GWN Securities Inc. has significantly reduced its investment in the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM), selling approximately 80.8% of its holdings in the second quarter of 2023. This decision, revealed in the firm’s latest 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, leaves GWN with just 5,957 shares after offloading 25,125 shares during the reporting period. As of the most recent filing, GWN Securities’ stake in the fund was valued at about $288,000.
The move by GWN Securities Inc. reflects a broader trend among institutional investors, who have been actively adjusting their positions in the ETF. For instance, Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings by 1.7% during the fourth quarter, now owning 118,587 shares valued at approximately $4.96 million after acquiring an additional 1,940 shares.
Other notable changes include a substantial increase from Golden State Wealth Management LLC, which doubled its position in the first quarter, bringing its total to 704 shares worth $31,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. also made a significant adjustment, growing its stake by an impressive 386.9% during the same period, resulting in ownership of 88,606 shares valued at about $3.88 million.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. expanded its investment by 19.0% in the first quarter, now holding 207,559 shares worth $9.07 million after purchasing an additional 33,069 shares. Additionally, Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC entered the market with a new position valued at approximately $41,000.
The significant activity from these institutional investors illustrates a dynamic investment landscape surrounding the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, where hedge funds and institutional holders collectively own approximately 81.39% of the fund’s shares.
Current ETF Performance and Overview
As of Thursday, the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF opened at $56.01, reflecting a modest increase of 0.6% in share price. The ETF has experienced a 52-week low of $38.19 and a high of $56.31, indicating a robust market presence. With a market capitalization of $21.30 billion, the ETF holds a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.64, suggesting relatively lower volatility compared to the broader market.
The fund’s performance is designed to track the price and yield of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Investors looking to gain exposure to emerging markets have increasingly turned to this ETF, given its broad diversification and established track record.
For those interested in tracking institutional investments in the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, regular updates and filings can be accessed through platforms such as HoldingsChannel.com, which provides insights on 13F filings and insider trades. Additionally, MarketBeat.com offers a daily newsletter summarizing the latest news and analyst ratings related to the ETF and its peers.
