Boston-based Eaton Vance Corp., one of the biggest players in closed-end funds, is apparently taking a close look at moving into the exchange-traded funds marketplace.

The diversified asset manager's head of distribution has told the Fund Action newsletter that Eaton Vance is talking to consultants about "the possibility of active and passive ETFs," according to the publication.

The comments come on the heels of bond giant Pacific Investment Management Co.'s recent filing to enter the ETF market. PIMCO, of course, is the home of bond guru Bill Gross. (See article here.)

Word that Eaton Vance is also interested in joining the ETF marketplace comes right after the firm disappointed analysts earlier in the week with lower-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings. Although the two events were more coincidental than anything, it's still interesting to note that the company faced rising costs and negative revenue growth in the firm's latest quarter, ended July 31.

Throw in rather weak stock and bond markets and you've got plenty of reasons, at least in the short term, to consider ETFs. 

But Eaton Vance is hardly hurting at this point, with $155.8 billion in assets under management. Its net inflow is growing at double digits on an annualized basis, and management fees for its funds—both closed-end and open-end mutual funds—are still on the rise. And its net income, i.e., profits, were at $49.6 million for the quarter, or 40 cents a share. 

Eaton Vance is known for taking its time making expansion moves. While some investor advocates have been critical of the fund complex's expense ratios and loads, CEO Thomas Faust and his management team are experienced and take a long-term focus. They've moved the business, which dates back to 1924, to broaden its scope in equity mutual funds market as well as institutional and private accounts.