Weekly ETF Industry News Recap | March 16-20, 2026

ETF Weekly Update (March 16-20, 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

Dimensional Adds Active ETF Share Class for Micro Caps

Dimensional Fund Advisors launched an ETF share class of its U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (DFMC), applying its research-driven, actively managed approach to the smallest U.S. stocks. The strategy targets broad micro-cap exposure with tilts toward value, profitability, and size factors, while allowing tactical adjustments for momentum and trading costs. The ETF may use derivatives and securities lending, and differs from index ETFs with higher turnover and flexible portfolio management.

Columbia Launches Large Cap Growth ETF (REGS) After Fund Conversion

Columbia Threadneedle converted its Integrated Large Cap Growth Fund into the actively managed Columbia Large Cap Growth ETF (REGS). The fund invests mainly in U.S. large-cap growth stocks within the Russell 1000 Growth universe, focusing on companies with strong earnings potential, attractive valuations, and improving investor momentum, with potential sector tilts such as technology.

Touchstone Launches Large-Cap Growth ETF (TLG)

Touchstone introduced the Touchstone Large Company Growth ETF (TLG), an actively managed fund seeking long-term capital appreciation. The ETF invests mainly in U.S. large-cap stocks with strong growth potential and attractive valuations. Using a bottom-up approach, it targets companies with predictable growth, solid fundamentals, strong profitability, and experienced management.

Invesco Launches Equal-Weight QQQ ETF to Reduce Mega-Cap Risk

Invesco has introduced the QQQ Equal Weight ETF (QEW), tracking the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index with each constituent set at ~1% and rebalanced quarterly. The fund offers diversified exposure to the same innovation-driven companies as the Nasdaq-100 while mitigating concentration in mega-cap stocks. QEW expands Invesco’s QQQ suite, giving investors a more balanced alternative to traditional market-cap-weighted approaches.

Alpha Architect Debuts Broad U.S. Equity ETF With Tactical Overlay

Alpha Architect launched the Alpha Architect US Equity 3 ETF (AAUA), via a Section 351 ETF Conversion. AAUA is an actively managed ETF targeting broad U.S. equity exposure across sectors, styles, and market caps, with at least 80% in U.S. stocks. The fund can use other ETFs—including hedged, options-based, or factor strategies—to fine-tune exposure. A notable feature is a systematic dividend-timing approach aimed at exploiting pricing inefficiencies around payout dates, alongside optional use of derivatives for efficient market access.

FIS Launches Tactical Equity ETF With Faith-Based Screening (ACTS)
Faith Investor Services launched the FIS Tactical Equity ETF (ACTS), an actively managed strategy that adjusts equity exposure based on market conditions. The fund aims to capture upside during favorable markets while shifting defensively in higher-risk environments. It integrates biblical values screening with active risk management and is led by Jay Peroni, supported by the firm’s investment team.

Sapient Capital Launches Active ETF Focused on Quality Growth Stocks

Sapient Capital introduced the Sapient Quality Select ETF (SQS), an actively managed ETF targeting companies with strong growth, profitability, and quality fundamentals. The strategy combines thematic top-down analysis with bottom-up stock selection, focusing on trends such as AI and economic transformation. The portfolio will invest globally across sectors, primarily in equities and depositary receipts of firms with market caps above $500M.

JPMorgan Unveils S&P 500 ETF Using Call Spread Income Strategy

The JPMorgan Equity Premium Yield ETF (ROCY) is an actively managed fund that combines a portfolio of large-cap U.S. equities with a call spread options overlay tied to the S&P 500. The strategy generates income from option premiums while aiming to reduce volatility, though it caps some upside in strong markets. The fund targets monthly distributions—often including return of capital—and uses data-driven stock selection alongside derivatives to balance yield and risk.

JPMorgan Launches Nasdaq-100 ETF With Call Spread Income Strategy

The JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Yield ETF (ROCQ) combines Nasdaq-listed equities with a call spread options overlay to generate income and reduce volatility. The fund writes and buys call options on the Nasdaq-100, capturing premiums while capping some upside. It targets monthly distributions, often including return of capital, and uses data-driven stock selection alongside derivatives to balance yield generation with moderated equity market exposure.

ETF Launches - Fixed Income

Columbia Converts Core Bond Fund into Active ETF (CRUX)

Columbia Threadneedle reorganized its Columbia Bond Fund into the actively managed Columbia Core Bond ETF (CRUX). The ETF invests mainly in investment-grade bonds, including U.S. government, corporate, and mortgage-backed securities, while allowing up to 25% in high-yield debt. It may also use derivatives and foreign bonds to manage interest rate and credit exposure.

Roundhill Launches Tax-Aware Short-Duration ETF Using Options

Roundhill has introduced the Ultra Short Duration No Dividend Target ETF (XBOX), offering a tax-efficient alternative to cash and ultra-short bonds. The fund uses box spreads—an options-based strategy—to target treasury-like returns with limited equity sensitivity while minimizing taxable distributions. It expands Roundhill’s tax-aware ETF lineup, aiming to deliver short-duration exposure in a low-cost, ETF structure.

FIS Debuts Biblically Aligned Core Bond ETF (FTHB)
Faith Investor Services introduced the FIS Faith Income ETF (FTHB), an actively managed core bond fund seeking income and long-term capital preservation. The ETF offers diversified exposure across fixed-income sectors while applying biblically aligned screening. The approach combines academic-backed research with active management, with Asterozoa Management serving as sub-adviser.

Faith Investor Launches Values-Based Core Bond ETF (BRIB)
Faith Investor Services launched the FIS Bright Portfolios Core Bond ETF (BRIB), an actively managed fixed-income fund targeting income and capital preservation through laddered, high-quality corporate bonds. The strategy applies faith-based screening to favor companies contributing to the common good while excluding harmful industries, alongside fundamental credit analysis. The fund is sub-advised by Bright Portfolios.

WisdomTree Expands 90/60 Strategy With Global Equity Tilt (NTSD)

WisdomTree launched the actively managed WisdomTree Efficient U.S. Plus International Equity Fund (NTSD), which combines U.S. large-cap equities with developed international exposure via index futures in a capital-efficient 90/60 structure. With a 0.35% expense ratio, the fund aims to help investors add global diversification without reducing core U.S. allocations. The strategy reflects rising demand for efficient overlays that enhance portfolio exposure while maintaining existing equity positions.

Moonvest Debuts Contrarian, Concentrated Equity Strategy ETF

Moonvest has launched the actively managed Moonvest ETF (MNVT), investing in 15–35 U.S. and global equities, including ADRs (up to 40%). The fund follows a contrarian, bottom-up approach targeting undervalued or out-of-favor companies alongside select high-growth names. With a non-diversified, sector-agnostic mandate, MNVT may concentrate exposures based on opportunity, aiming for long-term capital appreciation with higher volatility risk.

ETF Launches - Cryptocurrency

Nicholas Wealth Launches Bitcoin Hedge ETF Using Options

Nicholas Wealth has introduced the actively managed Bitcoin Tail ETF (BHDG), designed to hedge against sharp declines in Bitcoin-linked assets. The fund uses put options on Bitcoin ETFs or indexes for downside protection, while selling calls to offset costs. It does not hold bitcoin directly, instead offering a risk-managed approach to crypto exposure as part of the firm’s derivatives-driven ETF lineup.

ETF Liquidations

Vest to Liquidate HYKE, RYSE Interest Rate Hedge ETFs

Vest Financial will close and liquidate the Vest 2 Year Interest Rate Hedge ETF (HYKE) and Vest 10 Year Interest Rate Hedge ETF (RYSE) around March 30, 2026. The funds will begin unwinding portfolios ahead of the date, likely increasing cash and deviating from strategy. Trading will halt prior to liquidation, with remaining assets distributed in cash to shareholders, triggering taxable events.

ETF Filings

First Trust Files Laddered QQQ Buffer ETFs With 1-Year Outcomes

First Trust filed FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Dual Directional Buffer ETFs with staggered start dates in March, June, September, and December, each running a one-year target outcome period. Using FLEX options on QQQ, the funds offer capped upside, gains on declines up to 10%, and a 10% buffer beyond that level. The quarterly ladder helps manage entry timing, though outcomes depend on holding the full period.

Morgan Stanley Advances First Bank-Issued Bitcoin ETF Filing

Morgan Stanley amended its SEC filing for a spot Bitcoin ETF, signaling progress toward launching what could be the first such product from a major U.S. bank. The fund, set to trade as MSBT on NYSE Arca, will track Bitcoin’s price directly. Coinbase Custody and BNY Mellon are named custodians, and an initial seed basket of 50,000 shares is planned, marking a key step toward market debut.

Kurv Files Space ETF Targeting Orbital, Satellite Economy

The Kurv Space Infrastructure ETF will invest in companies tied to satellites, launch systems, and space-enabled technologies. The actively-managed fund will allocate at least 80% to space-related equities or derivatives, with exposure spanning infrastructure, communications, and emerging space applications. It may also use derivatives and fixed income instruments, resulting in a non-diversified, flexible strategy.

Kurv Files Nuclear ETF Using Derivatives, Uranium Exposure

Kurv filed for an actively managed nuclear-focused ETF targeting companies across the nuclear value chain and uranium-linked instruments. The fund uses derivatives, including futures and FLEX options, alongside equities and ETPs to gain exposure, while employing option strategies like covered calls to generate income. It may also use a Cayman subsidiary for commodities exposure, creating a complex, non-diversified structure.

Kurv Files Complex Energy ETF Using Options, Commodities Exposure

The Kurv Energy Infrastructure ETF will combine equities, commodities, and derivatives across the energy value chain. The actively-managed fund uses futures, options (including FLEX), and synthetic positions to gain exposure, while employing covered calls and spreads to generate income and manage risk. It may invest in MLPs, ETPs, and a Cayman subsidiary, creating a highly flexible but complex, non-diversified strategy.

Kurv Files Options-Based Silver ETF With Income Strategy

The Kurv Silver & Mining Enhanced Income ETF will provide exposure to silver through derivatives, including options, futures, and synthetic positions tied to silver and related ETPs. The actively-managed fund incorporates income-generating strategies such as covered calls and spreads, while holding fixed income assets as collateral. It may also invest in silver miners, aiming to balance commodity exposure with yield and risk management.

Kurv Files Options-Driven Gold ETF With Income Overlay Strategy

The Kurv Gold & Mining Enhanced Income ETF is actively managed gold fund using derivatives, including options, futures, and synthetic positions tied to gold and gold-related ETPs. The fund pairs this exposure with income-generating strategies like covered calls and spreads, while holding fixed income assets as collateral. It may also invest in miners and use leverage, aiming to balance gold exposure with enhanced yield and risk management.

ARK Files Actively Managed Biotechnology Innovation ETF

The ARK Biotech ETF will focus on global biotechnology companies, investing at least 80% in firms tied to biotech research, drugs, diagnostics, and platforms. The actively-managed strategy combines top-down thematic research with bottom-up analysis to target disruptive innovation. The non-diversified fund may hold companies across all market caps and geographies, with a concentrated tilt toward biotech.

Invesco Expands BulletShares With 2027–2031 Treasury ETFs

Invesco filed a suite of defined-maturity Treasury ETFs tracking self-indexed portfolios of U.S. government bonds maturing annually from 2027 through 2031. Each fund will invest at least 80% in eligible Treasuries, hold bonds to maturity, and liquidate around its target year-end, returning cash to shareholders. The laddered structure extends BulletShares into shorter-duration government exposure.

Invesco Targets 2034 Maturity With BulletShares HY ETF Filing

The Invesco BulletShares 2034 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BSJY) will track the Invesco BulletShares® USD High Yield Corporate Bond 2034 Index, offering exposure to USD-denominated junk bonds maturing in 2034. The fund will invest at least 80% in index components, applying liquidity and credit screens across developed markets. Structured with a defined maturity, it will terminate շուրջ December 2034, distributing cash as holdings mature and shifting to cash equivalents in its final year.

Invesco Targets 2036 IG Corporate Bond ETF With Defined Maturity

The Invesco BulletShares 2036 Corporate Bond ETF (BSCA) tracks a self-indexed basket of investment-grade corporate bonds maturing in 2036. The fund will invest at least 80% in index constituents, which include USD-denominated bonds from issuers in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Japan, subject to credit quality and size screens. It follows a defined-maturity structure, liquidating around December 2036, with proceeds returned to shareholders as holdings mature or are called.

Natixis, Loomis Sayles Target Credit-Driven Active Bond ETF

Natixis Advisors and Loomis Sayles filed for an active bond ETF focused on credit opportunities, investing at least 80% in fixed income with up to 25% in high yield. The strategy emphasizes improving issuer fundamentals, spread opportunities, and securities less sensitive to interest rates. It has broad flexibility across global bonds, structured products, and derivatives, aiming to generate returns through credit selection rather than rate movements.

Natixis, Loomis Sayles File Active Core Bond ETF Strategy

The Natixis Loomis Sayles Dynamic Core Plus ETF (LSCP) is an actively managed core bond fund targeting performance near the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index with duration held within ±1.5 years. The strategy blends sector allocation, security selection, and macro views, with flexibility to invest across global fixed income, including up to 15% high yield and 30% foreign securities. The fund may also use derivatives and structured products to enhance total return.

TCW Files Active ETF Focused on Securitized Credit Markets

TCW has filed for an actively managed ETF investing primarily in securitized debt, including MBS, ABS, and commercial real estate-backed securities. The fund can hold both investment-grade and high-yield bonds, with flexible allocations driven by relative value and income potential. It also integrates sustainability factors into analysis and may invest globally, including foreign currency exposure with optional hedging.

Vanguard Moves to Add ETF Share Class for High Yield Bond Fund

The Vanguard U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond Index ETF Shares (VCHY) is an ETF share class tracking the Bloomberg US High Yield $250MM 2% Issuer Capped Index, focusing on liquid, below-investment-grade bonds with issuer exposure capped at 2%. Using a sampling approach, the strategy aims to mirror key risk characteristics while maintaining at least 80% exposure to index constituents, offering diversified junk bond exposure at scale.

Teucrium and Trilitech Team Up on First-of-Its-Kind Tokenized Uranium ETF Filing

The Metals.io Uranium ETF will seek uranium exposure via xU3O8, a blockchain-based token representing ownership of physical U3O8 stored by Cameco. The fund may combine tokens, swaps, futures, ETFs, and uranium trusts to track prices, with exposure below 100% at times. Structure introduces liquidity, tracking, and regulatory risks, while highlighting a new model blending commodities with digital asset infrastructure.

VanEck Targets Data Center Boom With Supply Chain ETF Filing

The VanEck Data Center Supply Chain ETF (RACK) will track the MarketVector Data Center Supply Chain Index, targeting companies tied to building and powering modern data centers. The fund will passively invest across sectors including cloud networking, semiconductors, data center REITs, nuclear energy, and grid infrastructure. The broad mandate reflects rising investor interest in AI-driven infrastructure demand and its supporting ecosystem.

Harding Loevner Files Developed Markets ex-US ETF

The International Developed Markets Select Equity ETF will target developed markets outside the U.S., focusing on well-managed, financially strong, and competitively positioned companies. The actively-managed portfolio will be diversified across regions, sectors, currencies, and market caps, investing in at least 10 countries. It will track opportunities similar to the MSCI World ex US Index, with ≥80% in equities and limited U.S. exposure.

Defiance Targets Anthropic With New 2x Leveraged ETFs Filing

Defiance ETFs has filed for two single-stock leveraged funds tied to Anthropic (pending IPO), signaling growing demand for AI-focused trading products. The proposed ETFs would offer 2x daily long and inverse exposure, allowing investors to bet on both upside and downside moves. The filing highlights continued expansion of leveraged strategies beyond publicly traded tech giants into emerging AI-linked names.

Defiance Targets Anduril With 2x Leveraged, Inverse ETFs

Defiance filed for single-stock ETFs offering 2x daily long and inverse exposure to Anduril Industries. The funds aim to deliver ±200% of the stock’s daily move, using leverage and daily rebalancing. Designed for short-term trading, returns can diverge significantly from the underlying over longer periods due to compounding and volatility, with potential for amplified losses, including total loss of capital.

ETF Milestones

Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF Hits $500M

The Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) surpassed $500M in assets, reflecting demand for its active, macro-driven strategy. The fund invests in 3–5 high-conviction themes using U.S.-listed equities, adjusting allocations as trends evolve. Its approach focuses on navigating shifting global dynamics and intermediate-term opportunities.

ETF Ecosystem

SEC Greenlights Nasdaq Pilot for Tokenized Stock Trading

The SEC approved Nasdaq’s pilot to trade tokenized versions of equities and ETFs alongside traditional shares under the same ticker and order book. Covering large-cap stocks and index ETFs, the program aims to test blockchain-based settlement efficiencies, including near-instant execution. Access will be limited to eligible participants, as regulators address pricing and surveillance concerns amid broader industry moves toward tokenization.

Europe ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

WisdomTree Launches Europe Infrastructure ETF

WisdomTree launched the WisdomTree Europe Infrastructure UCITS ETF (WBLD), targeting firms building Europe’s energy, transport, and digital infrastructure. Listed across major European exchanges, it has a 0.45% TER, undercutting a rival fund. The ETF reflects rising policy support and growing investor interest in European infrastructure.

ETF Launches - Fixed Income

Amundi Launches Active Euro Corporate Bond ETF in Europe

Amundi has launched the Amundi EUR Corporate Bond Active UCITS ETF (BCRP), an actively managed fund targeting euro-denominated investment-grade corporate bonds. Benchmark-aware and priced at a 0.20% TER, the ETF allows up to 30% in other fixed income assets, including high yield and government bonds. The launch expands Amundi’s active fixed income ETF range to four, highlighting growing demand for active strategies in ETF form.

BlackRock Closes ESG Green Bond Fossil Fuel Loophole

BlackRock will tighten ESG rules for its €1.9bn iShares € Aggregate Bond ESG SRI UCITS ETF (SEAG) by applying exclusion screens to all bonds, including green bonds. Previously, green-labelled debt could include issuers with fossil fuel exposure. The update, effective around 1 April, aligns the ETF with its benchmark and removes inconsistencies in ESG screening, strengthening its sustainability criteria.

ETF Ecosystem

WisdomTree to Acquire Atlantic House for $200M

WisdomTree agreed to buy UK-based Atlantic House (£4.1B AUM) for £150M ($200M), boosting its defined-outcome and derivatives ETF capabilities. The deal expands WisdomTree’s model portfolio platform into the UK and strengthens adviser distribution across Europe. Expected to close in Q2 2026, the acquisition aims to accelerate ETF innovation, diversify revenue, and support long-term growth.

Flow Traders Launches 24/7 OTC Desk for Tokenized Assets

Flow Traders has introduced a 24/7 OTC trading facility for tokenized assets, including money market funds, equities and commodities, marking a push beyond its ETF roots. Covering products like Franklin Templeton’s BENJI and Tether Gold, the platform targets institutional demand for round-the-clock liquidity and hedging. The move also addresses pre-funding constraints in digital markets, positioning tokenization as a major evolution in asset access.

Canada ETF Industry News

ETF Launches - Equities

Middlefield Brings Income, Energy Strategies to ETF Market

Middlefield launched ETF series for its Income Plus and ActivEnergy Dividend funds, now trading on the TSX as MIPC and MAEC. The move converts established mutual fund strategies—one focused on long-term income with monthly distributions, the other on energy dividends—into ETF format, offering improved liquidity and transparency. The expansion reflects rising demand for active income and sector exposure via ETFs.

ETF Filings

CIBC Expands Target Maturity Bond ETF Lineup, Adds Laddered Fund

CIBC Asset Management filed multiple target maturity bond ETFs spanning 2028–2031, including CAD and USD-denominated investment grade strategies aligned to specific maturity years. The lineup includes a 2031 CAD fund and four U.S. bond ETFs. CIBC also filed a 1–5 year laddered bond ETF investing equally across five underlying funds. All products carry a 0.15% management fee.

JPMorgan Files Active Income ETF With Global Bond Exposure

JPMorgan Canada filed for the JPMorgan Income Active ETF (JPIE CN), an actively managed fixed-income strategy with a 0.39% fee. The fund will invest in a mix of fixed and floating rate debt across U.S. and international markets, aiming to generate income while hedging U.S. dollar exposure for Canadian investors.

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.