Lazard Asset Management has launched its first three actively managed ETFs in the U.S., said a news release April 7.
Lazard Equity Megatrends ETF, which trades under the ticker THMZ, seeks to capture the return opportunity from global megatrends that will shape the future economy.
“The world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Technological, demographic and geopolitical shifts are reshaping the investment landscape as a result,” said Steve Wreford, portfolio manager and analyst on the global thematic equity team, in the news release. “These long-term structural shifts represent an opportunity for investors adapting for the future.”
The ETF is managed by Wreford, John King, Sarbjit Nahal, and Nicholas Bratt, and carries annual operating expenses of 0.5%.
Lazard Japanese Equity ETF, which trades under the ticker JPY, seeks to capitalize on growth opportunities and market inefficiencies in Japanese equities.
“Japan is undergoing significant economic and policy changes, helping its companies recapture growth after decades of stagnation,” said June-Yon Kim, head of the Japanese equity team and portfolio manager, in the release. “A gradual shift from a long period of deflation to inflation is transforming the economy, corporate behavior and consumer habits. Regulatory reforms are also driving improvements in corporate governance, capital efficiency and shareholder returns.”
The ETF is managed by Kim, Matthew Bills and Scott Anderson, and carries annual operating expenses of 0.6%.
Lazard Next Gen Technologies ETF, which trades under the ticker TEKY, provides investors with targeted exposure to high-growth and profit-generating equities that are designed to capture value driven by productivity, artificial intelligence and automation.
“Automation has been a core driver of productivity and economic growth for centuries, typically fueled by key technological advancements at specific points in time,” said Tjeert Keijzer, managing director and portfolio manager, in the release. “We believe that recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are unlocking the next generation of automation applications. Developments in AI technologies are poised to continue along a sustainable and accelerating path, promising to deliver new automation solutions for the foreseeable future.”
The ETF is managed by Keijzer, Celine Woo and Ario Kishida, and carries annual operating expenses of 0.5%.
“This launch represents a significant step forward in making Lazard’s sophisticated investment solutions accessible to more investors,” said Rob Forsyth, managing director and global head of ETFs, in the release. “We’re ambitious about growing our ETF franchise over time to meet our clients’ evolving needs.”
Forsyth formerly helped build the ETF business of State Street Global Advisors.
Lazard Asset Management, a subsidiary of Lazard Inc., had about $233 billion in assets under management as of Feb. 28.
