Thursday's ETF Winners & Losers

Updated from 1:06 p.m.

Overseas-related exchange-traded funds were among the best performers Thursday as foreign markets surged overnight.

Japan's Nikkei advanced 2.6%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng was better by 2.8%. China's Shanghai Composite tacked on 1%, sending it above 5000 for the first time.

The WisdomTree Pacific ex-Japan (DND) ETF was higher by $1.62, or 2.3%, to $72.91. The PowerShares Dynamic Asia Pacific (PUA) ETF was adding 50 cents, or 2%, to $25.65.

The iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan (EPP) gained $2.41, or 1.7%, to $142.46, and the SPDR S&P Emerging Markets (GMM) was up 68 cents, or 1.1%, to $64.70.

On the other hand, securities tracking regional banks were having a losing session. Among individual names, Northern Trust (NTRS), SVB Financial (SIVB) and TCF Financial (TCB) were all falling 1.8% or more.

The KBW Regional Banking (KRE) ETF was lower by $1.19, or 2.6%, to $45.40. The iShares Dow Jones U.S. Regional Banks (IAT) gave back 63 cents, or 1.3%, to $47.21.

Basic materials-related ETFs were also weaker. Among individual stocks, Newmont Mining (NEM), Nucor (NUE) and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) were losing 1.3% or more.

The Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) ETF was down 51 cents, or 1.3%, to $38.74, and the Ultra Basic Materials ProShares (UYM) ETF eased $1, or 1.2%, to $79.58. The iShares Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials (IYM) ETF was off 40 cents, or 0.6%, to $66.98.

Bundled securities tracking homebuilders were also falling after Moody's Investors Service published a report that placed the ratings of three homebuilders, Centex (CTX), Lennar (LEN) and Pulte Homes (PHM), under review for possible downgrades.

The SPDR S&P Homebuilders (XHB) ETF gave back 23 cents, or 0.9%, to $25.21. The iShares Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction (ITB) ETF was down 14 cents, or 0.6%, to $24.50.

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