400 ESG ETF (MIDE); Xtrackers S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (SMLE); Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG); Xtrackers J.P. Morgan ESG Emerging Markets Sovereign ETF (ESEB). An ESG Fund’s investment strategy limits the types and number of investment opportunities available to the fund and, as a result, the fund may underperform other funds that do not have an ESG focus.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Such statements represent management’s current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events.

NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services.

R – 084532 (07/21) DBX004934 (07/22)

Contacts

For further information please contact:

Kenny Juarez

DWS

Phone: 1-212-454-9994

E-Mail: kenny.juarez@dws.com

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