Morningstar is set to give ETFs the five star treatment. The company is introducing, Morningstar Principia Exchange-Traded Funds, a new research module that will include coverage of all US ETFs with analyst commentary. Also, the new module will allow advisors to compare ETFs with open- and closed-end mutual funds and separately managed accounts.

The new development will bring ETFs into the same turf as mutual funds in the ratings game and a development that may cause the two products to become more competitive than ever.

---

Company Press Release CHICAGO, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Morningstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment research, today introduced Morningstar(R) Principia(R) Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), a new research module offering comprehensive coverage of U.S. ETFs, including complete portfolio holdings and Morningstar analyst commentary. Financial advisors can screen, sort, and rank the ETF universe based on approximately 200 fields and make comparisons to more than 360 benchmarks.

"With more than 13,000 U.S. open- and closed-end funds, separately managed accounts, and collective investment trusts as well as approximately 700 ETFs available today, advisors need robust tools and data to help them evaluate and select the best options for their clients," said Chris Boruff, president of Morningstar’s advisor business. "This new ETF module combines Morningstar’s proprietary research and comprehensive data with innovative analytical tools and reporting features to help advisors develop and present investment recommendations including ETFs."

In addition to evaluating ETFs against peers, when coupled with other Principia investment modules the new ETF module also allows advisors to compare ETFs with open- and closed-end mutual funds and separately managed accounts. The Investment Comparison Report generates a detailed comparison of up to four managed products while displaying historical performance, style and sector drift, and risk/return analysis. The Find Similar Security facilitates easy identification of ETFs that can be considered good substitutes for a specific investment of another type, taking into account portfolio holdings, performance, tax implications, management fees, and trading costs.

Morningstar(R) Principia(R) is one of the most widely used resources in the investment advisory industry. With optional databases that include mutual funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds, variable annuities, closed-end funds, separately managed accounts, and now ETFs, advisors can conduct advanced research and analysis, monitor portfolios, and propose investment strategies.

The Principia ETF module costs $675 per year. More information is available at http://global.morningstar.com/Principia

About Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company offers an extensive line of Internet, software, and print-based products and services for individuals, financial advisors, and institutions. Morningstar provides data on more than 280,000 investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles. The company has operations in 18 countries and minority ownership positions in companies based in three other countries.

 

Edited by: Erin Kello


Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE