Top ETF IPOs as of June 2009

In my ongoing analysis of ETFs, I segregate new ETFs (ETF IPOs) into their own category.  Then, at the end of every month, those that have reached an age of six months or more are moved into my mainstream categories (sector, international, bond, etc.).

Currently there are 52 funds (including the 10 new launches so far in June) in my IPO group.  The number topped 140 on many occasions in 2008, so the pace of new ETF introductions has certainly slowed down.  The present list contains all ETFs and ETNs introduced since December 1, 2008.  At the end of June, those introduced last December will be moved into other categories.

Here are the top ETF IPOs, ranked by performance from inception through 6/18/09 :

Rank	Sym	Name	% Gain	IPO
1	AGQ	ProShares Ultra Silver	95.2	12/03/08
2	IDX	Market Vectors Indonesia ETF	77.2	01/21/09
3	TYH	Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3x Shares	48.0	12/17/08
4	GXG	Global X/InterBolsa FTSE Colombia 20 ETF	46.4	02/06/09
5	TMV	Direxion Daily 30-Year Treasury Bear 3x	44.1	04/16/09
6	UGL	ProShares Ultra Gold	35.5	12/03/08
7	EDC	Direxion Daily Emerging Markets Bull 3x	29.3	12/17/08
8	TYO	Direxion Daily 10-Year Treasury Bear 3x	25.1	04/16/09
9	VSS	Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap	22.8	04/06/09
10	ROI	WisdomTree LargeCap Growth	19.3	12/04/08

An ETF’s return in its early months is highly dependent on market action and timing of the launch.  The right circumstances can produce some dramatic gains.  Likewise, the bottom of the list is littered with dismal returns.

While the gains in this table look impressive, they pale in comparison to PowerShares DB Crude Oil Double Short ETN (DTO) when it was new.  With a gain in excess of +500% after its launch in June 2008, DTO earned our 2008 Edgy Award for Best New ETF.

Disclosure:  no position