Weekly ETF Industry News Recap | August 11 - August 15, 2025

ETF Weekly Update (August 11 - August 15, 2025): New launches, fund moves, and filings shape a steady week across U.S., Europe, and Canada.

U.S. Weekly ETF Industry News

U.S. ETF Launches

Leverage Shares by Themes Launches 3 New 2X Single Stock ETFs

Leverage Shares by Themes introduced CRCG, BULG, and CRWG, each offering 200% daily exposure to Circle, WeBull, and CoreWeave, respectively. Targeting AI infrastructure, digital finance, and crypto payments, the ETFs carry a 0.75% fee and expand the firm’s leveraged single-stock lineup to 22 funds.

Leverage Shares Launches 2x Capped Accelerated Single-Stock ETFs

Leverage Shares by Themes has unveiled five new Capped Accelerated ETFs offering 200% monthly upside (to a cap) and 100% downside exposure on COIN (COIO), MSTR (MSOO), NVDA (NVDO), PLTR (PLOO), and TSLA (TSLO). Using options-based strategies, these products reset monthly and aim to balance amplified returns with limited risk. Management fee: 0.75%.

REX & Tuttle Launch 2X Circle ETF Amid Stablecoin Regulation Shift

REX Shares and Tuttle Capital launched the T-REX 2X Long CRCL Daily Target ETF (CCUP), offering 200% daily exposure to Circle, issuer of USDC. The debut follows the GENIUS Act’s new stablecoin framework, positioning Circle as a key player in digital payments. CCUP joins a 20+ fund T-REX leveraged and inverse ETF lineup.

F/m Launches First Tax-Efficient Fixed Income ETFs with Compoundr

F/m Investments debuted the F/m Compoundr High Yield Bond ETF (CPHY) and U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (CPAG), the first ETFs using Nasdaq Compoundr™ Indexes to reduce dividend tax drag. The strategy rotates holdings pre–ex-dividend, shifting returns toward deferred capital gains, offering tax-aware exposure to high-yield and aggregate bonds.

Weitz Launches Core Plus Bond ETF (WCPB)

Weitz Investment Management has debuted the Weitz Core Plus Bond ETF (WCPB), an actively managed, benchmark-agnostic fund investing across Treasuries, corporates, structured products, bank loans, and select high-yield bonds. With a 3.5–7 year average duration, it uses research-driven security selection and flexible global fixed-income exposure.

Harbor Capital Launches HOLD ETF Combining Equities & Managed Futures

Harbor Capital Advisors has introduced the Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD), blending 75% S&P 500 equity exposure with 75% trend-following managed futures for ~150% total exposure via leverage. The strategy aims to deliver growth while managing risk across market conditions, with futures-based access to equities, bonds, currencies, and commodities.

Neuberger Berman Launches Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF

Neuberger Berman has launched the Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (NEMD), a new ETF focused on emerging markets debt in hard currencies like USD and EUR. Charging a 0.60% fee, NEMD invests in sovereign, corporate, and supranational issuers, aiming for high total return. The actively managed fund uses bottom-up research and considers ESG and macroeconomic factors.

U.S. ETF Filings

Defiance Seeks Approval for 3X “Hot Sauce” ETF

The Defiance Hot Sauce Daily 3X Strategy ETF (HOT) will target 3X daily returns of a high-volatility “hot sauce” stock portfolio via swaps and options. The fund will hold 5–20 momentum-driven, retail-favorite equities, rebalanced daily. Designed for short-term trading, it warns that compounding and volatility may erode long-term returns.

Leverage Shares Files for Multiple 2X Daily Stock ETFs

Leverage Shares has filed for 2X daily leveraged ETFs tied to Lululemon (LULU), CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP), Teradyne (TER), Beamr Imaging (BMNR), Nebius Group NV (NBIS), and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG). Each targets double the daily move of its underlying stock using swaps and options, with daily rebalancing and high volatility risk.

NEOS Plans Ether Income & Synthetic Exposure ETF

The NEOS Ethereum High Income ETF offers indirect Ether exposure via spot Ether ETPs (held partly through a Cayman subsidiary) and a synthetic options strategy. The fund will pair call purchases with put sales for price exposure, while writing calls to generate high monthly income—limiting upside beyond certain price levels.

AllianceBernstein Files for U.S. Equity-Focused Active ETF

The AB US Equity ETF is an actively managed ETF investing at least 80% in U.S. equities, primarily mid- and large-cap stocks. The strategy combines fundamental and quantitative research with tax-aware portfolio management, and the fund will be non-diversified, allowing larger positions in fewer companies.

ProShares Files for 2X Daily Bullish ETF

The ProShares Ultra BLSH ETF will seek 2X daily returns of Bullish (BLSH), a global digital asset platform. The fund will use swaps and other derivatives to gain leveraged exposure, with daily rebalancing to maintain the target. Cash balances will be held in high-quality short-term instruments like T-bills or repos.

Arlington Partners Files for Long-Term Value Growth ETF

The AQE Core ETF (AQEC) is an actively managed ETF investing at least 80% in high-quality equities deemed fairly valued, with a focus on large-cap firms with strong finances and durable advantages. The fund uses fundamental analysis, maintains a long-term, low-turnover approach, and is non-diversified.

Tidal Files for European Banks Index ETF

The Portfolio Building Block European Banks Index ETF will track the BITA European Banks Index, which includes 35–70 large-cap banking companies listed on major developed European exchanges. Constituents span retail, corporate, payments, and treasury operations, weighted by free-float market cap and rebalanced quarterly. The fund is non-diversified and concentrated in the banking industry.

Tidal Files for Global Pharma & Biotech Leaders ETF

The Portfolio Building Block World Pharma and Biotech Index ETF will track the BITA World BioPharma and Life Sciences Index, which holds 35–70 large-cap firms ($10B+ market cap) from developed markets. Constituents span biotech therapeutics, pharma manufacturing, precision medicine, life sciences tools, and clinical services, weighted by free-float market cap and rebalanced quarterly. The fund is non-diversified.

Tidal Files for Global Upstream Oil & Gas ETF

The Portfolio Building Block Integrated Oil and Gas and Exploration and Production Index ETF will track the BITA Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Ecosystem Index, covering 20–50 large-cap ($10B+) companies from developed markets engaged in crude oil and natural gas extraction, integrated energy operations, and reserve optimization. Constituents are weighted by free-float market cap and rebalanced quarterly. The fund is non-diversified.

Gabelli Files for Dividend-Focused Active ETF

The Keeley Dividend ETF is an actively managed ETF investing at least 80% in dividend-paying equities, primarily small- and mid-caps. Targets include companies with stable or growing dividends, potential to initiate payouts, or shareholder return programs. The strategy seeks undervalued stocks with catalysts, aiming for long-term growth and reduced volatility.

Leverage Shares Plans 2X Daily Bullish (BLSH) ETF

The Leverage Shares 2X Long BLSH Daily ETF will target 200% of Bullish’s (BLSH, newly IPO'd) daily price moves via swaps and options. The fund will be concentrated in the capital markets industry, rebalance daily, and hold collateral in short-term, high-quality instruments. A single-day 50% adverse move could wipe out all investor capital.

USCF Files for Leveraged Oil & Bitcoin Futures ETF

The USCF Oil Plus Bitcoin Strategy Fund is an actively managed ETF providing equal notional exposure to crude oil and bitcoin—about 100% each—via futures (including micro contracts) and bitcoin ETPs. Using a Cayman subsidiary for tax efficiency, the fund reallocates daily, holds collateral in cash or Treasuries, and is classified as a non-diversified commodity pool.

Defiance Files for Four 2X Daily Leveraged Stock ETFs
Defiance has applied to launch ETFs offering 200% of the daily performance of American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), Bullish (BLSH), DoorDash (DASH), and Moderna (MRNA). The funds will use derivatives to achieve leverage and rebalance daily to maintain their 2X exposure.

Defiance Files for “Retail Kings” Momentum ETF

The Defiance Retail Kings ETF (RKNG) will invest in 30–50 U.S.-listed “Retail Kings,” identified through a proprietary retail sentiment model and momentum scoring system. The strategy targets companies with high retail investor interest, strong fundamentals, and competitive moats, rebalanced quarterly and generally equally weighted.

Defiance Files for Four Single-Stock Leveraged ETFs

Defiance has filed for actively managed ETFs offering ~150%–200% daily leveraged exposure to Beam Therapeutics (BEAM), SharpLink Gaming (SBET), Opendoor Technologies (OPEN), and Eos Energy Enterprises (EOSE). Each fund will use derivatives such as swaps and options to gain amplified long exposure, with daily rebalancing and collateral held in cash equivalents and Treasuries. The leverage target is flexible (typically 200%) and may be adjusted based on volatility, liquidity, and derivative availability.

REX Shares Files for New T-Rex 2X Leveraged & Inverse ETFs

REX Shares has filed for multiple 2X leveraged daily target ETFs, including exposure to StubHub (STUB), MP Materials (MP), Sarepta (SRPT), Cipher Mining (CIFR), AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), Bit Digital (BTBT), TeraWulf (WULF), and QuantumScape (QS). It also filed for a 2X inverse Bullish (BLSH) ETF, with a separate filing highlighting a 2X long BLSH ETF.

iShares Files for Active Russell 1000-Based Large Cap ETF

The iShares Enhanced Large Cap Core Active ETF is an actively managed ETF aiming to track large-cap U.S. equities with low tracking error to the Russell 1000 Index. Using proprietary quantitative models, it seeks to exploit stock mispricing through over/under-weighting positions. The fund may also use derivatives and IPOs, and is classified as non-diversified.

WisdomTree Files for Active Blockchain & Crypto Futures ETF

The WisdomTree Efficient Blockchain Plus Crypto Fund combines U.S.-listed cryptocurrency futures (via a Cayman subsidiary) and global equities tied to blockchain and crypto themes. The fund seeks roughly equal exposure to both, using a model that scores companies on thematic alignment and momentum. Portfolios rebalance quarterly, with a 10% cap per stock, and the fund is non-diversified.

WisdomTree Files for Balanced U.S. Equity & Crypto Futures ETF

The WisdomTree Efficient Blockchain Plus Crypto Fund aims to split exposure between U.S. large-cap equities and cryptocurrency futures (via a Cayman subsidiary). The actively managed fund will rebalance quarterly, with intra-quarter adjustments if allocations drift by more than 5%. It won’t hold physical crypto, and is classified as non-diversified.

WisdomTree Files for TIPS & Gold Balanced ETF

The WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus TIPS Fund combines short-duration U.S. TIPS with U.S.-listed gold futures (via a Cayman subsidiary). The fund seeks roughly equal exposure to both assets, rebalanced quarterly, and employs an “enhanced roll” process to optimize futures positioning. It aims to hedge inflation through TIPS while capturing gold’s potential as a store of value.

Akre Capital Files for Concentrated Long-Term Growth ETF

Akre Capital Management has filed for an actively managed ETF focused on long-term capital appreciation. The fund will hold a concentrated portfolio of U.S. equities, with up to 35% in foreign securities, and may keep significant cash positions. It targets companies with strong returns on equity, shareholder-friendly management, and reinvestment opportunities. Non-diversified.

VistaShares Files for Treasury + Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (BTYA)

VistaShares BitBonds 1-3 Yr Enhanced Weekly Option Income ETF will invest ~80% in short-term U.S. Treasuries and ~20% in Bitcoin ETPs via a synthetic covered call strategy. The fund seeks to double Treasury yields while generating weekly income from option premiums. It won’t hold Bitcoin directly, instead using options on Bitcoin ETPs to provide indirect exposure and capped upside.

VistaShares Files for Mid-Term Treasury + Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (BTYB)

The VistaShares BitBonds 5 Yr Enhanced Weekly Option Income ETF will allocate ~80% to mid-term U.S. Treasuries (3–7 years) and ~20% to Bitcoin ETPs via a synthetic covered call strategy. The fund targets double the yield of Treasuries and weekly income from option premiums, while limiting Bitcoin upside beyond certain levels. Monthly reallocations maintain its 80/20 balance.

VistaShares Files for Long-Term Treasury + Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (BTYC)

The VistaShares BitBonds 10 Yr Enhanced Weekly Option Income ETF will allocate ~80% to long-term U.S. Treasuries (8–12 years) and ~20% to Bitcoin ETPs via a synthetic covered call strategy. The fund aims to deliver double Treasury yields plus weekly income from option premiums, while limiting upside on Bitcoin exposure. Portfolios are rebalanced monthly to maintain the 80/20 target.

VistaShares Files for Ultra-Long Treasury + Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (BTYE) 

The VistaShares BitBonds 20 Yr Enhanced Weekly Option Income ETF will allocate ~80% to ultra-long U.S. Treasuries (20+ years) and ~20% to Bitcoin ETPs via a synthetic covered call strategy. The fund targets double the yield of long Treasuries and weekly income from option premiums, while capping Bitcoin upside. Portfolios are rebalanced monthly to maintain the 80/20 allocation.

Virtus Files for Small-Cap Growth ETF

The Virtus Systematic U.S. Small Cap Growth ETF will invest at least 80% of assets in small-cap U.S. growth companies, defined as those smaller than the largest 1,000 names in the Russell 2000® Growth Index. Sub-advised by Virtus Systematic, the strategy combines a quantitative alpha model, AI-driven behavioral and valuation factors, risk overlays, and qualitative review. The fund may also invest in preferreds, ADRs, convertibles, and warrants. Sector exposures can be significant; current focus includes Industrials, Healthcare, and Information Technology.

Virtus ETF Targets Global Small-Caps with AI-Driven Strategy

The Virtus Systematic International Small Cap ETF (VSIS) will invest at least 80% in international small-cap stocks, with market caps between $1B–$4B. It uses an AI-enhanced, quantitative model emphasizing behavioral and valuation factors. The fund is diversified across 8+ countries, with current sector focus in Industrials and Financials.

Virtus Plans Active Emerging Markets ETF with AI-Driven Approach

The Virtus Systematic Emerging Markets Equity ETF (VSEM) focuses on emerging market equities, with potential heavy exposure to China. The fund uses an AI-powered quantitative model combining behavioral and valuation factors. It may invest across all market caps and is currently tilted toward Financials and Tech sectors.

Virtus Files for U.S. Dividend-Focused Active ETF

The Virtus Systematic U.S. Dividend ETF (VSDV) targets U.S.-listed dividend-paying stocks. The fund uses an AI-enhanced quantitative model to select high-yield equities, with a current sector focus on Financials and Tech. The strategy blends behavioral and valuation factors to identify income-generating opportunities.

Virtus Plans International Dividend ETF Focused on Developed Markets

The Virtus Systematic International Dividend ETF (VSID) invests in dividend-paying companies from developed non-U.S. markets. The fund uses an AI-driven model combining behavioral and valuation factors. It may also invest in Hong Kong stocks tied to China. Current sector emphasis includes Financials and Information Technology.

Virtus Files for Emerging Markets Dividend-Focused Active ETF

The Virtus Systematic Emerging Markets Dividend ETF invests in dividend-paying companies from emerging markets, with significant potential exposure to China. Using an AI-driven model, the fund blends behavioral and valuation factors, with current focus on Financials and Tech sectors. It may invest across all market caps.

iShares Plans Large Cap Equity & Options Income ETF

The iShares U.S. Large Cap Premium Income Active ETF (BALI) combines U.S. large-cap stocks with options and futures to generate premium income. The fund sells index call options and buys futures to offset capped gains. It uses proprietary quantitative models focused on downside protection and mispricing to optimize the portfolio.

iShares Files for USD-Hedged Euro Corporate Bond ETF

The iShares Euro Investment Grade Corporate Bond USD Hedged ETF seeks to tracks an index composed of Euro-denominated investment-grade bonds from both developed and emerging markets that mitigates exposure to fluctuations between the value of the Euro and the U.S. dollar. The fund uses currency forwards to reduce Euro/USD risk and applies a representative sampling strategy.

Grayscale Files to Convert Dogecoin Trust into Spot ETF

Grayscale has filed with the SEC to convert its $2.5M Dogecoin Trust into a spot ETF, ticker GDOG. The move follows similar filings from Bitwise and Rex-Osprey. Polymarket bettors currently assign a 75% chance of SEC approval in 2025, reflecting rising optimism around crypto ETFs.

U.S. ETF Issuer Milestone

Bitwise Surpasses $15B in Assets, Expands Amid Crypto Demand

Bitwise Asset Management now manages over $15B across 40+ products, fueled by 2025’s regulatory clarity and rising institutional crypto adoption. The firm has grown its team by 20% and added major clients, including banks and wealth managers across the U.S. and Europe.

Tradr ETFs Surpasses $1B AUM in Just Over a Year

Tradr ETFs has topped $1 billion in assets since launching in May 2024, fueled by demand for its leveraged and inverse single-stock and thematic ETFs. The firm now offers 21 LETFs, including daily, monthly, and quarterly reset options targeting high-conviction sectors like AI and space.

U.S. ETF Ecosystem Updates

Citigroup Explores Stablecoin and Crypto ETF Custody Services

Citigroup is considering providing custody for stablecoins and crypto ETF assets, alongside payment and conversion services. Spurred by recent U.S. legislation, Citi may hold Treasuries backing stablecoins and support instant transfers using tokenized dollars. The move signals deeper crypto integration by major banks.

SEC Delays Decision on Bitwise, 21Shares Spot Solana ETFs

The SEC has postponed its ruling on proposed spot Solana ETFs from Bitwise, 21Shares, VanEck, and Canary Marinade to October 16, 2025. The delay keeps issuers waiting as they aim to launch the first U.S. ETFs holding SOL directly, not via futures.

Europe Weekly ETF Industry News

EU ETF Cross-Listing

First Trust Lists Four New ETFs on London Stock Exchange

First Trust has added four ETFs to the LSE: MJUN (U.S. Equity Max Buffer), RDVY (Rising Dividend Achievers), AIRR (American Industrial Renaissance), and H2O (Global Water). The listings expand First Trust’s UK lineup to 46 funds, covering downside protection, dividend growth, U.S. industrials, and water infrastructure themes.

iShares Launches its First Bitcoin ETP on SIX Swiss Exchange

iShares has listed its first European Bitcoin ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange, becoming the 20th crypto ETP issuer there. Fully backed by bitcoin held in Coinbase cold storage, the ETP trades in Swiss Francs and aims to offer institutional investors secure, regulated exposure to BTC.

EU ETF Ecosystem Updates

Archax to Acquire DDA to Expand into Crypto ETPs

UK-based Archax will acquire Deutsche Digital Assets, adding $70m AUM and a five-ETP crypto suite. The deal grants Archax EU regulatory permissions and deep access to German, French, and Swiss markets. It comes as the UK FCA prepares to lift its retail ban on crypto ETNs, opening new distribution opportunities.

Crypto ETP Issuers Weigh UK Listings After FCA Ban Lift

VanEck, DWS, HANetf, and Deutsche Digital Assets are eyeing UK crypto ETP listings after the FCA moves to allow retail access from October. Eligibility for ISAs and SIPPs will be clarified in autumn, while retail platforms assess onboarding. Current rules limit listings to Bitcoin and Ethereum products.

EU ETF People

Citi Names Myburgh to Lead New ETF White-Label Platform

Citi appointed Gareth Myburgh as operations head for its upcoming white-label service, Citi Velocity ETFs, set to launch by year-end. Myburgh, with 25 years in asset servicing, will design the platform’s operating model. The venture partners with Carne Group and HANetf, following Citi’s minority stake in HANetf.

Canada Weekly ETF Industry News

Canada ETF Launches

Global X Launches 4 Leveraged, Inverse BetaPro ETFs on Cboe Canada

Global X debuted four BetaPro ETFs on Cboe Canada—SOXL, SOXS, TTLT, and STLT—offering 3x leveraged or -3x inverse exposure to semiconductor and US Treasury 20+ year indices. All feature built-in USD currency hedging to reduce FX impact, aiming for more precise tactical trading for Canadian investors.

Franklin Templeton Canada Launches Two Low-Cost Index ETFs

Franklin Templeton has introduced two ETFs on Cboe Canada: the Franklin U.S. Quality Moat Dividend Index ETF (FDIV), tracking U.S. dividend stocks with economic moats (0.25% fee), and the Franklin FTSE India Index ETF (FID), offering exposure to Indian equities via the FTSE India Index (0.19% fee). The launch expands its Canadian platform with a focus on quality income and emerging market growth.

CI GAM Launches Three New ETF Series from Private Pool Lineup

CI Global Asset Management has added ETF series for three private pools: CUIG/CUIG.U (U.S. Monthly Income, 0.60% fee), CGDI (Global Dividend, 0.70%), and CSMD (U.S. Small/Mid Cap Equity, 0.65%). The strategies focus on income, quality dividends, and growth in small/mid-cap U.S. stocks.

LongPoint Launches Canada’s First -2x Single-Stock ETFs for NVIDIA, Tesla

LongPoint Asset Management has introduced Canada’s first inverse double-leveraged single-stock ETFs: NVDD (-2x NVIDIA) and TSLD (-2x Tesla), trading on the TSX in CAD. These ETFs expand LongPoint’s Savvy lineup, which already includes 2x long ETFs on six major U.S. tech stocks, offering tactical tools for active investors.

Canada ETF Filings

Harvest Files for 10 Canadian Single-Stock Covered Call ETFs with Leverage

Harvest ETFs has filed for 10 new Canadian single-stock Enhanced High Income ETFs, including names like Shopify (SHPE), TD Bank (TDHE), and Enbridge (ENBE). Each ETF uses up to 1.33x leverage and writes covered calls on up to 50% of holdings. A fund-of-funds, HHIC, was also filed. Most funds carry a 0.40% fee.

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.