Weekly ETF Industry News Recap | April 6-10, 2026

ETF Weekly Update (April 6-10, 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

RUK Enters ETF Market with Multi-Factor Large-Cap Strategy

RUK Funds has launched the Ruk Strategic Growth ETF (RKSG), a U.S. large-cap strategy tracking a proprietary index developed by Ruk Indexes and calculated by VettaFi. The rules-based approach blends growth and value factors with volatility controls to enhance risk-adjusted returns, with a tilt toward technology. Listed on NYSE with a 0.50% fee, RKSG targets consistent outperformance over a full market cycle.

First Trust Launches BFXU, BFEW and BUFE Laddered Outcome ETFs

First Trust has introduced three active ETFs—FT Vest Laddered U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF (BFXU), FT Vest Laddered U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF (BFEW), and FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE). The funds invest in portfolios of outcome-based ETFs using FLEX options tied to SPY, RSP, and EEM respectively, aiming to deliver defined upside and downside profiles while reducing timing risk through laddered exposure.

Aura Launches U.S. Defense ETF Tracking Revenue-Focused Index

Aura ETFs has introduced the U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY), a passive fund tracking the Solactive U.S. Defense Index. The strategy targets U.S.-listed companies deriving at least 50% of revenue from defense-related activities across systems, technology, logistics, and cybersecurity. Using NLP-driven screening, the index selects and weights firms with caps on concentration, offering diversified exposure to modern defense and security themes.

Wedbush Launches AI Infrastructure ETF Targeting Power Demand Surge

Wedbush has introduced the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Power & Infrastructure ETF (IVEP), focused on companies enabling the energy and infrastructure backbone of AI growth. Based on its “Power 30” research, the ETF invests across power generation, grid infrastructure, data centers, and enabling technologies. The launch reflects rising demand for electricity driven by AI, with data center consumption projected to surge through 2030.

Manulife Launches Hedged Equity ETF With Options Overlay

Manulife John Hancock Investments has introduced the actively managed John Hancock Hedged Equity ETF (JHDG), aiming for long-term growth with reduced volatility and downside risk. The strategy combines high-conviction stock selection with a dynamic options overlay and has been managed in similar form since 2020. JHDG expands the firm’s ETF lineup to 19 funds totaling over $12B in assets.

Rayliant Launches Quant-Driven Ex-US Multifactor Equity ETF

Rayliant has introduced the NxtGen Multifactor International Equity ETF (RWIN), targeting developed markets outside the U.S. The fund uses a quantitative model to select and weight stocks based on expected risk-adjusted returns, primarily focusing on large caps. Portfolio managers retain discretion to adjust exposures, blending data-driven signals with active oversight in a frequently traded strategy.

THOR Launches Adaptive Multi-Strategy ETF Targeting Risk Control

THOR Financial launched the actively managed THOR Managed Risk Dynamic ETF (THMR), with Ai Alpha as sub-adviser driving a research-based, risk-first framework. The fund dynamically allocates across equities, fixed income, commodities, and alternatives, adjusting exposure based on risk conditions and shifting to defensive assets when needed. Using a rules-based, multi-strategy model informed by academic research, THMR aims to limit drawdowns and enhance long-term risk-adjusted returns.

Baron Launches Focused Emerging Markets Growth ETF BCEM

Baron Capital launched the actively managed Baron Emerging Markets Select ETF (BCEM), targeting high-quality growth companies across emerging markets. Managed by veteran investor Michael Kass, the fund emphasizes founder-led, capital-efficient firms with durable advantages. BCEM will hold a more concentrated portfolio than Baron’s existing strategy, focusing on high-conviction ideas while avoiding less liquid names, as demand grows for active ETF exposure to emerging markets.

Defiance Launches First 2X Leveraged Pure Space ETF (XAIL)

Defiance has introduced the Pure Space Daily 2X Strategy ETF (XAIL), offering leveraged exposure to the global space economy. The fund targets 200% of the daily return of an actively managed portfolio of “pure space” companies spanning satellites, launch systems, and space data. Designed for short-term tactical trading, XAIL provides concentrated, equal-weighted exposure to firms tied directly to space technologies and infrastructure.

ETF Launches - Fixed Income

iShares Launches 2034 Target-Maturity Muni Bond ETF (IBMW)

BlackRock has introduced the iShares iBonds Dec 2034 Term Muni Bond ETF (IBMW), tracking the S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series Callable-Adjusted 2034 Index, providing exposure to investment-grade, AMT-free U.S. municipal bonds maturing in 2034. The fund excludes near-term callable bonds and uses a sampling approach to replicate index exposure. As a defined-maturity ETF, it will gradually shift to cash as bonds mature and terminate around December 2034, distributing proceeds to shareholders.

PIMCO Launches Active ETF Targeting Inflation With Lower Rate Risk

PIMCO has launched the Inflation PLUS Active ETF (PCPI), aiming to provide a more efficient inflation hedge with lower volatility and reduced interest rate sensitivity than traditional TIPS funds. The ETF primarily invests in short-term TIPS and other inflation-linked securities, with active management to adjust to market conditions. PCPI began trading on Nasdaq on April 6, expanding PIMCO’s active fixed income ETF lineup.

ETF Launches - Cryptocurrency

Morgan Stanley Debuts Low-Cost Bitcoin ETP With 0.14% Fee

Morgan Stanley Investment Management has launched the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), an exchange-traded product tracking bitcoin via the CoinDesk Benchmark. With a 0.14% sponsor fee, it is among the lowest-cost bitcoin ETPs. The launch marks MSIM’s entry into crypto ETPs, expanding its ETF lineup and signaling growing institutional adoption of digital assets.

XFUNDS by Nicholas Wealth Debuts ‘AfterDark’ ETF Targeting Bitcoin Overnight Returns

XFUNDS has launched the Nicholas Bitcoin and Treasuries AfterDark ETF (NGHT), an active strategy designed to capture Bitcoin’s overnight return patterns. The fund gains indirect Bitcoin exposure via futures, options, and ETPs after market close, then rotates into short-term Treasuries and cash during U.S. trading hours. The approach aims to isolate “overnight alpha” while reducing daytime volatility exposure.

ETF Liquidations

AdvisorShares to Liquidate Restaurant ETF (EATZ) in May

AdvisorShares will close and liquidate its Restaurant ETF (EATZ), with the last trading day set for April 30, 2026, and final liquidation around May 7. The fund will wind down holdings and shift from its strategy ahead of closure. Remaining shareholders will receive cash distributions based on NAV, likely triggering taxable events, as ongoing industry-specific ETF closures continue.

Acruence XVOL ETF to Liquidate as Tidal Winds Down Fund

The Acruence Active Hedge U.S. Equity ETF (XVOL) will be liquidated after Tidal’s board approved its closure. Trading will end April 16, 2026, with liquidation expected around April 20. The portfolio will shift դեպի cash during the wind-down, suspending its strategy. Shareholders will receive cash at NAV, with proceeds likely treated as taxable capital gains or losses.

Tradr to Shut Down 2X Datadog ETF (DOGD) in April

Tradr will liquidate its 2X Long Datadog Daily ETF (DOGD) following board approval. Trading is set to end April 20, 2026, with liquidation expected around April 27. Shareholders will receive cash at NAV, which may result in capital gains or losses. As the fund winds down, assets may be shifted into cash or liquid holdings, reducing exposure to its intended leveraged strategy.

Tradr to Liquidate 2X MongoDB ETF (MDBX) in April Wind-Down

Tradr will close its 2X Long MongoDB Daily ETF (MDBX) after board approval of a liquidation plan. Trading will end April 20, 2026, with liquidation expected around April 27. Investors will receive cash at NAV, potentially triggering capital gains or losses. As the fund winds down, assets may shift to cash or liquid instruments, limiting exposure to its leveraged strategy.

Tradr to Close Leveraged NNE and SNPS ETFs by Late April

Tradr will liquidate its 2X Long NNE (NNEX) and 2X Long SNPS (SNPX) ETFs after board approval. Trading will cease April 20, 2026, with liquidation expected around April 27. Shareholders will receive cash at NAV, potentially realizing capital gains or losses. Portfolios may shift into cash or liquid assets ahead of closure, which could limit exposure to intended strategies during the wind-down period.

Tradr to Liquidate Leveraged ENPH and VOYG ETFs in April

Tradr will shut down its 2X Long ENPH (ENPX) and 2X Long VOYG (VOYX) ETFs following board approval of liquidation plans. Trading will end April 20, 2026, with full liquidation expected around April 27. Shareholders will receive cash at NAV, potentially triggering capital gains or losses. Ahead of closure, portfolios may shift to cash or liquid assets, limiting alignment with stated strategies.

ETF Changes

VanEck Rebrands Gaming ETF to Target Digital Native Economy

VanEck is converting its Gaming ETF (BJK) into the Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ), expanding focus beyond gaming to fintech, gig platforms, and online betting. The fund will track the MarketVector Digital Native Economy Index, targeting companies serving Gen Z and millennial consumers. With a 0.50% fee, GENZ reflects a broader thematic shift toward digital-first economic activity driven by younger cohorts.

Tuttle Renames SPAC-Focused ETF, Ticker Changes to SPCK

Tuttle Capital Management will change the ticker of its SPAC and New Issue ETF from SPCX to SPCK, effective April 7, 2026. The update is purely administrative, requiring no action from shareholders and leaving the fund’s strategy, holdings, and fees unchanged. The ETF will continue targeting exposure to SPACs and newly issued equities, maintaining its existing investment approach.

Polen SMID Growth ETF Rebranded to 5Perspectives Name

The Polen U.S. SMID Cap Growth ETF has been renamed Polen 5Perspectives Small-Mid Growth ETF, effective January 9, 2026. The change affects all prospectus and regulatory documents but does not alter the fund’s investment objective or strategy, maintaining its focus on U.S. small- and mid-cap growth equities.

Rayliant US ETF Turns Active After Index Discontinuation

Rayliant will convert the Rayliant Wilshire NxtGen US Large Cap Equity ETF (RWLC), which tracked the FT Wilshire US Large NxtGen Index, into the actively managed Rayliant NxtGen Multifactor US Equity ETF after the benchmark’s discontinuation. The fund will drop its index, retain a similar multifactor approach, and shift to a long-term capital appreciation objective with an updated 80% allocation to U.S. equities.

Rayliant EM ETF Shifts to Active After Index Closure

Rayliant will convert its Wilshire NxtGen Emerging Markets Equity ETF (RWEM) into the actively managed Rayliant NxtGen Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF after its benchmark index, the FT Wilshire Emerging Large NxtGen Index, is discontinued. The fund will retain a similar multifactor approach but shift its objective to long-term capital appreciation and update its 80% policy to emerging market equities, marking a transition from passive to active management.

Leverage Shares Plans 1-for-20 Reverse Splits for FIGG and BMNG ETFs

Leverage Shares will execute 1-for-20 reverse splits for its 2X leveraged FIG (FIGG) and BMNR (BMNG) ETFs. The changes take effect after market close on May 4, 2026, with split-adjusted trading starting May 5. Shares outstanding will drop while NAV per share rises proportionally, with no impact on total investment value or creation unit sizes.

Leverage Shares Set 1-for-10 Reverse Splits Across Three Leveraged Funds

Leverage Shares will implement 1-for-10 reverse splits for its 2X leveraged ETFs tied to BBAI (BAIG), CRCL (CRCG), and CRWV (CRWG). The splits take effect after market close on May 4, 2026, with split-adjusted trading beginning May 5. While shares outstanding will decline and NAV per share will rise proportionally, total investment value and creation unit sizes will remain unchanged.

Leverage Shares DUOL ETF to Undergo 1-for-10 Reverse Split

The Leverage Shares 2X Long Duolingo ETF (DUOG) will implement a 1-for-10 reverse share split effective May 4, 2026, with trading on a split-adjusted basis starting May 5. The move will reduce shares outstanding while proportionally increasing NAV per share, leaving total investment value unchanged. Creation unit size will remain the same.

ETF Filings

Guinness Atkinson Adds ETF Share Class to Global Innovators Fund

Guinness Atkinson has filed to launch an ETF share class of its Global Innovators Fund, an actively managed strategy focused on companies benefiting from innovation in technology, communication, and global trends. The concentrated portfolio holds about 35 equally weighted stocks across developed and emerging markets, aiming for long-term capital appreciation with significant international exposure.

SoFi Files Active ETF Combining Social Index Exposure and Options Income

The SoFi Social 50 High Income ETF (SFYI) is an actively managed fund seeking income and capital appreciation by combining exposure to the SoFi Social 50 Index—via direct holdings or its ETF SoFi Social 50 ETF (SFYF)—with options strategies. SYFI will generate income through covered calls and spreads, invest at least 80% in index-linked equities and derivatives, and pay monthly distributions, offering a hybrid of thematic equity exposure and options-driven yield.

First Trust Files S&P 500 ETF With 10% Buffer and Capped Digital Return

The FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF – July (DGJL) will use FLEX Options tied to an S&P 500 ETF. The fund offers a 10% downside buffer over a one-year period and a fixed “digital return” if losses stay within that buffer or markets rise. Upside is capped at that preset return, with no participation beyond it, while losses past -10% are one-for-one. Returns depend heavily on holding the full outcome period and entry timing.

iShares Files Nasdaq-100 Tracking ETF With Standard Indexing Approach

The iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (IQQ) will track the Nasdaq-100 Index, offering exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq. The fund will use a representative sampling strategy, invest at least 80% in index-linked securities, and follow a passive approach without defensive positioning. The index is market-cap weighted with quarterly caps and rebalances, and is currently concentrated in technology and consumer sectors.

State Street Files Nasdaq-100 Tracking ETF Using Sampling Strategy

The State Street® SPDR® Nasdaq 100 ETF is designed to track the Nasdaq-100 Index using a sampling approach, allowing it to hold a subset of index securities while maintaining similar risk and return characteristics. The fund will invest at least 80% of assets in index components, may use derivatives like futures, and can hold non-index equities for tracking efficiency, offering flexible exposure to large-cap non-financial Nasdaq stocks.

Calamos Targets SMID Growth Stocks With Active ETF Filing

The Calamos Timpani Active Growth Opportunities ETF will focus on U.S. small- and mid-cap growth equities, defined by Russell 2500 and MSCI SMID benchmarks. The strategy uses fundamental research to identify companies with strong earnings potential and above-average growth metrics. The fund may invest up to 25% in foreign securities, including ADRs, and can tilt toward sectors with favorable growth opportunities, with active trading shaping portfolio exposure.

Calamos Targets Lower-Volatility S&P 500 Exposure via Options ETF

The Calamos Active Hedged Equity ETF will aim to deliver S&P 500-like returns with reduced volatility. The actively-managed fund will invest at least 80% of assets in S&P 500 ETFs such as SPY and VOO, while using options strategies—including FLEX Options and box spreads—to hedge risk and generate income. It may also hold equities, ADRs, and fixed income. The approach emphasizes active trading and derivatives to smooth market swings over time.

American Beacon, abrdn File High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF

The American Beacon Aberdeen Municipal High Income ETF is an actively managed municipal bond ETF focused on tax-exempt income. The fund will invest at least 80% in U.S. municipal bonds, with a strong tilt toward lower-rated and high-yield debt, including unlimited junk exposure. Targeting 5–30 year maturities, it uses macro and credit analysis to identify value, with potential sector concentration in areas like healthcare and education.

Ariam Global Files Concentrated Innovation Equity ETF

The ARIA Innovation ETF will hold 20–35 global equities, targeting “innovative” companies across sectors like AI, EVs, biotech, and robotics. The actively-managed fund uses deep fundamental and alternative data research and may tilt toward emerging markets. It can enhance returns and income via options strategies, including calls and covered writing, while its non-diversified structure increases concentration risk.

John Hancock Files Active Large-Cap ETF With Value Focus

The John Hancock Large Cap Opportunities ETF (JLCO) targets U.S. large-cap equities, emphasizing a high-conviction, non-diversified portfolio. Using bottom-up research, the fund seeks undervalued companies with identifiable catalysts, applying a “margin of safety” approach. It may invest in IPOs, REITs, and ADRs, and hold up to 15% in illiquid assets. The ETF can use cash creations/redemptions and securities lending to enhance income.

PRIMECAP Files Active Mid-Cap Growth ETF Focused on Valuation Discipline

The PRIMECAP Odyssey Discovery ETF is mid-cap equity fund targeting long-term capital appreciation through U.S.-listed stocks. The actively-managed fund focuses on fundamentally driven stock selection, seeking companies with strong growth prospects trading below intrinsic value. It targets firms within typical mid-cap ranges and aims to outperform over 3–5 years. The non-diversified structure allows for higher conviction positions but increases concentration risk.

BNY Mellon Files Flexible Global Bond ETF With High Yield Tilt

The BNY Mellon Multi-Sector Income ETF is an active global bond ETF managed by Insight North America, using a dynamic, research-driven approach across fixed-income sectors. The fund can invest broadly in global debt, with up to 65% in high-yield bonds and 30% in emerging or frontier markets. It will hedge most currency exposure and has no duration limits, giving managers wide flexibility across rates and credit cycles.

BNY Mellon Files Active Global Bond ETF With Flexible Mandate

The BNY Mellon Global Fixed Income ETF is an actively managed global bond fund investing at least 80% in fixed-income securities across multiple sectors and countries. Managed by Insight North America, the fund targets undervalued opportunities using macro and quantitative analysis, with up to 25% in high yield and emerging markets. It will hedge most currency risk and has no strict duration limits, allowing broad flexibility.

BNY Mellon Files for Large-Cap Growth ETF Tracking Solactive Index

The BNY Mellon US Large Cap Equity Growth ETF will target U.S. large-cap growth stock by tracking the Solactive GFS United States 500 Growth Style Index. The fund will invest at least 80% of assets in equities and related instruments tied to high-growth companies, selected by EPS and sales growth metrics. The index is market-cap weighted with sector tilts—currently led by tech—and rebalanced semiannually.

Mast Managed Futures Fund Plans Conversion to ETF Structure

Mast Investments seeks shareholder approval to reorganize its Mast Managed Futures Strategy mutual fund into the Mast HedgeIndex Managed Futures Strategy ETF. The new ETF will mirror the existing strategy while offering potential cost efficiencies and intraday trading. The transition is expected to be largely tax-free, with shareholders receiving ETF shares or cash depending on account type, pending a May 2026 vote.

Roundhill Files S&P 500 Put-Write ETF With Income Focus

The Roundhill S&P 500® Defensive Income ETF will track the S&P 500 Weekly Put Write Index, using a rules-based options strategy to generate income and provide downside buffers. The fund will gain exposure via swaps and collateralize with Treasuries. By selling short-dated put options below market levels, it aims to deliver positive returns in flat or modestly down markets, though losses can increase if declines breach buffer thresholds.

Polen Capital Files Non-U.S. Growth Equity ETF With EM Tilt

The Polen International Equity ETF focuses on non-U.S. equities, investing at least 80% in developed ex-U.S. and emerging markets. The actively-managed strategy targets high-quality growth companies with durable competitive advantages, strong cash flow, and high returns on capital. Using intensive fundamental research, the fund may run a concentrated portfolio, emphasizing long-term earnings growth as the primary driver of returns.

Defiance Files 2x ETFs Targeting Tech and Thematic Plays

Defiance filed for Daily Target 2X Long ETFs tied to Hyperliquid Strategies (PURR), Fluence Energy (FLNC), MACOM Technology Solutions (MTSI), Karman Holdings (KRMN), Sivers Semiconductors (SIVEF), and the Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM). The funds seek 200% of daily returns via derivatives, resetting exposure each day, and are designed for active traders given elevated leverage and compounding risks.

Defiance Files 2x ETF Ahead of X-Energy IPO Listing

The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long X-Energy ETF will target 2x the daily return of X-Energy (XE), a nuclear reactor and fuel company currently seeking an IPO. The fund will use swaps and options to gain exposure once shares begin trading, with daily rebalancing and high turnover. Designed for short-term use, returns can diverge significantly over longer periods due to compounding and volatility.

Leverage Shares Files 2x ETFs Ahead of Viva Republica IPO

Leverage Shares has filed for +200% and -200% daily ETFs tied to Viva Republica, a South Korean fintech firm behind the “Toss” super app, as it prepares for an IPO. Toss integrates payments, banking, brokerage, and financial services into one platform, generating revenue across multiple channels. The ETFs will use shares and derivatives to deliver leveraged exposure, designed primarily for short-term trading.

Direxion Files Single-Stock Option Income ETFs Across Big Tech

Direxion has filed for a suite of single-stock “Income Boost” ETFs tied to names like Apple, Nvidia, Tesla, and Amazon. Each fund tracks a Cboe index using a covered call strategy—selling weekly out-of-the-money calls with daily delta hedging—to generate income. Exposure is primarily via swaps, with biweekly distributions targeted from option premiums. The structure prioritizes income over upside, with potential for capped gains and return-of-capital distributions.

REX Files 2x Leveraged ETFs Tied to Thematic ETF Targets

REX Shares filed for a suite of T-REX 2X Long ETFs linked to underlying thematic ETFs including DRAM, DRNZ, EUAD, KOID, ROBO, and XOVR. Using swaps, the funds target 200% of daily returns and rebalance each day. Designed for active traders, they use Treasuries and cash as collateral and carry significant short-term leverage and compounding risks.

REX Targets 2x ETFs on Mid-Cap Tech and Networking Firms

REX Shares’ filings cover leveraged exposure to Akamai Technologies (AKAM), Ciena (CIEN), DigitalOcean (DOCN), Fastly (FSLY), Jabil (JBL), Teradyne (TER), Tower Semiconductor (TSEM), Viavi Solutions (VIAV), and Viasat (VSAT). These ETFs aim for 200% daily returns via derivatives and rebalancing, amplifying volatility and compounding risk, and positioning them primarily for short-term tactical trading.

REX Shares Files 2x Leveraged ETF on Viva Republica

The T-REX 2X Long Viva Republica Daily Target ETF is a leveraged single-stock ETF targeting 200% daily exposure to Viva Republica, the South Korean fintech firm behind Toss. The fund will primarily use swap agreements to achieve leverage, with daily rebalancing and high turnover. It will concentrate in financials and may hold Treasuries or cash as collateral, highlighting significant volatility and compounding risks typical of leveraged ETFs.

ETF Ecosystem

MSCI to Upgrade Greece to Developed Market by May 2027

MSCI will reclassify Greece from Emerging to Developed Market status in May 2027, following strong support from institutional investors. The move reflects improved market infrastructure and alignment with European standards after years of reforms. Implementation will occur in a single step across all MSCI indexes, with measures to limit turnover. Greece will also be integrated into MSCI Europe index construction, with advance snapshots provided to help investors prepare.

Bloomberg Expands Commodity Suite With Single-Asset Indices

Bloomberg launched BCOM Global Commodity Singles Indices, offering targeted exposure to individual commodities beyond its flagship index. Covering sectors like energy, metals, agriculture, and livestock, the indices track futures positions across regions and currencies. The expansion reflects rising demand for granular commodity exposure tied to macro trends such as geopolitics, supply chains, and energy transition.

ETF Milestones

State Street’s RLY ETF Surpasses $1B on Multi-Asset Demand

State Street’s SPDR Multi-Asset Real Return ETF (RLY) has crossed $1bn in assets, reflecting strong demand for diversified inflation-hedging strategies. The fund allocates across asset classes via ETPs, including inflation-linked bonds, commodities, real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources. Using quantitative models and active allocation shifts, RLY targets real returns above inflation over a full market cycle.

Europe ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

First Trust Launches Europe Dividend Growth ETF EDVY

First Trust launched the Europe Rising Dividend Achievers UCITS ETF (EDVY), tracking the Nasdaq Europe Rising Dividend Achievers Index. The fund targets large-cap European firms with consistent dividend growth and strong fundamentals, including earnings stability and conservative payout ratios. Classified as Article 8 under SFDR, EDVY offers diversified exposure to companies positioned for sustainable income growth and resilience.

Sirios Debuts Europe’s First Performance-Fee ETF

Sirios Capital Management has launched the iMGP Sirios Absolute Return Fund R EUR HP PR UCITS ETF (SARF), Europe’s first ETF with a performance fee. The long/short equity strategy charges a 1.20% TER plus 20% of outperformance, with net exposure capped at 30%. The launch underscores rising demand for liquid alternatives as hedge fund-style strategies enter the UCITS ETF market.

DWS Launches High-Conviction Active ETFs for Retail Investors

DWS has listed two active ETFs—Xtrackers Global Equity Top Active UCITS ETF (XTAX, 0.35% TER) and Xtrackers Global Growth Leaders Active UCITS ETF (XGLA, 0.50%)—on Deutsche Börse and the LSE, targeting retail investors via neobrokers. XTAX holds ~150 stocks with sector tilts, while XGLA runs a concentrated 40–50 stock portfolio using a “rule of 40” growth screen. The launch expands DWS’s active ETF suite to eight funds with $640M AUM.

Altarius Debuts Active US Equity ETN on Deutsche Börse

Deutsche Börse listed the first ETP from new issuer Altarius, the Torogroso ETP, an actively managed note targeting long-term growth in U.S. equities. The strategy blends fundamental and quantitative analysis, including Elliott Wave theory, and allocates tactically via sector and leveraged ETFs. It aims to capture upside while limiting downside through dynamic positioning, with a 2% annual fee plus performance costs.

ETP Launches - Cryptocurrency

Bitwise Launches Hyperliquid Staking ETP on Xetra

Bitwise introduced the Hyperliquid Staking ETP (BHYP), offering exposure to the HYPE token alongside potential staking yields. Listed on Deutsche Börse Xetra, the product tracks a Kaiko reference index and is fully backed by tokens held in cold storage. BHYP enables investors to access on-chain derivatives infrastructure and earn staking rewards without managing wallets or directly interacting with blockchain networks.

Planned Launches

BNP Paribas Files Full Suite of Alternative Strategy ETFs

BNP Paribas AM has filed five ETFs: BNP Paribas Global Equity Long/Short UCITS ETF, BNP Paribas Easy Managed Futures UCITS ETF, BNP Paribas Easy European Equity Buffer (June) UCITS ETF, BNP Paribas Easy European Equity Buffer (December) UCITS ETF, and BNP Paribas Easy Equity Premium Income UCITS ETF. The move supports a goal to double its ETF range and drive €100bn inflows by 2030, as it enters hedge fund and options-based ETFs to compete in fast-growing alternatives segments.

Vanguard to Expand Active ETF Push with Euro Bond Launch

Vanguard is advancing its return to Europe’s active ETF market by registering the Vanguard Active EUR Corporate Bond UCITS ETF, following its €80m EUR Cash ETF debut in December. The move signals renewed commitment after exiting active equity ETFs in 2020 due to low demand. It comes amid a broader product push and hiring efforts as Vanguard seeks to grow its 7% European ETF market share against dominant rivals

ETF Changes

Vanguard Expands Fee Cuts Across 10 Hedged UCITS ETFs

Vanguard will cut fees on 17 currency-hedged share classes across 10 UCITS ETFs effective April 2026, largely in fixed income. OCFs will fall by 2 bps across products including ESG EUR Corporate Bond (0.14%→0.12%), EUR Corporate Bond (0.12%→0.10%), Eurozone Government Bond (0.12%→0.10%), U.K. Gilt (0.10%→0.08%), U.S. Treasury 0–1 Year and 1–3 Year (both to 0.08%), USD Corporate 1–3 Year (0.14%→0.12%), USD Corporate Bond (0.12%→0.10%), USD Treasury Bond (0.10%→0.08%), and FTSE Japan (0.15%→0.13%), generating about $1.2M in annual investor savings.

Canada ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

RBC iShares Launches Active Canadian and U.S. Equity ETFs

RBC also introduced two actively managed equity ETFs: RBC Canadian Equity ETF (RCAN) and RBC U.S. Large-Cap Equity ETF (RUSA/RUSA.U), each with a 0.39% fee. Managed by RBC’s North American equities team, the funds provide active exposure to core Canadian and U.S. large-cap stocks within a liquid ETF structure.

CI GAM Expands Access to International Value ETF Strategy

CI Global Asset Management broadened access to its CI Morningstar International Value Index ETF (VXM/VXM.B) by launching a U.S.-dollar ETF series (VXM.U) and a mutual fund version. The strategy targets undervalued developed-market stocks outside North America using a multi-factor approach and has ranked first in its category over 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The expansion offers investors more flexible ways to access diversified international value exposure.

ETF Launches - Fixed Income

RBC iShares Launches 2032 Target Maturity Bond ETFs

RBC Global Asset Management launched three 2032 target maturity bond ETFs: RBC Target 2032 Canadian Government Bond ETF (RGQU), RBC Target 2032 Canadian Corporate Bond ETF (RQU), and RBC Target 2032 U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (RUQU/RUQU.U). With fees of 0.15%–0.20%, the funds help investors manage duration by holding bonds maturing in 2032, further expanding Canada’s largest target maturity ETF suite.

ETF Changes

Guardian Updates ETF Names, Tickers, and Distributions
Guardian Capital announced multiple ETF changes effective April 1, 2026. Guardian Canadian Diversified Core Equity Fund (GCSC CN) renamed its unhedged units to “ETF Units,” while Guardian Canadian Equity Income Fund (GCEI CN) shifted to monthly distributions. Tickers were updated for Directed portfolios: GDEP→GGEP.F and GDEP.B→GGEP; GDPY→GGPY.F and GDPY.B→GGPY. The Guardian i³ International Quality Growth Fund (GIQI) was renamed Guardian i³ International Core Equity Fund (GIIF), and the Guardian i³ US Quality Growth Fund (GIQU / GIQU.B) became Guardian i³ U.S. Core Equity Fund (GIUS.F / GIUS).

ETF Filings

Global X Files Diverse ETF Suite Targeting Income and Real Assets

Global X has filed multiple ETFs, including the actively managed Global X Active U.S. Dividend ETF (DIVY, MF 0.35%) and Global X All-In-One Commodity Producers Equity ETF (COMX, MF 0.55%), which invests across global energy, metals, and mining firms. Covered call variants include the Global X All-In-One Commodity Producers Equity Covered Call ETF (CMCC, MF 0.65%) and Global X Enhanced All-In-One Commodity Producers Equity Covered Call ETF (CMCL, MF 0.85%) to boost income. Index-tracking funds include the Global X Silver Miners Index ETF (SLVX, MF 0.50%), which follows the Solactive Global Silver Miners Index, alongside covered call versions—the Global X Silver Miners Covered Call ETF (SVCC, MF 0.65%) and Global X Enhanced Silver Miners Covered Call ETF (SVCL, MF 0.85%). The Global X Space Tech Index ETF (ORBX, MF 0.49%) tracks the Global X Space Tech Index, while the Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development Index ETF (PAVE, MF 0.49%) follows the Indxx U.S. Infrastructure Development Index. The Global X Uranium Covered Call ETF (URCC, MF 0.65%) combines uranium equities, nuclear supply chain exposure, and pricing with a covered call overlay, underscoring a focus on income and real assets.

NBI Files SmartData ETFs and Risk-Tiered Portfolio Suite

NBI has filed new ETFs, including the NBI SmartData Canadian Equity Fund (NSDC, MF 0.30%) investing in Canadian equities, and the NBI SmartData Enhanced Yield U.S. Equity Fund (NSUY, MF 0.55%), which targets U.S. equities with up to 1.5x leverage and covered call overlays. It also filed asset allocation portfolios: NBI Conservative ETF Portfolio (NCNS, MF 0.30%) with 17.5–42.5% equities; NBI Balanced ETF (NBLD, MF 0.30%) with 47.5–72.5%; NBI Growth ETF Portfolio (NGRW, MF 0.30%) with 67.5–92.5%; and NBI Equity ETF Portfolio (NEQT, MF 0.30%) with 90–100% equities. All allocate across ETFs and mutual fund series, offering diversified, risk-based exposure.

Vanguard Files Low-Cost Emerging Markets All-Cap ETF

Vanguard Canada has filed for the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index Direct ETF (VEM CN, MF 0.23%), which will track the FTSE Emerging All Cap Index. The fund is designed to provide broad exposure to large-, mid-, and small-cap companies across emerging markets through direct or indirect holdings. The filing underscores Vanguard’s continued push to expand low-cost core building blocks for diversified global equity portfolios.

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.