Tom Lydon
2008 was the worst year for the stock market since 1931, and the worst year ever in the fifteen-year history of ETFs.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 2008 with a two-day winning streak, but was still down for the year by 33.8%. It was the Dow’s worst annual performance since the Great Depression was in full force. The S&P 500 this year lost 38.5%, while the Nasdaq fell 40.5%.
This year, 19 of the top 20 ETFs for 2008 were of the short and ultra short variety. The other best-performing ETFs of the year were telling about the state of our economy, too, as they were focused on Treasuries and the Japanese yen.
The strongest ETF for 2008 was the ProShares UltraShort Semiconductor (SSG), which ended the year up 110.9%.
The other top short ETFs this year include:
- ProShares UltraShort Technology (REW), 95.3%
- ProShares UltraShort Russell MidCap Growth (SDK), 94.4%
- ProShares UltraShort Russell 1000 Growth (SFK), 80.8%
- ProShares UltraShort QQQ (QID), 77.3%
Leveraged and short ETFs should be played with ample knowledge by investors who understand their risks.
The other top area for ETFs were those focused on Treasury Bonds, which were a focal point for investors this year as they sought safety from the turbulent markets. In fact, the investor rush to these funds caused yields to hit lows not seen in decades. One auction of short-term Treasuries this month brought a 0% yield - and investors still snapped them up at an unprecedented pace.
The top-performing Treasury ETF was the Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index (EDV), which finished the year up 49.3%. This fund seeks to track the performance of an index made up of extended-duration zero-coupon U.S. Treasuries. The yield on this fund is 2.79%.
Other top Treasury ETFs this year returned between 25%-35%:
- iShares Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT)
- SPDR Lehman Long-Term Treasury (TLO)
- PowerShares 1-30 Laddered Treasury (PLW)
The Japanese yen also had a solid year, with two ETFs focused on the currency delivering solid double-digit returns for the year. The Currency Shares Japanese Yen Trust (FXY) and iPath JPY/USD Exchange Rate ETN (JYN) ended 2008 with double-digit returns of more than 20%.
Japan’s Nikkei just closed its worst year ever, down 42%. The stronger yen has no doubt had an impact on an economy that’s already struggling, as it further tamps down demand for exports that have become more expensive to foreigners. Japan’s manufacturers are planning the biggest job cuts they’ve seen in 35 years.
The top long equity ETFs were focused on gold, closing out the year with gains in the low single digits - around 4%.
Tom Lydon
Tom Lydon is editor and publisher of ETF Trends, a website with daily news and commentary about the fast-changing trends in the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry. Mr. Lydon is also CEO of Global Trends Investments, an investment advisory firm specializing in the creation of customized portfolios for high-net worth individuals. He has been involved in money management for more than 25 years. Mr. Lydon serves on the Board of Directors for U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and Guggenheim Investments. In early 2010, Mr. Lydon helped create the CNBC Model ETF Portfolios. Mr. Lydon is the author of The ETF Trend Following Playbook, as well as iMoney: Profitable Exchange-Traded Fund Strategies for Every Investor. He is Co-Founder of Virtual Summits, educational virtual events for financial advisors.Visit his site: ETF Trends (http://www.etftrends.com/)ETF VirtualThe ETF Virtual Summit is the largest exchange traded fund (ETF) investment conference in the world. ETF Trends and RIA Database host this complimentary, interactive conference that exists completely online. The virtual showroom features keynote speakers, panel webinars, an exhibitor hall, a networking lounge and hot topic forums. Designed exclusively for Financial Advisors, this conference allows you to interact with experts in the ETF industry in a unique, virtual environment, avoiding the hassles and costs of traveling. Details on the conference, including agenda, past attendee statistics and sponsor information can be found at www.ETFVirtual.com.Alts VirtualThe Alts Virtual Summit is the leading Alternative Investment conference for financial advisors. ETF Trends and RIA Database host this complimentary, interactive conference that exists completely online. The virtual showroom features keynote speakers, panel webinars, an exhibitor hall, a networking lounge and hot topic forums. Designed exclusively for Financial Advisors, this conference allows you to interact with experts in the Alternative Investment industry in a unique, virtual environment, avoiding the hassles and costs of traveling. Details on the conference, including agenda, past attendee statistics and sponsor information can be found at www.AltsVirtual.com.
