Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc. has launched two thematic ETFs, one of which will offer exposure to an index of companies engaged in the development of vaccines across the globe.
Units of both the Horizons Global Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Index ETF (ticker HVAX) and the Horizons North American Infrastructure Development Index ETF ( ticker BLDR) began trading on the TSX on Wednesday.
The HVAX fund emulates the performance of the Solactive Global Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Index, which includes international companies that are involved in the creation and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
“As countries equip themselves and their populations against future pandemics, it is clear that the companies leading the fight against these infectious threats are well-positioned for continued long-term growth and revenue expansion,” said Steve Hawkins, president and CEO of Horizons ETFs, in the release.
According to the fund’s ETF Facts document, its risk rating is “high,” though Horizons ETFs noted in the document that it’s only an estimate given the newness of the fund and the purpose of the measure to track how much returns change over time.
The fund will be managed by Horizons ETFs and has an annual management fee of 0.60%.
The BLDR fund tracks the Solactive North American Infrastructure Development Index, and will focus on North American companies involved with the building materials, equipment, logistics, construction and engineering services that are used for infrastructure projects.
“The twin challenges of aging infrastructure and the need for climate change resiliency means that infrastructure investment has never been more critical for the future of North America,” Hawkins said.
This fund, which has been assigned an estimated “medium to high” risk rating, will also be managed by Horizons ETFs and has the same annual fee.