HSBC launches Japan ETF

HSBC is set to launch its Japanese equity ETF tomorrow, tracking the MSCI Japan index.

Initially listed on the London Stock Exchange, it will fully replicate the index by holding all the index constituents, at a total expense ratio of 0.4%. MSCI Japan is the latest in a range of ETFs unveiled by HSBC, following the launch of the FTSE 100 ETF in August 2009 and the subsequent Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 and Cac 40 ETFs. HSBC head of ETFs Farley Thomas says: "Our latest ETF is a low-cost route to accessing the Japanese equity market compared not only with actively managed funds but also compared to other ETFs available in Europe." He says: "In terms of demand, Japanese equi...