A new book written by one of Canada’s experts on exchange- traded funds offers Canadians a better understanding of ETFs.

The New Investment Frontier, written by financial expert Howard Atkinson, is a resource guide that explains what ETFs are, chronicles their rise in popularity, and describes how Canadians can use them in their portfolios. Atkinson is the national iUnits marketing manager at Barclays Global Investors Canada, Ltd.

“The success and flexibility of ETFs deserve the attention of investors,” said Atkinson. “They give Canadians the ability to adjust their portfolios quickly and easily, which is especially important in the current market environment.”

ETFs are low-cost, tax-efficient mutual funds that trade like stocks. Since ETFs became available in Canada two years ago, they have become one of the fastest growing investment alternatives for investors and advisors.

In 2000, there were 30 ETFs trading on North American stock exchanges with assets of US$36.5 billion. Today there are over 100 ETFs being traded with assets of more than US$75 billion. Analysts predict these numbers will continue to grow.

Atkinson’s book includes information on ETF investment strategies, tax and cost considerations, industry interviews, and a valuable ETF reference section. The book was published by Insomniac Press and is available in bookstores across Canada.