New Kids on the Block: New ETFs Turning Heads (FRAK, PERM, EDEN)

As has been noted, 2012 has seen a brisk pace of new ETF introductions. In fact, February saw 37 new exchange-traded product launches with iShares and First Trust leading the way in terms of total of new funds introduced. With the number of exchange-traded products seemingly growing by the month, it pays to remember that new ETFs are not like a hot IPO for a traditional stock. Investors don't need to be involved on the first day of trading. With some new ETFs, waiting even a few weeks or longer is advisable. That doesn't mean all new ETFs should be glossed over simply because of their rookie status. Here are four ETFs in their infancy that might just be worth a look right now. iShares MSCI Denmark Capped Investable Market Index Fund EDEN We had a feeling there might something to investing with the Danes and that thesis has proven accurate. The iShares MSCI Denmark Capped Investable Market Index Fund was sitting on a gain of over 12% at the start of trading Monday since its Jan. 30 debut. Volume is decent at over 9,000 shares per day and EDEN has raked in almost $3 million in assets under management. Those aren't bad totals for an ETF that isn't even six weeks old. On a day like today when the market is reminded that Greece is still a problem, EDEN reminds investors that all of Europe isn't bad. Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF FRAK Perhaps the best ticker found among the massive amount of new ETFs thus far in 2012, FRAK is actually down since its debut on Feb. 15, but the bulk of those declines have been seen in the past few days as oil prices have inched back. In other words, FRAK may already be availing investors of a solid buying opportunity and the ETF isn't even a month old. With Monday's loss, FRAK will be down about 3% since its debut, but most new ETFs would kill for FRAK's other key statistics: Average daily volume of almost 83,000 shares and AUM of $16.6 million. A look under the hood, shows has plenty of potential going forward. Global X Permanent ETF PERM The Global X Permanent ETF is modestly higher since its early February debut, but an increase in volatility this month, something March can be known for, could validate PERM. Heavy on Treasuries and precious metals, PERM is worth a look now for conservative investors. With over $5 million in AUM in less than a month, PERM is off to a solid start on that front. PowerShares S&P Emerging Markets Low Volatility Portfolio EELV A new ETF that jumped jumped into a fight with some established rivals in "low vol" emerging markets universe. EELV deserves praise not only for garnering $5.4 million in AUM since its Jan. 13 debut, but for jumping 10% in that time. That performance is a lot better than the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility Index Fund EEMV, another young ETF and the fund EELV will likely draw the most comparisons to.