Posted By Jessica Weisman-Pitts
Posted on September 15, 2023

Days Global Advisors ETF Takes Over HF Ticker On NYSE
In a landmark move set to reshape the investment world, Days Global Advisors has rolled out its innovative Absolute Return ETF on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HF (NYSE: HF). This milestone ushers in a new era, paving the way for more investors and institutions worldwide to explore advanced investment opportunities.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Days Global Advisors has carved out a distinctive niche within the finance industry due to its innovative approach to wealth management, with the firm’s mission anchored in the principles of I.D.E.A — Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access.
Guiding the firm’s vision is Christopher J. Day, a distinguished wealth advisor celebrated for his keen perspectives on a range of financial topics, such as the alternatives to the conventional 60/40 portfolio allocation. His leadership is characterized by a strategic and mathematical approach—akin to a game of chess— positioning Day as a trailblazer in the financial sector.
“We aim to transform the financial scene and guarantee that everyone gets access to advanced wealth generation strategies,” he shares.
By making its debut on the NYSE early in August, the ETF is bridging the gap, allowing more investors to tap into diverse investment solutions that were traditionally the stronghold of mutual funds. More precisely, the ETF offers a flexible and cost-effective avenue for investors to participate in hedge fund strategies, laying the groundwork for financial inclusivity like never before.
“It’s no longer enough just to offer solutions. We must redefine the old and invent new ones. Finding alternatives to the common 60/40 portfolio is just the beginning,” says Day. “I believe we must level the playing field and ensure everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has a fair shot of realizing their dreams of financial independence.”
The launch of Days Global Advisors’ absolute-return ETF is the perfect reflection of this philosophy. Its defining mission, to democratize hedge fund management, seeks to merge the best of both worlds: the sophistication of hedge fund strategies with the accessibility and transparency of an ETF.
Traditionally, such strategies have been reserved for wealthy investors, as they often require substantial capital and a high level of financial expertise. Day’s ETF, on the other hand, intends to change this dynamic.
“A global macro hedge strategy, like the one I’m implementing in our ETF, provides numerous benefits such as liquidity, transparency, and low entry barriers in compliance with SEC regulations,” Day states. “Its scalability is another plus, and due to its macro-level operation, individual stock positions have negligible impact.”
Overall, it’s a transparent method that offers a practical option for investors aiming for diversification and risk control.
But the most important advantage of Day’s ETF strategy is, of course, its accessibility. It was created in such a way that even individuals who are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the financial world can consider incorporating Day’s strategy into their portfolios. He highlights that the aim is to ‘stabilize returns, thereby reducing the impact of market downturns’.
To put this into perspective, let’s picture an investor whose all-stock portfolio suffered around 18-20% of a drop last year. That’s a huge loss, right?
But if that same investor used Day’s strategy instead and allocated some of their investment funds into HF that was up almost double digits last year, they would mitigate their losses. And if the HF made most of their portfolio, the investor could’ve possibly even come out on top, without being in red at all.
This scenario underscores the fact that the investor wouldn’t have as much ground to cover to regain their financial footing. Furthermore, as Day emphasizes, the mathematical concept of absolute return, the very foundation of his ETF, supports this idea.
“By preserving capital during market downturns, the portfolio doesn’t experience as steep a decline and doesn’t require as much growth to compensate,” he says. “Family offices have successfully employed this strategy, and it challenges the notion that taking excessive risks is the only path to market success.
Aside from offering a platform for retail investors to access hedge fund strategies, Days Global Advisors has been a driving force in forging ties with new investors in Day’s hometown of Houston. This effort cultivates a vibrant financial community that promotes both continuous innovation and diversity in a city that’s often overlooked in various industries but with a significant business impact.
Undoubtedly, with a focus on accessibility and a commitment to diversification, Days Global Advisors’ newly launched ETF represents the firm’s ambition to expand investment horizons. Now, investors will have a chance to dominate territories that were once not just unknown to them but kept in the high ivory towers of the most affluent classes of society.
“Every investor deserves the tools to succeed,” Christopher J. Day reiterates. “We’re just making sure those tools are within reach.”