Status Report

Awhile back I wrote a post imploring the media to do a better job with coverage of ETFs. The coverage back then and still today is generally not so great.

A very common type of article or TV report addresses what is hot right now. Last night on the Kudlow show was someone from Statestreet who I think was a marketing guy (feel free to correct me on that one). He gave a couple of his favorite longs and shorts right now. The calls made may turn out spot on but there is a real demand for more strategic ETF content as opposed to a one or two month trade.

Most of Morningstar's content looks at each ETF as a stand alone investment like a diversified OEF, which does not work either.

Tim Middleton does some interesting portfolio work but I'd like to see more under the hood analysis from him so as to better explain his ideas.

John Spense (and a couple of the other folks at Marketwatch) does a good job digging up new listings but I think he is more of a news reporter (anyone can correct me on this too) as opposed to working in the business.

What spurred this post was after refreshing my home page I saw the most recent ETF news item was something I wrote. This happens a lot. I think this clearly speaks to a lack of depth.

Maybe I am an island but if not, I would urge anyone reading this post to email into MSN or Morningstar or anywhere else and ask for better coverage.