In the current whipsaw markets, there's a lot of chatter going on in the ETF business.

If we can't throw about a bit of gossip on the blogs, then where can we do it? I've spent the week so far in London and was just in New York and on the West Coast, so I've heard a lot of rumors flying around. So I figured, while Hougan takes a righteous shot at the idea that the U.S. fund market could be graded an "A" (I wholeheartedly agree), I'd take a shot at some industry banter in the most transparent, cost-effective ETF part of the market.

Rumor 1: iShares Still On The Block

Well, this one really is more "true story" than a rumor. We KNOW this is true, as the iShares "shop" clause remains in place until June 18. The interesting part is that apparently it's not just a contractual thing ... Barclays is actually entertaining more offers. The Times of London, The Independent and Telegraph all had stories on new bids over the weekend. And I saw another one today.

Credible sources tell me there are other bidders still looking at an iShares or BGI deal.

Rumor 2: Claymore To Buy Rydex With Private Equity Help

This is a large deal, rumors of which have been flying around the industry over the last week or so. The PE helper is said to be Guggenheim. And I'm nearly certain that this one IS being worked on. We know Rydex has been on the block again for some time after the Security Benefit deal really did not work out. The potential alliance with Claymore is an exciting deal. Keep your eyes open on this one.

Rumor 3: SSgA On The Block

I've heard this one a couple times in the past few weeks. It's one I find hard to believe ... but in this day in age, you never know. Even if something is being worked on, I wouldn't hold my breath. Confirmed is that there will be NO merger of iShares and SSgA per my ill-fated April Fool's joke around the time lots of stories were flying around about the iShares deal.

Any other deals you've heard of flying around? Send me an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I can fulfill my role as sort of the "E" columnist for ETFs and indexes.