The introduction of buffer ETFs reflects a growing demand for strategies that help investors manage macroeconomic uncertainty with more predictable outcomes. According to the BlackRock Investment Institute, capital preservation in volatile markets requires tactical approaches that actively mitigate downside risks. As global demographics shift and investors face new market challenges, they seek tools which balance participation in equity markets with protection against losses.

The firm believes that outcome ETFs provide this balance by offering exposure to growth assets while embedding buffers that can reduce the impact of market downturns, helping investors stay invested during periods of heightened volatility rather than exiting markets prematurely.

“Outcome ETFs are powerful tools in today’s markets, offering clarity and confidence in how investors can pursue their goals. By expanding access to these strategies in Europe, we’re helping investors tackle the dual challenge of seeking growth and managing risk in an increasingly unpredictable world,” Manuela Sperandeo, co-head of iShares Europe at BlackRock, said.

Nuveen
has announced that it is launching its Signature CIO Islamic Funds range, initially in Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

The launch follows the UK-listed bank saying that it has raised more than $3 billion in its Signature CIO Funds assets under management within three years. 

The Islamic funds will be managed by Aditum Investment Management and advised by Standard Chartered on asset allocation, and a quantitative manager for global Islamic equities. Aditum Investment Management will also manage the Sukuk allocation. (Sukuk are forms of bond that adhere to Shariah law’s prohibition on charging interest.)

The CIO funds as a whole, give clients access to the lender’s chief investment office house views. The funds were launched in 2022. Investors gain access to strategies through a globally-diversified multi-asset funds and exchange-traded funds portfolio, which includes global equities, global bonds, commodities, liquid alternatives, and cash.

The funds are available to Standard Chartered’s wealth and retail banking clients across 12 global markets.

Amundi Asset Management is acting as the suite of four funds (Conservative, Income, Balanced, and Growth). Standard Chartered said the funds are seeing between an average of 5.6 per cent to 15.7 per cent compound average growth rates since inception.