DB x-trackers delivers first credit ETFs

DB x-trackers, the exchange-traded fund (ETF) arm of Deutsche Bank, has unveiled the first ETFs on the long and short Markit iTraxx Europe Financials indexes, enabling investors to buy and sell credit protection on senior and subordinated financial debt via an ETF for the first time.

The four ETFs are based on a range of credit indexes developed by Markit, comprising the Markit iTraxx Europe Senior Financials 5Y Total Return index, the Senior Financials 5Y Short Total Return index, the Subordinated Financials 5Y Total Return index and the Subordinated Financials 5Y Short Total Return index.

The range of indexes measure the return for a credit protection buyer or seller holding the most recent on-the-run five-year Markit iTraxx Europe Financials credit default swap. The