Russian-linked exchange-traded funds are some of the worst-performing equity ETFs so far this year, as Russia continues its invasion on Ukraine. The funds have become so insignificant that Morningstar has dropped coverage.
“We’re committed to covering those funds that are most relevant to investors and that hold a significant portion of industry assets,” Morningstar said.
But the Russian ETFs are not the only ones performing poorly. Some of the biggest losers are crypto- and technology-linked products. Special purpose acquisition company (SPACs) and cannabis investments are also among the worst performers.
Equity ETFs are the most common type of exchange-traded funds that enable you to own part of hundreds or even thousands of companies in a single trade.
Here is Morningstar's list of the 10 equity ETFs with the worst performance so far this year, as of June 13.
10. AdvisorShares Poseidon Dynamic Cnnbs ETF
YTD Return: -60.35
Fund Assets: $6,004,129.9
Expense Ratio: 0.92%
Issuer: AdvisorShares
Investment Strategy: long-term capital appreciation.
9. ARK Innovation ETF
YTD Return: -61.36
Fund Assets: $7,749.9M
Expense Ratio: 0.75%
Issuer: ARK
Investment Strategy: long-term growth of capital.
8. ARK Fintech Innovation ETF
YTD Return: -62.50
Fund Assets: $881.4M
Expense Ratio: 0.75%
Issuer: ARK
Investment Strategy: long-term growth of capital.
7. Defiance Digital Revolution ETF
YTD Return: -63.55
Fund Assets: $134.28K
Expense Ratio: 0.65%
Issuer: Defiance ETFs
Investment Strategy: The investment seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BITA NFT and Blockchain Select Index.
6. De-SPAC ETF
YTD Return: -63.91
Fund Assets: $1.0M
Expense Ratio: 0.75%
Issuer: Tuttle Tactical Management, LLC
Investment Strategy: The investment seeks to provide investment results that correspond, before fees and expenses, to the price and yield performance of the De-SPAC Index.
5. First Trust SkyBdg Cry Idt & Dgt Eco ETF
YTD Return: -70.67
Fund Assets: $31.3M
Expense Ratio: 0.85%
Isser: First Trust
Investment Strategy: capital appreciation.
4. VanEck Digital Trfmt ETF
YTD Return: -72.16
Fund Assets: $27.7M
Expense Ratio: 0.50%
Issuer: VanEck
Investment Strategy: The investment seeks to track as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the MVIS Global Digital Assets Equity Index.
3. VanEck Russia Small-Cap ETF
YTD Return: -97.94
Fund Assets: $0.7M
Expense Ratio: 0.75%
Issuer: VanEck
Investment Strategy: The investment seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the MVIS Russia Small-Cap Index.
2. VanEck Russia ETF
YTD Return: -98.73
Fund Assets: $32.3M
Expense Ratio: 0.70%
Issuer: VanEck
Investment Strategy: The investment seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the MVIS Russia Index.
1. iShares MSCI Russia ETF
YTD Return: -99.81
Fund Assets: $1.1M
Expense Ratio: 0.57%
Issuer: BlackRock Financial Management
Investment Strategy: The investment seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI Russia 25/50 Index.
