Hargreaves Lansdown expands research to include ETFs

Hargreaves Lansdown has expanded its research coverage to include ETFs in response to growing client demand.

Much like its coverage of actively managed funds and investment trusts, Hargreaves’ analysis will consider the people, process, culture, price and performance of ETFs and trackers.

ESG integration will also be addressed.

Eight Vanguard ETFs, including the $1.3bn Vanguard FTSE All-World, are included under the new coverage, as well as products from iShares and State Street Global Advisors (SSGA).

Analysts Alex Watkins and Kate Marshall will lead the research, supported by Hargreaves’ internal investment risk, quantitative analysis and product governance teams.

The first four updates have been published this week, with the remainder to be rolled out over the coming months.

The D2C giant said the move was driven by “client demand” and “industry developments”.

Though active funds continue to dominate the UK retail market, tracker funds have been rapidly gaining market share. They accounted for £298bn (or 18.8%) of the industry funds under management at the end of 2021, according to the Investment Association.

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“In response to client demand, and industry developments, as well as market-leading insights on actively managed funds and investment trusts, we are expanding our coverage of passively managed trackers, and this week have launched research coverage of ETFs,” Emma Wall (pictured), head of investment analysis and research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said.

“This is an exciting step in developing our research processes to meet the emerging needs of our growing client base.”

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Source: Hargreaves Lansdown