SEI plants its flag in ETF land with factor-based strategies

SEI plants its flag in ETF land with factor-based strategies
The four exchange-traded funds are well-timed given the current market environment.
MAY 18, 2022

SEI Investments has officially jumped on the ETF bandwagon with a suite of four funds that began trading Wednesday. The large-cap, factor-based strategies are designed to support goals-based wealth management, the company announced Wednesday.

The exchange-traded funds include SEI Enhanced U.S. Large Cap Quality Factor ETF (SEIQ), SEI Enhanced U.S. Large Cap Momentum Factor ETF (SEIM), SEI Enhanced U.S. Large Cap Value Factor ETF (SEIV) and SEI Enhanced U.S. Large Cap Value Factor ETF (SEIV).

“Investors are increasingly looking for investment products that seek to generate positive outcomes, especially amid today’s persistent inflation and market volatility,” Kevin Barr, SEI’s head of investment management, said in a prepared statement.

“Our investment platform is crafted expressly to help meet our clients’ needs and goals, and we are excited to introduce our proprietary, actively managed factor-based investment strategy in a lower-cost vehicle that can help investors achieve their investment objectives,” he said.

SEI said the Factor ETF suite seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation, utilizing a quantitative-based, active stock selection investment strategy to evaluate large-capitalization stocks tailored to each of the respective factors.

The ETFs are optimized to a portfolio with exposure to equity securities corresponding to each relevant factor or outcome, while concurrently managing additional exposures to other factors. The ETFs are actively managed by SEI’s internal investment team and include a 15 basis point management fee. 

Todd Rosenbluth, head of research at ETF Trends, said the new SEI funds could be the right product at the right time.

“As the market volatility has increased in recent months, advisers have gravitated to factor ETFs focused on quality and low volatility that provide some downside protection,” Rosenbluth said. “These new ETFs join a field that includes popular ETFs” including iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor (QUAL), Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility (SPLV) and iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Factor (USMV).

Latest News

Why the off-channel comms problem is far from solved
Why the off-channel comms problem is far from solved

Despite a lighter regulatory outlook and staffing disruptions at the SEC, one compliance expert says RIA firms shouldn't expect a "free pass."

FINRA penalizes another broker dealer for social media miscues
FINRA penalizes another broker dealer for social media miscues

FINRA has been focused on firms and their use of social media for several years.

Advisor moves: LPL recruits Merrill alum, Raymond James adds defectors from Edward Jones and Janney
Advisor moves: LPL recruits Merrill alum, Raymond James adds defectors from Edward Jones and Janney

RayJay's latest additions bolster its independent advisor channel's presence across Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington.

Cantor Fitzgerald to acquire hedge fund unit from UBS
Cantor Fitzgerald to acquire hedge fund unit from UBS

The deal ending more than 30 years of ownership by the Swiss bank includes six investment strategies representing more than $11 billion in AUM.

Navigating life’s big transitions for women clients
Navigating life’s big transitions for women clients

Divorce, widowhood, and retirement are events when financial advisors may provide stability and guidance.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave

SPONSORED The evolution of private credit

From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.