Vawter Financial Ltd. has significantly reduced its investment in the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA: VWO), cutting its stake by a substantial 51.0% during the second quarter of 2023. According to the firm’s latest filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, Vawter Financial now holds 4,209 shares of the ETF after selling 4,380 shares in the quarter. This investment now represents 2.3% of the company’s total portfolio, positioning it as the 23rd largest holding for Vawter Financial.
As of the most recent filing, Vawter Financial’s holdings in the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were valued at approximately $208,000. This adjustment follows a broader trend among institutional investors, with several firms modifying their positions in the ETF during the same quarter.
Institutional Investment Dynamics
In addition to Vawter Financial, other institutional investors have also made notable changes to their holdings in the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF. For instance, Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new position valued at $14.7 million. Meanwhile, Waterloo Capital L.P. increased its stake in the ETF by 5.3%, bringing its total holdings to 169,087 shares, worth approximately $8.36 million after purchasing an additional 8,550 shares.
Furthermore, Forum Private Client Group LLC raised its investment by 9.8%, now owning 5,716 shares valued at $283,000. Rock Creek Group LP also entered the market with a new stake valued at about $2.41 million. Lastly, Shakespeare Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings by 2.3%, now holding 19,269 shares worth approximately $953,000.
Approximately 67.19% of the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds, reflecting a strong interest in the fund among major financial players.
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Overview
The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF aims to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, which measures the returns of stocks from companies based in emerging market countries. As of the latest trading session, the ETF opened at $53.07 and boasts a market capitalization of $100.35 billion. It has a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.55, indicating lower volatility compared to the broader market.
The ETF has experienced significant price movement, with a fifty-two-week low of $39.53 and a high of $56.04. The fund’s 50-day simple moving average stands at $54.47, while the 200-day average is at $51.40.
As the landscape of institutional investment continues to evolve, the actions of firms like Vawter Financial and others highlight the dynamic nature of the market, especially regarding emerging markets. Investors and market analysts will be closely monitoring these developments as they unfold.
