3 ETFs to Play If Italy Leaves the European Union

Although Italy was one of the founding member states of the European Union, the horrific tragedy in Brussels, among other events, haven’t inspired a lot of confidence. The EU’s failure to stem the tide of immigrants arriving in Italy has led to some bitterness amongst Italians, while the nation’s economy has struggled to recover from the sovereign debt crisis. These developments have fueled the rise of the Eurosceptic Five Star Movement (M5S) that could clinch more than 30% of the vote. While M5S remains committed to EU membership, the group has promised to introduce a referendum to let voters decide if they’re to be elected into a position of power. Post-Brexit polling showed nearly two-thirds of Italians wishing to remain in the EU, but ongoing political turmoil, a lack of economic growth, and any success on the part of Britain following its departure could change the tides and lead Italy closer to an exit from the Eurozone. Here are three exchange-traded funds and notes (ETFs and ETNs) that could benefit from Italy’s departure from the European Union, if it materializes: