NYSE exec provides update on everything from AMEX's 'black box' technologies for more actively managed ETFs to progress on merging platforms.

 

Earlier this month, NYSE Euronext completed its acquisition of the American Stock Exchange. With the addition of AMEX's 416 ETF listings and 13 ETNs, the exchange-traded product listings at NYSE Euronext now number 680, excluding overseas ETFs, and a total of $595 billion in exchange-traded product assets.

IU.com's Eric Rosenbaum recently spoke with NYSE Euronext Senior Vice President Lisa Dallmer about the specific benefits of the completed acquisition for the ETF industry, and the current outlook for ETFs given the tough markets. 

 

IndexUniverse (IU): With the Amex deal completed, what are the major benefits to the NYSE as a competitor for ETF listings and ETF servicing business, beyond the bragging rights that are always a part of the battle among exchanges for market share?

Lisa Dallmer (Dallmer): At the broadest

...

The closest thing to an ETF market in the Middle East at this point is Turkey, where there are five ETFs from two asset managers

Abu Dhabi, the major Middle East financial center, says it's preparing to create a platform to launch exchange-traded funds.

In detailing plans on Thursday, Rashed Al Baloushi, the deputy chief executive of the Abu Dhabi Exchange (ADX), credits increasing ETF demand by retail and institutional investors in the Middle East for the exchange's decision to build an ETF-specific platform.

Across the Middle East, ETFs and other traded securities are proving more popular and catching the attention of exchanges. The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), as well as exchanges in Oman and Saudi Arabia, have also shown interest in adding ETFs.

The latest ETF plans are also part of ambitious efforts by many Middle East markets to diversify away from oil wealth and become true, global financial centers.

Earlier this year, the Abu Dhabi Securities Market

...

After executing a preemptive sale of investment bank Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. (MER), Chief Executive John A. Thain will remain with Bank of America Corp. (BAC) after the merger, the Charlotte-based bank announced yesterday (Thursday).