Morgan Stanley files for next round of ETFs

Morgan Stanley files for next round of ETFs
The firm is launching three fixed-income exchange-traded funds bearing the Eaton Vance name, in addition to a Parametric ETF.
JUL 24, 2023

Morgan Stanley is seeking to launch its next wave of exchange-traded funds after reentering the industry in February, nearly three decades after helping to birth the now $7.5 trillion industry. 

Applications for the Eaton Vance Ultra-Short Income ETF, the Eaton Vance High Yield ETF and the Eaton Vance Intermediate Municipal Income ETF landed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, filings show, in addition to an application for the Parametric Dividend Premium Income ETF. Morgan Stanley’s purchase of Eaton Vance — and thus Parametric Portfolio Associates — closed in 2021.

Morgan Stanley was one of a handful of major financial firms without a presence in the ETF arena up until this February, when it launched its first six modern-day ETFs after being home to some of the world’s first such products in the 1990s. Those debuts were the “first step in a series,” Morgan Stanley global head of ETFs Anthony Rochte said at the time, leading to Monday’s applications. So far, its six environmental, social and governance-focused ETFs have accumulated nearly $400 million in assets.

While Eaton Vance is well-known in the fixed-income world, it’s entering into a saturated market, according to Bloomberg Intelligence,

“I personally like Eaton Vance. It’s got a great brand in fixed income, but there are a lot of short-duration ETFs,” Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Athanasios Psarofagis said. “So it’s a good brand in a crowded space.”

Tickers and fees for the proposed funds were not yet listed.

What's driving the boom in active ETFs? Will it last?

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline