Govt seeks proposals for debt exchange traded fund by May 16

ETF structure to be decided by advisor in conjunction with government

The government plans to launch its first debt exchange traded fund (ETF) early in the second half of 2018-19. The ETF’s basket is expected to contain debt offerings from 12-15 state-owned companies, including banks and central public sector enterprises (CPSE), Business Standard has learnt. 

The Centre will also discuss how to attract more retail investors into corporate bond markets, with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), starting with the planned debt ETF.

Bonds of NTPC, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation, LIC Housing Finance, Indian Railway Finance Corporation, National Highways Authority of India and others could be