Global X Adds To Thematic Lineup With Longevity, Health & Wellness ETFs

Global X, the New York-based exchange-traded funds issuer with a reputation for unique ETF offerings, further cemented that status Tuesday with the introduction of two funds aimed at two prominent themes: the world's aging population and health and wellness.

Longevity ETF

As its name implies, the Global X Longevity Thematic ETF LNGR is the new longevity play. LNGR tracks the Indxx Global Longevity Thematic Index. The new ETF's objective is “to invest in companies positioned to serve the world’s growing senior population through exposure to health care, pharmaceuticals, senior living facilities and other sectors that contribute to increasing lifespans and extending quality of life in advanced age,” according to Global X.

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Translation, and this is not a bad thing: LNGR is basically healthcare ETF. Its industry weights prove as much. LNGR's underlying index devotes a combined 67.5 percent of its weight to healthcare equipment makers and biotechnology stocks. The remaining six industry weights are all healthcare-related, including an 11.4 percent allocation to healthcare real estate investment trusts (REITs).

LNGR is a global ETF as nearly 30 percent of its geographic weight is allocated to ex-U.S. companies. The new ETF's top 10 holdings include familiar names such as Boston Scientific Corporation BSX, AbbVie Inc ABBV and Medtronic PLC MDT.

Health & Wellness ETF

The Global X Health & Wellness Thematic ETF BFIT is the other new addition to the Global X lineup. BFIT follows the Indxx Global Health & Wellness Thematic Index. The new ETF “seeks to harness the effects of changing consumer lifestyles by investing in companies geared toward promoting physical activity and well-being,” according to Global X.

While LNGR is essentially a healthcare ETF, BFIT is more of a consumer fund with the bulk of the new ETF's holdings hailing from the consumer discretionary and staples sectors. Apparel and luxury goods makers, packaged foods companies and footwear manufacturers combine for nearly 56 percent of the new ETF's weight. U.S. and Japanese stocks combine for over 60 percent of BFIT's geographic weight.

U.S. companies found among BFIT's top 10 holdings include WhiteWave Foods Co WWAV, Herbalife Ltd. HLF and Foot Locker, Inc. FL.

The debuts of BFIT and LNGR come on the heels of last week's launch of the Global X Millennials Thematic ETF MILN, the first ETF dedicated to millennials and the corresponding investment themes.