Demand for some of these critical metals is rising sharply, driven by the development of electric cars and the renewable energy sector, which is a major consumer.

China is both the largest producer (85% of world production) and the largest consumer of the rare earths market, and has just cleaned up its illegal mines.… Lire

While the Brazilian economy contracted by 3.8% in 2015 and by 3.6% in 2016, it has grown by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2017.

Over a year, growth now stands at 0.3%, a trend reversal.

We have integrated RIO (Lyxor), the Brazilian ETF in Euro, in our Watchlist on 07/08/17.… Lire

India and China announce their military disengagement from the Doklam, at the junction of the Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese territories.

The two countries put an end to two months of tension in the area.

The dispute concerned the construction of a military road by China.… Lire

According to the latest figures from the Banque de France, Equity ETFs represent 19% of total French equity outstandings at the end of May, ie € 64 billion for a total of € 338 billion managed in equity funds.

The share of ETFs increased from 12% at the end of 2012 to 20% at the present time, thanks in particular to the reduced management costs of the ETFs, a steady increase in supply, and the difficulties encountered by active management to beat the market regularly.… Lire

According to a survey commissioned by Source, one of Europe’s leading ETFs provider, more than 90% of Hedge Funds professionals anticipate greater use of ETFs in their industry by the end of 2017.

The survey also indicates that, on average, professionals interviewed estimate that Hedge Funds in ETFs could reach $ 100 million in 2021.… Lire

It is tempting, at the Bourget Salon, to highlight this ETF dedicated to the Aerospace & defense sector.

XAR is composed of 38 US companies, based on the S&P aerospace & Defense Select industry index.

Main holdings are Boeing, Axon, Orbital, General Dynamics, L3 Technologies, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Textron and Rockwell Collins.… Lire

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain announced a break in diplomatic relations with Qatar, accused of supporting the Islamic State and terrorism. This decision, which is fraught with consequences, could lead Qatar to no longer comply with OPEC’s production quotas. Qatar is also a major gas producer.… Lire

As part of its monthly review, Deutsche AM indicated that the European ETF  inflows increased by €5.8bn in March (compared with €15 billion in February).

Main indexes, as always get the lion’s share of this inflow particularly the Euro Stoxx50 (+ €900 million), the CAC40 (+ €340 million) and the MSCI EMU (+ €300 million).… Lire