ISE ETF Ventures and BlueStar Indexes, a subsidiary of BlueStar Global Investors, LLC, today announced the launch of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides exposure to Israeli-linked technology companies. The ETF, which begins trading today, is listed on NASDAQ and tracks the TASE-BlueStar Israel Global Technology Index (TA-BIGITech™ - index ticker: BGTH).
"Israel is widely known as the Start-Up Nation, and many of its companies are engaged in important emerging technologies," said Kris Monaco, Head of ISE ETF Ventures. "After more than two years monitoring Israeli technology firms, TA-BIGITech will now become the go-to resource for investors seeking convenient access to Israeli companies widely considered to be on the cutting edge of technology."
BlueStar Indexes and ISE ETF Ventures designed TA-BIGITech, which launched in late 2013. BlueStar and ISE ETF Ventures together conduct proprietary research to evaluate prospective TA-BIGITech constituents on a rigorous set of guidelines, which include:
- domicile;
- country of origin/founding;
- tax status;
- revenues;
- employee location; and
- senior management.
The index includes companies that are listed in Israel, the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, and dually-listed.
“Technology firms with ties to Israel have a history of innovation and success in many different business environments,” said Steven Schoenfeld, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of BlueStar Indexes. “The ETF tracking our TA-BIGITech index will capture the full universe of established, emerging, and disruptive technology innovation from Israeli companies listed worldwide. This is a unique opportunity for investors around the globe to access Israel’s dynamic and innovative technology sector in their portfolios, and we are thrilled to collaborate with ISE ETF Ventures, TASE, Nasdaq, and other key partners in launching the ETF.”
ISE ETF Ventures has participated in the launch of nearly ten ETFs this year, covering investment themes like mobile payments, big data, cyber security, and cancer immunotherapy. Through index creation and licensing, and marketing and sales support, ISE ETF Ventures supports the development and creation of innovative exchange-traded products (ETPs) across any asset class. Visit www.ise.com/etfventures for more information.
