Harvest launches ETFs

Oakville, Ont.-based Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. has converted four closed-end mutual funds into ETFs. Brand Leaders Plus Income ETF (formerly Brand Leaders Plus Income Fund) invests in an equal-weighted portfolio of 20 brand leaders selected from an annual report by New York-based Interbrand on the world’s top 100 brands that have a minimum market capitalization of US$10 billion at the time of investing. Securities for the following three ETFs are selected from a pool of companies grouped by Harvest based on quantitative analysis. Healthcare Leaders Income ETF (formerly Healthcare Leaders Income Fund) invests in a portfolio of 20 health-care issuers with a minimum market cap of US$5 billion at the time of investing and have options listed on a recognized options exchange. U.S. Buyback Leaders ETF (formerly U.S. Buyback Leaders Fund) invests in an equal-weighted portfolio of 25 issuers with the highest buyback ratio in the S&P 500 composite index, have a market cap of at least US$10 billion, are incorporated in the U.S., pay dividends and have bought back shares within the four quarters preceding an investment. Finally, Energy Leaders Plus Income ETF (formerly Energy Leaders Plus Income Fund) consists of 20 energy equities issuers that have a minimum market cap of US$10 billion, pay a dividend or distribution, have options listed on a recognized options exchange and have operations or offices in at least two countries. For full fund details, visit www.harvestportfolios.com.

(fcollie@investmentexecutive.com).