100% Swiss-made asset management
Our index funds are developed and managed exclusively in Switzerland.
Our broad and flexible product range in the modular system includes around 80 Swisscanto index funds in the asset classes of equities, bonds, indirect real estate investments and commodities. We ensure consistent cost optimisation for our investments.
With the Swisscanto index funds, we replicate the risk and return characteristics of benchmark indices as effectively as possible. The index funds are broadly diversified, have a low risk of return variance compared to the benchmark index (tracking error) and are managed cost-effectively. For the sustainable index funds, we also take ESG criteria and the targeted reduction of carbon intensity into account.
Thanks to the modular system, you have access to a wide and flexible product range with around 80 Swisscanto index funds: equities, bonds, indirect real estate investments and commodities, as well as a dedicated approach to sustainable index-linked investment solutions. Our index funds are not listed on the stock exchange and therefore offer an attractive alternative to exchange traded funds (ETFs).
The choice of index-linked investment vehicle – index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) – has an impact on the total costs. The Swisscanto index funds are non-listed funds according to Swiss law and offer numerous advantages compared to the better-known exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the market.
Characteristics |
Swisscanto (CH) index funds |
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) |
Replication method |
Physical |
Physical or synthetic, depending on provider |
Consistent / uniform index system |
Yes |
Partially, depending on provider |
Benchmarks |
Broad indexes can be replicated |
Often narrower indices are preferred |
Liquidity |
Daily on the primary market |
Intraday trading; usually on the secondary market |
Swiss stamp duty |
No (buy/sell: 0.0/0.0 bps) |
Yes; domestic 7.5/7.5 bps / abroad 15/15 bps |
Pricing |
NAV +/- fixed charges* |
Variable bid or ask price**; premium or discount possible versus ETF basket |
Crossing option |
Automatic reduction of fixed charges |
Possible but not guaranteed |
Valuation |
NAV (identical to index) |
ETF closing price may vary from the index |
Costs for market makers |
No |
Yes |
Minimum investment |
None |
None |
Transaction |
Quantity or amount (fractions possible) |
Quantity |
Domicile/regulatory authority |
Switzerland/FINMA |
Various |
Place of asset management |
Switzerland |
Various |
Availability of various fund classes |
Yes (N = AIF/mgt. = 0%) |
No |
* Issue and redemption charges are credited in full to the respective sub-fund assets. They are intended to cover transaction costs and thereby protect the remaining investors.
** The spread largely depends on the time of the transaction and includes costs for the market maker.
Swisscanto index funds use physical replication, i.e. we effectively invest in the securities contained in the respective benchmark index. In this way, indices containing hundreds of securities can be implemented easily in a diversified and cost-effective manner. A low expected tracking error (return variance risk compared to the benchmark index) is guaranteed.
This website is aimed at professional/institutional investors from Switzerland. We are happy to address all other investors at swisscanto.com. Please confirm your client segment as a professional/institutional investor.