As the ETF markets continue to mature they also get more creative. While the initial focus of ETF's was index in nature, over the years they have expanded into more specific focuses such as sectors, commodities, and volatility. But as any good industry matures it also gets more creative and the ETF space is no exception. Today we will highlight three very unique ETF's you may have never thought existed.
Ever wanted to invest in booze? We as of July 24th there is an ETF that focuses specifically on companies that sell the hard stuff (NYSE: WSKY). The fund is currently mostly focused on the distillers and vintners with its top holding being Diageo. Now this is a very new ETF and volume is light still. As of August the company reported net assets of only $4 million.
Moving from investing in spirits to investing spiritually we have the Inspire Global Hope ETF (NYSE BLES). This ETF works with Large-cap companies that embrace "biblical values." What companies could they invest in that hold "biblical values?" According to their holdings they have identified 293 public companies around the world. Names like Michael Kors (NYSE: KORS), ETRADE Financial (NYSE: ETFC), and BHP Biliton (NYSE: BHP) are some of their top holdings that fit the biblical profile.
Finally, you may have thought, if there are all these ETF's out there then maybe I want to invest in the companies that make money off the ETF's. Well if that's the case then there is a new ETF that makes money off the companies that make money from ETF's. Still with me? The ETF Industry Exposure & Financial Services ETF (NASDAQ: TETF). More specifically the ETF tracks an index which was designed to measure the performance of companies engaged in ETF services or supporting activities. Companies like State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), Charles Schwab (NASDAQ: SCHW) are a few of its biggest holdings.