Weekly ETF Industry News Recap | April 13-17, 2026

ETF Weekly Update (April 13-17, 2026): New launches, fund moves, and filings shape a dynamic week across U.S., Europe, and Canada.

United States ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

Vanguard Expands Lineup With Ex-U.S. Value ETF (VDV)

Vanguard has launched the Vanguard Developed Markets ex-US Value Index ETF (VDV), targeting large- and mid-cap value stocks across developed markets outside the U.S. The fund tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. LargeMidCap Value Index using a full replication strategy, investing at least 80% of assets in index constituents and holding securities in proportion to their weightings.

Vanguard Launches Ex-U.S. Developed Markets Growth ETF (VDG)

Vanguard has launched the Vanguard Developed Markets ex-US Growth Index ETF (VDG), offering exposure to large- and mid-cap growth companies across developed markets outside the U.S. The fund tracks the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. LargeMidCap Growth Index using a full replication approach, holding stocks in proportion to index weights and maintaining at least 80% of assets in index constituents.

Global X Launches Space Tech ETF Targeting Orbital Economy

The Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX) will track the Global X Space Tech Index, focused on “Space Tech” companies across rockets, satellites, and space-enabled data services. The proprietary index selects firms deriving at least 50% of revenue from space-related activities, with limited exposure to diversified aerospace companies. It uses modified market-cap weighting and is concentrated in aerospace and industrials.

Calamos Launches First Autocallable Growth ETF With CAGE

Calamos has launched CAGE, the first ETF offering exposure to autocallable growth notes, targeting tax-efficient long-term capital appreciation. The fund uses a laddered portfolio of 50+ synthetic autocallables tied to U.S. large-cap equities, with coupons reinvested to compound returns. Designed to broaden access to a traditionally institutional market, CAGE introduces features like coupon “memory” and relies on swaps with J.P. Morgan for exposure.

Calamos Launches Box Spread ETF Targeting Tax-Efficient Yield

Calamos has launched the Tax-Aware Collateral ETF (CBOX), an actively managed strategy using options-based “box spreads” on SPY to generate fixed, market-neutral returns. By combining synthetic long and short positions, the fund seeks to lock in predictable payoffs largely independent of equity moves. It employs short-duration, laddered positions and may offer tax-efficient income characteristics.

Sprott Launches Ex-China Rare Earths ETF Targeting Supply Shift

Sprott’s new Rare Earths Ex-China ETF (REXC) tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Rare Earths Ex-China Index, comprised of companies deriving at least 50% of revenue or assets from rare earth activities, explicitly excluding Chinese firms. The fund is heavily tilted toward mining, with exposure across U.S., Australia, Canada, and emerging markets. With capped weightings and semiannual rebalancing, REXC targets growing demand for non-China supply chains tied to advanced technologies and energy transition.

Virtus Launches Active REIT ETF Blending Income and Value Strategy

The Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Income ETF (DPRE) is an REIT ETF sub-advised by Duff & Phelps, combining fundamental analysis with a quality and relative value approach. The actively-managed fund invests at least 80% in real estate securities, primarily REITs, with a mix of 60–80% equities and 20–40% investment-grade debt or preferreds. It targets higher yield and income while managing volatility, with global exposure and a non-diversified structure.

Tamarisk, Penserra Launch Risk-Adaptive S&P 500 ETF

Tamarisk Capital Management and Penserra Capital Management have launched the Defender Risk Adaptive 500 ETF (SPDF), an actively managed fund using ETFs to access U.S. large-cap equities. A proprietary technical model adjusts exposure based on market breadth indicators, increasing equity allocation in favorable conditions and shifting to Treasuries or short-term fixed income during higher risk periods, with potential use of leverage in strong markets.

GraniteShares Adds YieldBOOST ETFs on Micron, TSMC, CoreWeave

GraniteShares launched three new YieldBOOST ETFs—MUYY, TMYY, and CWY—using options strategies to generate income tied to leveraged ETFs on Micron, TSMC, and CoreWeave. The funds sell put options on 2x single-stock ETFs, offering income exposure to semiconductor and AI infrastructure themes. The expansion builds on the firm’s $428m YieldBOOST lineup, but introduces capped upside and elevated downside risk.

ETF Launches - Fixed Income

iShares Targets 2035 Muni Ladder With New IBMX ETF

BlackRock has launched the iShares iBonds Dec 2035 Term Muni Bond ETF (IBMX), offering exposure to investment-grade, AMT-free U.S. municipal bonds maturing in 2035. The index emphasizes reduced call risk and excludes territories, focusing on federally tax-exempt income. As part of the iBonds term series, the ETF will wind down near maturity, transitioning to cash before liquidating, appealing to investors seeking defined-maturity municipal exposure with predictable timelines.

ETF Launches - Cryptocurrency

Bitwise Launches Avalanche ETF With Built-In Staking Yield

Bitwise has launched the Bitwise Avalanche ETF (BAVA), providing direct exposure to AVAX via a CME CF pricing benchmark. The fund passively holds Avalanche in custody with Coinbase and aims to enhance returns by staking a portion of its assets. With in-kind and cash creations/redemptions and a liquidity reserve for flexibility, BAVA offers investors simplified crypto access alongside potential yield from staking rewards.

ETF Liquidations

Quantify to Liquidate 2X Alt Season Crypto ETF (QXAS)

The Quantify 2X Daily Alt Season Crypto ETF will be liquidated following board approval. Shares will stop trading and close to new purchases on April 23, 2026, with liquidation expected around April 30. The fund will shift to cash during wind-down, no longer tracking its strategy. Remaining shareholders will receive cash distributions, likely triggering taxable capital gains or losses.

Quantify to Liquidate NVDA & AMD Dual-Exposure ETF (LAYS)

The STKd 100% NVDA & 100% AMD ETF (LAYS) will be liquidated following board approval. Shares will stop trading and close to new purchases on April 23, 2026, with liquidation expected around April 30. The fund will shift to cash during wind-down, and remaining shareholders will receive cash distributions, likely triggering taxable capital gains or losses.

Xtrackers to Liquidate California Municipal Bond ETF (CA)

Xtrackers will close and liquidate its California Municipal Bond ETF (CA), with the final trading day set for May 7, 2026. The fund will cease creations and transition to cash ahead of liquidation, with proceeds expected around May 22. Shareholders who do not sell before delisting will receive cash distributions, likely triggering capital gains or losses.

Xtrackers to Liquidate Risk-Managed High Yield ETF (HYRM)

Xtrackers will close and liquidate its Risk Managed USD High Yield Strategy ETF (HYRM), with the final trading day set for May 7, 2026. The fund will cease creations and move into liquidation, with proceeds expected around May 20. Investors who do not sell before delisting will receive NAV-based cash distributions, likely triggering capital gains or losses.

Tema to Liquidate International Durable Quality ETF (ITOL)

Tema ETF Trust will liquidate the Tema International Durable Quality ETF (ITOL), with the last trading day set for May 14, 2026, and cash distributions expected around May 18. The fund will stop accepting creations on May 12 and shift to liquidation mode. Shareholders who do not sell before delisting will receive NAV-based cash payouts, which may trigger taxable events.

ETF Changes

JPMorgan Reassigns ETFs in Three-Way Exchange Realignment

JPMorgan is reshuffling ETF listings across exchanges in three coordinated moves. Seven bond ETFs (JCPB, JMST, JMUB, JPLD, JPHY, JCPI, JPIB) are transferring from Cboe BZX to NYSE Arca, consolidating active fixed income strategies. Three equity ETFs (JEMA, JOYT, LVDS) are moving from Cboe to Nasdaq, while four BetaBuilders ETFs (BBAG, BBCB, BBMC, BBSC) shift from NYSE Arca to Cboe, reflecting broader exchange optimization.

Calamos Plans SMID Growth Fund Conversion to ETF Structure

Calamos intends to convert its Timpani SMID Growth Fund into an ETF, pending shareholder approval at an August 2026 vote, with completion expected in Q3. Investors would receive ETF shares equal in value to current holdings, with similar strategy and management. The move aims to improve tax efficiency, lower costs, and enhance trading flexibility, continuing the shift from mutual funds to ETFs.

Deepwater to Liquidate Small-Cap ETF After Manager Exit

Deepwater Beachfront Small Cap ETF (DBSC) will liquidate following board approval, citing the upcoming retirement of its portfolio manager. The fund will stop trading and close to new purchases on April 23, 2026, with liquidation expected on April 30. Assets may shift to cash ahead of closure, and shareholders will receive pro rata distributions, potentially including capital gains, upon termination.

Tuttle Capital Cancels Launch of Five Put-Write ETFs

Tuttle Capital will cancel five planned Tuttle Capital put-write ETFs—TSPW, NVPW, MSPW, COPW, and QQPW—before launch, following board approval of a dissolution plan. The decision comes after the adviser indicated no intention to proceed with the funds. The ETFs, which targeted options-based income strategies on single stocks and the Nasdaq-100, are set to terminate around April 16, 2026.

CIBC Caps Bond Funds After Rapid Asset Growth

CIBC Global Asset Management will close several mutual fund series of its 2026 Investment Grade Bond Funds to new purchases on April 29, 2026, after assets surpassed C$3.2 billion. Existing investors can still redeem or switch holdings. The ETF share classes remain open for trading, offering continued access despite capacity constraints in the mutual fund versions.

Wedbush AI ETF Updates Rebalance Schedule and Index Rules

The Dan Ives Wedbush AI Power & Infrastructure ETF has updated its prospectus to revise index rebalancing procedures. The index will now rebalance quarterly and upon changes to the underlying AI company list, with additional adjustments for corporate actions. The update clarifies timing and flexibility in maintaining index composition but does not alter the fund’s core investment strategy.

WisdomTree Expands EM ex-China ETF to New Markets

WisdomTree will update the index tracked by its True Emerging Markets Fund (XC) to add Colombia, Kuwait, Peru, Qatar, UAE, and Vietnam, effective April 21, 2026, with a special rebalance on April 20. The index continues to exclude China, Taiwan, and South Korea, while tightening eligibility rules. The change broadens geographic exposure but introduces added political, commodity, and currency risks tied to the new markets.

First Trust Proposes Converting Closed-End Fund Into ETF

First Trust plans to reorganize its Senior Floating Rate Income Fund II into the newly formed First Trust Flexible Income ETF, pending shareholder approval in June 2026. Investors would receive ETF shares in exchange for existing holdings, marking a shift from a closed-end structure to an ETF. The move reflects continued industry momentum toward more liquid, ETF-based income strategies.

RockCreek ETF Adopts ESG Proxy Voting Framework

RockCreek Global Equality ETF (RCGE) updated its proxy voting policy, delegating decisions to the adviser under Board oversight. Votes will generally follow Glass Lewis ESG Thematic Guidelines, aligning with sustainability-focused principles unless exceptions arise. The policy also outlines conflict-of-interest procedures and maintains annual disclosure of voting records via Form N-PX, reinforcing transparency for investors.

REX Shares renames Leveraged SQ ETFs After Ticker Change to XYZ

REX Shares has renamed its T-REX 2X Long and Inverse SQ Daily Target ETFs to reflect a ticker change in the underlying stock from SQ to XYZ. The updates apply across fund documents, while the underlying company itself remains unchanged. The leveraged structure and daily 2x exposure targets—both long and inverse—are unaffected by the rebranding.

REX Shares 2X ETF Renamed to Track Forum Markets Instead of Ethzilla

REX Shares has renamed the T-REX 2X Long ETHZ Daily Target ETF to the T-REX 2X Long FRMM Daily Target ETF, reflecting a shift in its underlying reference asset. The fund will now track Forum Markets, Inc. instead of Ethzilla Corporation, with a corresponding ticker change from ETHZ to FRMM. The update signals a rebranding and underlying exposure change without altering the fund’s leveraged structure.

REX Shares' T-REX 2x SMLR ETF Canceled Before Launch

REX Shares will terminate the planned T-REX 2X SMLR Daily Target ETF (SEMU) prior to launch, following board approval of a dissolution plan. The decision reflects the adviser’s indication that it would not proceed with the fund. The leveraged single-stock ETF was slated to trade on Cboe BZX and is expected to be dissolved around April 16, 2026.

KraneShares Rebrands Humanoid Robotics and AI ETF

KraneShares will rename its Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF to the Global Humanoid Robotics and Physical AI Index ETF effective May 1, 2026. The underlying index will also be renamed in June. The changes reflect updated branding and do not impact the fund’s investment strategy.

Defiance Changes Ticker for 2X Space Strategy ETF

Defiance has updated the ticker for its Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF, changing from XAIL to SPCL effective immediately. The change is administrative and does not impact the fund’s investment objective or leveraged strategy targeting daily returns tied to the space sector.

Distillate ETFs Appoint PINE as New Distributor

Distillate Capital will replace Quasar Distributors with PINE Distributors as the distributor for three ETFs—DSTL, DSTX, and DSMC—effective May 1, 2026. The change is administrative and does not affect the funds’ investment strategies, management, or operations.

ETF Filings

Defiance Files ‘Moonshot’ ETFs Targeting Binary Upside Outcomes

Defiance has filed a suite of “Predictive” ETFs using binary options to target large upside moves in assets like Tesla, Bitcoin, Nvidia, and the S&P 500. The funds aim to deliver fixed payouts if a predefined price target is reached within a multi-year period, while most assets sit in Treasuries for capital preservation. If targets aren’t met, options expire worthless, limiting upside but risking partial losses.

Defiance Files 2X Leveraged ETF on Lightwave Logic Stock

The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long LWLG ETF will target 200% of the daily performance of Lightwave Logic (LWLG). Designed for short-term trading, the fund resets daily and carries significant compounding and volatility risks, meaning returns can diverge over longer periods. It is intended for active investors and could result in substantial or total losses within a single day.

WisdomTree Targets Space Economy With Thematic Global ETF

The WisdomTree Space Economy Fund will invest at least 80% in companies tied to the space economy, including launch infrastructure, satellite services, defense, and emerging technologies. The strategy uses thematic and relevancy scoring to weight holdings, with expected concentration in industrials and tech sectors. The fund will have global exposure, with a focus on U.S. and Japan-listed companies.

Measured Risk Files Nasdaq-100 ETF With Built-In Loss “Floor”

The MRP SynthEquity Nasdaq 100 ETF (SNTQ) combines Nasdaq-100 call options with U.S. Treasuries to balance growth and downside protection. The actively-managed strategy targets synthetic equity exposure while limiting losses to roughly 18% annually, using Treasuries and options as a stabilizing “floor.” It may also deploy box spreads for yield and liquidity, though performance may lag in strong or flat markets.

State Street Rebrands Five SPDR International Bond ETFs

State Street will rename five SPDR ETFs effective April 30, 2026, adding its branding to each: SPDR Bloomberg Emerging Markets Local Bond ETF, SPDR Bloomberg International Corporate Bond ETF, SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF, SPDR Bloomberg Short Term International Treasury Bond ETF, and SPDR FTSE International Government Inflation-Protected Bond ETF. The changes are cosmetic and do not affect strategy or risk.

Thrivent Proposes Converting Mutual Fund Into ETF Structure

Thrivent plans to reorganize its Core International Equity Fund into the newly created Thrivent International Large Cap ETF, pending shareholder approval on May 14, 2026. Investors would receive ETF shares equal in value to current holdings, with the mutual fund liquidated post-merger. The move reflects an industry shift toward ETF structures, though shareholders may need brokerage accounts to hold the new shares.

GMO Files Power Infrastructure ETF Tied to AI Energy Demand

The GMO Power Infrastructure ETF (KWH) will focus on global power infrastructure equities, targeting firms tied to electrification, energy systems, and grid equipment. The actively-managed strategy is driven by rising electricity demand from AI, industrial growth, and emerging markets. It uses fundamental and quantitative methods, may invest across all market caps and regions, and can employ derivatives and ETFs for long/short exposure.

First Eagle Targets Tax-Exempt Income With Active Muni ETF

The First Eagle Core Municipal ETF (FECM) will invest at least 80% in federally tax-exempt securities. The actively-managed portfolio will focus on investment-grade munis, with up to 15% in high yield, and maintain a 3–10 year duration. It may use derivatives for hedging or return enhancement and diversify broadly across sectors and regions without concentration limits.

First Eagle Files Small-Cap Value ETF Targeting Turnarounds

The First Eagle Small Cap Equity ETF (FESC) will focus on U.S. small-cap equities, investing at least 80% of assets in companies within the Russell 2000 range. The actively-managed strategy targets undervalued opportunities, including turnaround situations, disrupted growers, and firms with hidden asset value or catalysts like new management. Limited exposure to non-U.S. stocks and cash equivalents is permitted.

Principal Files Flexible Emerging Markets Bond ETF

The Principal Finisterre Emerging Markets Diversified Income ETF will invest at least 80% in emerging markets fixed income, spanning sovereign, corporate, and distressed debt. The actively-managed strategy allows significant high-yield exposure with no minimum credit rating and uses a top-down approach driven by macro and political analysis. The fund can employ derivatives for hedging and return enhancement across currencies and markets.

Principal Files Covered Call ETF Targeting Monthly Income

The Principal Equity Premium Income ETF will focus on dividend-paying U.S. equities, primarily large- and mid-caps with value characteristics. The actively-managed strategy combines stock selection with a covered call overlay, writing short-term out-of-the-money options on up to 100% of holdings to generate income and reduce volatility. The fund aims to deliver relatively stable monthly distributions.

SEI Files Multifactor Large-Cap ETF With Dynamic Tilts

The SEI Ang Research Enhanced U.S. Large Cap ETF (ANGU) is a passive fund tracking the iSTOXX Ang Research Enhanced U.S. Large Cap Index, which uses an optimization process to balance momentum, quality, and value factors. The index dynamically adjusts factor weights based on market conditions. The fund will replicate index holdings, invest at least 80% in constituents, and may use ETFs or futures to manage exposure and tracking.

KraneShares Files Autocallable ETF Targeting S&P 500 Income Strategy

The KraneShares InspereX S&P Intraday Edge Autocallable Index ETF will track the S&P 500 Intraday Edge Autocall Index (USD) ER, which holds a diversified portfolio of autocallable notes linked to a volatility-managed S&P 500 strategy. The structure uses multiple portfolios with varying downside buffers (30–50%) and periodic observation triggers to generate coupon income. Returns depend on index levels staying within set ranges, with losses possible if downside thresholds are breached.

RWC Files Global ex-North America Value ETF

The Redwheel International Value ETF will target undervalued companies primarily outside the U.S. and Canada. The strategy focuses on identifying firms trading below intrinsic value due to temporary dislocations, using bottom-up analysis of normalized earnings and balance sheet factors. The fund will invest across global markets and sectors, emphasizing long-term recovery potential and margin of safety.

RWC Files Global ex-U.S. Growth ETF Targeting Thematic Trends

The Redwheel International Growth ETF will focus on non-U.S. companies with strong growth potential. The actively-managed fund will invest across developed, emerging, and frontier markets, using a mix of macroeconomic analysis and bottom-up research to identify firms with rising revenue, earnings, and cash flow. The strategy emphasizes thematic trends and flexible regional allocation, with broad use of equity and equity-linked securities.

First Trust Files ETF Focused on Global Space Economy Leaders

The First Trust Bloomberg Space Economy ETF will track the Bloomberg Space Economy Index, targeting up to 50 global companies tied to space-related activities. The index emphasizes firms with meaningful revenue and strategic exposure across satellites, launch systems, and space-based data. Using full replication, the fund will mirror index weights, with a tilt toward high-exposure “Gold” and “Silver” tier companies, and rebalance quarterly.

Putnam Files Active US Equity ETF Targeting Large and Mid Caps

The Putnam Focused U.S. Research ETF will focus on large- and mid-cap U.S. equities, investing at least 80% of assets in domestic companies. The actively-managed strategy blends growth and value, using fundamental analysis of valuation, earnings, and competitive position. The non-diversified fund may concentrate holdings in fewer issuers, including common stocks, ADRs, and other equity securities.

Goldman Sachs Files Bitcoin Income ETF Using Options Overlay

The Goldman Sachs Bitcoin Premium Income ETF will provide bitcoin exposure via spot Bitcoin ETPs and related options, without directly holding the asset. The actively-managed fund will generate income by writing call options on bitcoin-linked ETPs, targeting premiums while capping upside in strong rallies. With overwrite levels of 40%–100% and possible Cayman subsidiary use, the strategy blends crypto exposure with income-focused derivatives.

First Trust Files Silver Options ETF Targeting Income Boost

The FT Vest Silver Strategy & Target Income ETF is designed to track price returns of the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) while generating income through options strategies. The fund will use FLEX options, covered calls, and box spreads to monetize volatility, targeting income above short-term Treasuries. While investors gain partial upside exposure to silver, returns are capped due to call writing, positioning the ETF as an income-focused alternative to direct silver exposure.

Virtus & Infrastructure Capital File U.S. Preferred Income ETF

The Virtus InfraCap Preferred and Income Securities ETF (VPFF) will invest at least 80% in U.S. preferred and hybrid securities. The actively-managed strategy targets income across fixed, floating, and convertible preferreds while actively managing call risk and yield-to-call. With exposure to REITs, utilities, and MLPs, the fund emphasizes cash flow stability, credit analysis, and risk mitigation through selective positioning and hedging.

Qualivian Files Concentrated ‘Quality Compounders’ Equity ETF

The Qualivian Focus Fund ETF will focus on 20–25 high-quality large- and mid-cap stocks it calls “Quality Compounders.” The actively-managed strategy targets firms with durable competitive advantages, strong capital allocation, and high returns, aiming for long-term compounding over 3–5 years. With concentrated positions and flexible sector exposure, the fund emphasizes valuation discipline and downside risk management.

Tema Files Income-Focused Commodity Equity ETF

The Tema Commodity Income ETF will target dividend-paying “commodity-related businesses,” investing at least 80% in firms tied to metals, energy, agriculture, and materials. The actively-managed strategy emphasizes income-producing companies such as miners, pipelines, and royalty firms. The non-diversified portfolio will hold 15–100 stocks globally and is expected to concentrate in energy, materials, and industrial sectors.

Tema Files ETF Focused on Global Commodity Infrastructure

The Tema Commodity Infrastructure ETF will target “commodity infrastructure-related businesses,” investing at least 80% in companies supporting the extraction, transport, and distribution of commodities like metals, oil, agriculture, and chemicals. The actively-managed portfolio will span equipment, logistics, pipelines, and trading firms globally. The non-diversified fund will hold 15–100 stocks and may concentrate in energy, materials, and industrial sectors.

Tema Files ETF Targeting Optical and Photonics Ecosystem

The Tema Optical & Photonics ETF will focus on “Optical and Photonic Companies,” investing at least 80% in firms tied to technologies like silicon photonics, fiber optics, lasers, and optical interconnects. The actively-managed strategy spans semiconductors, networking equipment, and data center infrastructure globally. The non-diversified fund will hold 15–100 stocks, concentrate in IT, and may allocate up to 15% to private or illiquid securities.

Tema Files for Active ETF Focused on Memory Semiconductors

The Tema Memory ETF will invest at least 80% of assets in “Memory Companies” tied to semiconductor memory technologies like DRAM, NAND, and HBM. The actively-managed fund will target chipmakers, equipment firms, and supply chain players globally, including emerging markets. It will run a concentrated, non-diversified portfolio of 15–100 stocks, with a strong tilt toward information technology and limited exposure to private or illiquid securities.

Defiance Files 2x ETFs on Kraken Ahead of IPO Push

Defiance has filed for leveraged (+2x) and inverse (-2x) single-stock ETFs tied to Kraken (Payward Inc.), which is reportedly pursuing an IPO. The funds will use swaps and options to deliver daily returns, resetting exposure each day. Performance over longer periods may diverge due to compounding and volatility, and execution constraints could limit the funds’ ability to meet their stated targets.

Defiance Files 2x ETFs on IPO-Bound Databricks

Defiance has filed for leveraged (+2x) and inverse (-2x) single-stock ETFs tied to data intelligence and AI platform Databricks, which is reportedly pursuing an IPO. The funds will use swaps and options to deliver daily returns, resetting exposure each day. Performance over longer periods may diverge due to compounding and volatility, and execution constraints could limit the funds’ ability to meet their stated targets.

Defiance Files 2x Bull and Bear ETFs on IPO-Bound Cerebras

Defiance has filed leveraged single-stock ETFs offering 2x and -2x daily exposure to Cerebras Systems, an IPO-bound AI chip and computing company. The funds will use swaps and short-dated options with daily rebalancing to maintain leverage. Designed for short-term trading, returns can diverge over time due to compounding and volatility, underscoring elevated risk tied to both leverage and a pre-IPO-linked underlying.

Europe ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

KBC Enters ETF Market With CZK-Hedged Global Equity Fund

KBC Asset Management has launched its first ETF, the bluesphere° World Equity UCITS ETF (BSWC), tracking developed market large- and mid-cap equities. Listed on Euronext Amsterdam, the fund offers a CZK-hedged share class tailored to Czech investors seeking to manage currency risk. The launch marks KBC’s entry into Europe’s growing ETF market in partnership with HANetf and Solactive.

WisdomTree Launches ‘True’ Emerging Markets ETF Targeting Growth Economies

WisdomTree has launched the WisdomTree True Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (WEM), focusing on countries with younger populations, digital growth, and lower capital market penetration. The fund tracks a proprietary index selecting markets based on macro factors like GDP, credit ratings, and development metrics. Listed across major European exchanges, WEM is led by exposures to India, Brazil, and South Africa, with a 0.25% fee.

UniCredit Launches ‘onemarkets’ Equity ETF Range Across Regions
UniCredit has re-entered the ETF market with four equity funds under its ‘onemarkets’ brand, in partnership with BNP Paribas Asset Management. The lineup includes MSCI Emerging Markets (CCNE), Europe (CCNA), USA (CCNB), and World (CCNC) UCITS ETFs, offering broad regional and global exposure. The funds are listed in Germany and Italy and target retail and wealth clients.

Sprott and HANetf Launch Silver Miners and Physical Silver ETF

Sprott and HANetf have launched the Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver UCITS ETF (SLVM), offering combined exposure to silver mining companies and physical silver via a 0.65% TER structure. The ETF targets silver’s dual role as a precious and industrial metal, tied to demand from electrification, solar, and AI. It mirrors Sprott’s hybrid commodity-equity approach used in uranium and copper ETFs.

Global X Launches Stablecoin and Tokenisation ETF in Europe

Global X ETFs Europe has launched the Global X Stablecoin & Tokenisation UCITS ETF (TKNX), listed in London and Germany, with more exchanges to follow. The fund tracks an index of companies tied to stablecoins and tokenisation, targeting exposure to digital finance infrastructure. With a 0.50% fee, it reflects growing institutional adoption of blockchain-based payments and asset tokenisation.

ETF Launches - Fixed Income

UniCredit Adds Euro Government and Corporate Bond ETFs

The firm also launched three fixed income ETFs: MSCI Euro Government Bond 1M–1Y (CCNG), MSCI Euro Government Bond (CCNH), and MSCI Euro IG Universal Corporate Bond (CCNI). The products provide diversified exposure across sovereign and investment-grade credit markets, with fees ranging from 0.15% to 0.25%.

Planned Launches

JPMorgan Files Paris-Aligned Global Equity ETF With Stricter Climate Goals

JPMorgan Asset Management has filed a Paris-aligned version of its active global equity ETF, adding a tighter decarbonisation framework to its research-enhanced strategy. The UCITS fund will go beyond traditional ESG approaches, following explicit climate targets. The move contrasts with recent ESG rollbacks across the industry and builds on JPMorgan’s existing €170m Article 8 global equity ETF.

BlackRock Files US Defense ETF for Europe Amid Rising Demand

BlackRock has filed for the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF in Europe, extending its defense lineup following last year’s Europe-focused launch. The move taps strong investor demand, with €2.6bn flowing into defense ETFs in Q1 2026 amid geopolitical tensions. While competition is intensifying, the new UCITS fund would mirror BlackRock’s established $12bn U.S. strategy, broadening access to American defense stocks for European investors.

ETF Updates

KraneShares KWEB UCITS ETF Options Begin Trading on Eurex

KraneShares announced that options on the USD share class of its CSI China Internet UCITS ETF (KWEB LN) are now trading on Eurex, expanding derivatives access for European investors. The move enables hedging and income strategies tied to China’s internet sector, spanning AI, e-commerce, and fintech. It follows established options activity in the U.S. and marks a step in broadening KWEB’s toolkit globally.

ETF Ecosystem

STOXX, SEI Partner With Andrew Ang on Multifactor Index Suite

STOXX has teamed up with factor investing expert Andrew Ang and SEI to launch the iSTOXX Ang Research Enhanced Index suite, targeting value, quality, and momentum factors with dynamic weighting. The collaboration aims to refine multifactor investing with risk controls and lower turnover. SEI plans to launch a U.S. large-cap ETF tracking the new index, expanding its factor ETF lineup.

Deutsche Börse Invests $200m in Kraken to Expand Digital Assets

Deutsche Börse has taken a 1.5% stake in crypto platform Kraken via a $200m secondary share purchase, deepening a partnership launched in 2025. The collaboration spans trading, custody, and tokenised assets, aiming to integrate traditional and digital markets. The move supports Deutsche Börse’s strategy to build hybrid market infrastructure as tokenisation gains traction across asset management.

Deutsche Börse Backs MerQube to Boost Custom Indexing

Deutsche Börse Group invested $15M for a minority stake in U.S.-based index provider MerQube, alongside 7RIDGE. The deal strengthens its STOXX index business by adding MerQube’s cloud-native, custom index capabilities, including derivatives-linked and real-time strategies. The partnership targets rising demand for flexible, fast-to-market indexing solutions supporting ETFs and other passive products.

Canada ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

iA Clarington Expands Active ETF Lineup With Two New Funds

iA Clarington launched Active ETF Series versions of its Global Multifactor Equity Fund (IMFE) and Thematic Innovation Class (ITIN), now trading on the TSX. The ETFs mirror existing mutual fund strategies, offering exchange-traded access with lower fees (0.50% and 0.45%). IMFE uses a quantitative multifactor approach, while ITIN targets U.S. innovation-driven companies, blending growth and established firms for balanced exposure.

Ninepoint Rolls Out 9 Single-Stock ETFs on TSX

Ninepoint launched nine ETFs on the TSX, including leveraged HighShares funds on Constellation Software (CSHI), Celestica (CLHI), Kinross Gold (KGHI), NVIDIA (NVHI), Tesla (TSHI), Palantir (PLHI), Alphabet (GOHI), and Intel (INHI), plus the unleveraged Constellation Software CoreShares ETF (CSUC). The lineup uses covered call strategies to generate monthly income, with a low 0.29% fee and active management targeting retail and advisor demand.

ETF Changes

CI GAM Moves Six Covered Call Funds to Monthly Payouts

CI Global Asset Management will shift six products to monthly distributions from quarterly: CI Energy Giants Covered Call ETF (NXF, NXF.B, NXF.U) and Fund; CI Gold+ Giants Covered Call ETF (CGXF, CGXF.U) and Fund; and CI Tech Giants Covered Call ETF (TXF, TXF.B, TXF.U) and Fund. The change aligns with its broader lineup and aims to enhance regular income, with yield generated via covered call writing on ~25% of portfolios.

ETF Filings

Hamilton Targets Income Investors With New Covered Call ETFs

Hamilton filed for the Hamilton Canadian Equity YIELD MAXIMIZER™ ETF (CMAX CN) and Hamilton International Equity YIELD MAXIMIZER™ ETF (IMAX CN). CMAX, with no direct management fee, will focus on Canadian covered call ETFs, including Hamilton-managed funds, while IMAX (0.65% fee) targets international equities using similar strategies. Investors will still incur fees from underlying holdings.

Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decision.