Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have transformed the way investors approach the world of currencies, offering exposure to foreign exchange markets without the complexities of traditional forex trading. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between two prominent currency ETFs: FXB (Invesco CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust) and HEWU (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF). We'll explore their tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, strategies, tracking methods, and exposure.
FXB and HEWU are two currency ETFs that focus on the British pound sterling (GBP) and provide distinct approaches for investors to gain exposure to the UK currency. FXB directly tracks the British pound's performance against the US dollar, while HEWU offers a currency-hedged strategy to mitigate exchange rate risk for US investors with exposure to UK equities. Let's delve into the specifics of these ETFs to understand their unique characteristics.
The FXB ETF is issued by Invesco and aims to track the British pound's movements relative to the US dollar. On the other hand, HEWU is issued by iShares and adopts a currency-hedged approach to provide exposure to UK equities while mitigating potential losses from currency fluctuations. By understanding the issuers and strategies behind these ETFs, investors can make informed decisions based on their risk tolerance and investment objectives.
FXB overlap FXB vs FKU: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs
FXB focuses solely on tracking the British pound, making its holdings straightforward: it holds the currency itself. In contrast, HEWU's holdings include UK equities while employing a currency-hedged strategy. This dual focus affects the sectors and top holdings of the ETF. Additionally, their capitalizations reflect the popularity of each ETF among investors seeking exposure to the UK economy and currency.
FXB's tracking method involves holding British pounds in a custodial account to mirror the currency's movements. On the other hand, HEWU uses currency derivatives to hedge against fluctuations in the pound's value while providing exposure to UK equities. This difference in tracking methods impacts the ETFs' performance and risk profiles, which investors should consider when making investment choices.
FXB and HEWU present investors with distinct opportunities to access the British pound sterling and the UK market. Depending on individual investment goals and risk preferences, one ETF may be more suitable than the other. To explore deeper insights, including holdings, correlations, and overlaps, ETF Insider offers valuable tools for investors. With its user-friendly app, investors can gain a better understanding of these and other financial instruments in their portfolio.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide investment advisory services.
Sources:
Invesco CurrencyShares. (n.d.). FXB - Invesco CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust. Retrieved from https://www.invesco.com/us/financial-products/etfs/product-detail?productId=FXB
iShares. (n.d.). HEWU iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF. Retrieved from https://www.ishares.com/us/products/280595/ishares-currency-hedged-msci-united-kingdom-etf
FXB ETF issuer
FXB ETF official page
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