European ETF provider HANetf has launched the Harbor Health Care Ucits ETF, an actively managed ETF in collaboration with asset manager Harbor Capital Advisors.
Managed by US-based investment adviser Westfield Capital Management, this marks Harbor Capital’s debut in the European ETF market. The ETF aims to leverage the growth and innovation within the US health care system, targeting businesses that offer advanced products, technologies, and services. Westfield’s investment approach seeks to generate alpha by identifying high-quality companies that align with its valuation criteria, offering a potential advantage over the broader healthcare sector.
Healthcare costs have been rising, and forecasts indicate this trend will persist. According to the provider, transitioning to a value-based model — prioritising lower care costs and better patient outcomes — could present significant investment opportunities.
In addition to cost efficiency, the sector is experiencing disruption from areas such as gene therapy, targeted oncology, liquid biopsy, and treatments for orphan diseases. These emerging themes offer compelling long-term growth potential, making health care an attractive investment focus.
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Charlie McCain, CEO of Harbor Capital, said: “Europe is the second largest regional market for ETFs, holding 16% of global ETF assets under management (AUM). Working with HANetf provides us with a simple solution to bring our investment capabilities and brand into the European ETF market – all with an eye on remaining cost-effective, timely to market, and able to benefit from a pre-established distribution network across Europe.”
Matthew Renna, managing partner & portfolio manager, added: “Market and sector volatility over the last few years have presented compelling investment opportunities in some of the highest quality businesses in US health care, and we are seeing value in many companies, whose products, technologies, and services offer solutions to all stakeholders within the health care ecosystem. We believe that the convergence of innovation and value-based care within the sector should drive above market shareholder returns over the next decade.”
Hector McNeil, co-founder and Co-CEO of HANetf, said: “The health care sector is dynamic and rapidly growing. Every day, new innovations are being made, and new technologies are being deployed. We believe that there is a significant long-term growth story here, and Westfield Capital Management’s expert research team are seeking to capture it with their research-driven approach to active management.
Active ETFs have seen tremendous growth in the US, but it seems Europe is only just getting started. HANetf expects to have the broadest range of active ETFs in Europe within 6 months, spanning active equity, fixed income, and structured outcomes.”
