FAQ

1. What fund universe does the site include?

First Bridge tracks information for all globally listed ETFs, ETNs and ETCs. We deliver ETF data feeds to several reputed institutional clients using our global ETF database. At this time our public website displays information for all US listed exchange traded funds (ETFs) and Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). This encompasses exchange listed '40 Act open end funds, Unit Investment Trusts, commodity based trusts and Limited Partnerships that are generally considered to fall within the broad umbrella of exchange traded products (ETPs). It does not include HOLDRS and closed end funds.

2. What is the source of the data on the site?

All our data is either sourced directly from ETF sponsors and publicly available sources such as ETF prospectuses, or is generated by our in-house team. This data is then aggregated, scrubbed and standardized through our rules based data processing engine. In addition, our team continuously monitors the universe of US listed ETFs and maintains a granular database of ETF reference data. This includes classifications data, expense ratios, the underlying index and index family etc. Changes in data items such as expense ratios, new tickers, underlying index changes etc are monitored daily.

3. What process do you use to categorize or capture data about funds?

We capture detailed information about every global ETF, ETC and ETN on multiple dimensions. For example, for the Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (RYF), we will capture that it is a large cap fund, holds stocks in equal proportion, provides financial sector exposure, is derived from the S&P 500 index etc. We also capture holdings (consituent information) for over 1200 ETFs & ETNs. The First Bridge ETF database is one of the most granular and up to date in the industry, and is used by investment platforms as well as directly by asset managers & hedge funds.

4. What classification system do you use when categorizing funds by sector and industry?

In general we try to stay consistent with the Global Industry Classification System (GICS) since this is the most widely used sector classification system in the US. The only deviation from GICS is that when we classify ETFs by sector, we have combined the IT and Telecom Services Sectors into one Sector called ‘Technology’. We adopted this approach because it mirrors the approach used for the Select Sector SPDRs, which are the most widely accepted sector funds in the US.

5. How often do you update your data?

We update our ETF holdings data daily (i.e. at the end of every trading day), based on data published by the various ETF sponsors. Data availability and freqeuncy is subject to the availability of data from sponsors. We also monitor data items such as expense ratios daily, though there may sometimes be a 1-day lag in updating it to our publicly available site.

6. What classification system do you use when categorizing funds by region or state of market development?

When classifying funds by region or level of market development (e.g., as developed, emerging or frontier) we try to stay consistent with the MSCI country classification system, since it is the most widely adopted standard.

7. Do you provide fund ratings or recommendations?

We do not provide fund ratings or recommendations. We have no skill or expertise in predicting market outcomes. Our expertise is in organizing and presenting information so that is useful and easy to use, allowing investors, financial advisors and asset managers to make more informed decisions.

8. Where can I get more information about products and pricing?

Call us: (650) 762-9270
Email us: support@firstbridgedata.com