Take the Currency Risk Out of European Equity Investing

LOW COST FUNDS: Want to benefit from rallying European equities but worried about the fluctuating euro? This ETF could be the answer

Kenneth Lamont 19 November, 2015 | 1:20PM
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Kenneth Lamont: One of the key developments we've noticed in the European ETF space in the past year has been the proliferation of currency hedged products. Already year-to-date we've seen 88 of these distinct products coming to market. Any currency hedged ETF is an ETF which offers foreign exposure, but reduces or mitigates the currency risk associated with that investment.

So for example an investor who is bullish on European large cap equities but is concerned about the potentially damaging movements in the euro GBP conversion rate may buy a product such as LYXOR EURO STOXX 50 GBP hedged ETF. These products will allow them to gain from returns in the equity market, but again protect them from adverse movements in the currency exchange rates.

It's not all good news these products generally cost a little more than their unhedged counterparts. And then something else that investors should consider is that one man's hedger is another man's speculator. And these products can be used to speculate. So it's very important before investing in these products that investors consider the complexity and fully understand the foreign exchange bet they are making. 

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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Kenneth Lamont  is a passive funds research analyst for Morningstar Europe.

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