Weekly ETF Industry News Recap | August 4 - August 8, 2025

ETF Weekly Update (August 4 - August 8, 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

John Hancock Launches JDVL: Concentrated Active U.S. Value ETF

Manulife John Hancock Investments listed the John Hancock Disciplined Value Select ETF (JDVL) on NYSE Arca, offering a high-conviction portfolio of 35–40 U.S. value stocks. Subadvised by Boston Partners and managed by David Cohen and Joshua White, the fund applies a disciplined, fundamentals-driven approach to target companies with strong business momentum. JDVL is John Hancock’s 17th ETF, expanding its $7.5B lineup of actively managed funds.

BlackRock Debuts Active ETF IDYN for International Factor Rotation

BlackRock has launched the iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF (IDYN), targeting developed markets outside the U.S. The 0.40% TER fund uses a rules-based, top-down approach to rotate between factors like momentum, value, and low volatility, dynamically adjusting to macro and market trends for global diversification.

First Trust Launches DGLO: ETF Targeting U.S. Companies Poised to Benefit from Deglobalization

First Trust introduced the RBA Deglobalization ETF (DGLO), which tracks the RBA U.S. Deglobalization Index, focusing on U.S. companies expected to gain from the shift toward local production and reduced reliance on global supply chains. The index emphasizes industrial, energy, materials, transportation, aerospace & defense, and cybersecurity firms, with inclusion criteria based on U.S. revenue share, earnings growth, debt metrics, and industry exposure. The fund aims to capture opportunities arising from geopolitical tensions and the re-shoring trend.

ProShares Launches CRCA: 2X Leveraged ETF on Circle Stock

ProShares debuted the Ultra CRCL ETF (CRCA), targeting 200% of the daily performance of Circle (CRCL), the USDC stablecoin issuer that recently went public and has surged 134% since listing. Designed for short-term trading, CRCA offers amplified exposure to Circle’s growth in digital payments amid new U.S. stablecoin regulations, joining ProShares’ lineup of over 150 ETFs.

Defiance Launches VIXI: Leveraged Long Volatility & Short S&P 500 ETF

Defiance ETFs debuted the Defiance Enhanced Long Vol ETF (VIXI), combining 0.75x–1x long VIX futures exposure with 1.5x–2x leveraged short S&P 500 exposure. The strategy seeks gains during volatility spikes and equity market declines, offering active investors a dual hedge and trading tool tied to the inverse relationship between stocks and volatility.

Defiance Launches QPUX: 2X Leveraged Pure Quantum Computing ETF

Defiance ETFs introduced QPUX, offering 200% daily leveraged exposure to an equal-weighted basket of IONQ, RGTI, QBTS, and QUBT. Rebalanced daily, the fund uses swaps and listed options to target amplified moves in pure-play quantum computing companies, giving active traders focused access to this emerging technology sector.

Direxion Launches Leveraged & Inverse ETFs for Shopify and Lockheed Martin

Direxion introduced four single-stock ETFs: SHPU (+2x SHOP), SHPD (–1x SHOP), LMTL (+2x LMT), and LMTS (–1x LMT). Aimed at active traders, these funds offer short-term amplified or inverse exposure to e-commerce and defense leaders, enabling targeted plays on earnings, sector shifts, or geopolitical events.

TrueShares and RiverNorth Convert Mutual Fund to Active ETF Focused on Closed-End Fund Opportunities

TrueShares, in partnership with RiverNorth Capital Management, has converted the nearly 20-year-old RiverNorth Core Opportunity Fund (RNCOX/RNCIX) into the RiverNorth Active Income ETF (CEFZ). The ETF retains the original strategy of opportunistically investing in closed-end funds (CEFs) and ETFs across equity and fixed-income markets, aiming for income generation and long-term capital appreciation, with a targeted annual distribution rate of 10%. RiverNorth remains sub-advisor, while TrueShares serves as advisor, bringing investors the same approach with ETF structure benefits such as transparency, liquidity, and tax efficiency.

Oasis Capital Partners Debuts Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF (DADS)

Oasis Capital Partners has launched the Digital Asset Debt Strategy ETF (DADS), an actively managed fund investing at least 80% of assets in debt securities from issuers tied to digital asset activities. The portfolio will focus on convertible bonds—along with high-yield, secured, distressed debt, and preferred stock—from companies engaged in mining, holding, facilitating payments with, or supporting the infrastructure of digital assets. Target issuer categories include miners and power suppliers, direct bitcoin holders, semiconductor and tech firms, payment platforms, and financial service providers. The strategy seeks securities with high correlation to bitcoin, combining traditional credit analysis with evaluations of capital appreciation potential and structural features. The fund may also use swaps and options for cost-effective exposure.

Tortoise Capital Launches AI Infrastructure ETF Focusing on Energy, Data Centers, and Hardware

Tortoise Capital Advisors has launched the Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF (TCAI), an actively managed fund investing in companies that provide the infrastructure essential to artificial intelligence. The strategy focuses on energy providers generating and distributing electricity, pipeline infrastructure, and key inputs such as natural gas and uranium. It also targets data center operators and construction firms expanding capacity for AI-related computing needs, along with technology companies supplying the hardware, cabling, storage systems, and cooling solutions that enable data center operations. TCAI is designed to benefit from rising electricity demand, rapid data center expansion, and the hardware requirements created by accelerating AI adoption.

Virtus Launches AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF for Diversified, Cycle-Resilient Investing

Virtus Investment Partners introduced the Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Macro ETF (ASGM), an actively managed strategy aiming for long-term capital appreciation regardless of market cycles. Managed by AlphaSimplex’s Alexander Healy, Kathryn Kaminski, and Tansu Demirbilek, ASGM combines dedicated global equity exposure with systematic macro strategies to capture upside in strong markets and mitigate losses during volatility. Using proprietary research and dynamic risk management, the fund targets diversification benefits traditionally found in hedge fund global macro strategies, now available in a liquid ETF format.

Morgan Stanley Converts Mortgage Securities Trust to Eaton Vance Mortgage Opportunities ETF EVMO

Morgan Stanley Investment Management has converted the Morgan Stanley Mortgage Securities Trust (MTGDX) into the Eaton Vance Mortgage Opportunities ETF (EVMO), expanding its ETF platform to 18 funds, including 10 active fixed income strategies. Managed by Greg Finck, Andrew Szczurowski, Matt Buckley, and Brandon Matsui, EVMO invests in agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, commercial MBS, and asset-backed securities, aiming to deliver higher yield, lower volatility, and low correlation versus broader fixed income markets. The managers see securitized assets as a diversifying alternative to corporate credit, with returns driven by factors such as housing, commercial real estate, and consumer spending rather than the traditional business cycle.

U.S. ETF Filings

REX Shares Files IncomeMax ETFs Targeting Leveraged Tech & Crypto Plays

REX Shares seeks approval for 10 actively managed IncomeMax ETFs tied to 2x leveraged ETFs of Tesla, Nvidia, MicroStrategy, Robinhood, Coinbase, Palantir, Alphabet, Apple, Circle, and Bitcoin. Funds aim for weekly payouts via options, swaps, and collateralized Treasuries, though daily leverage may cause returns to diverge from long-term asset performance.

REX Shares Plans Weekly-Income ETF Using Stocks & Options Strategies

The REX IncomeMax Option Strategy ETF is an actively managed ETF targeting weekly income and limited upside gains via U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, and options. The fund combines equity holdings with covered and synthetic options trades, selecting high-volatility securities for richer premiums, and may hold Treasuries for collateral and added income. No specific return target is stated.

REX Shares Files 3 New Single-Stock Leveraged & Inverse ETFs

REX Shares applied for T-REX 2X Long FLY (Firefly Aerospace) Daily Target ETF, T-REX 2X Inverse FLY Daily Target ETF, and T-REX 2X Inverse FIG (Figma) Daily Target ETF. Each seeks to deliver twice the daily gain or loss—or the inverse—of its underlying stock, magnifying short-term performance moves.

Core Alternative Capital Plans Large-Cap Equity & Options Income Fund

The Optimized Equity Income ETF is an actively managed ETF investing mainly in U.S.-listed large-cap stocks, aiming for monthly income via dividends and covered calls. The fund may also use puts for downside protection and calls for upside capture, with 25–75% notional options exposure. Strategy emphasizes capital appreciation with controlled volatility.

Roundhill Files 14 WeeklyPay™ Leveraged ETFs Across Assets

Roundhill files for for 14 actively managed WeeklyPay™ ETFs targeting 1.2× weekly total returns of indexes, sectors, or assets — including investment-grade and high-yield bonds, Bitcoin, S&P 500, gold, Treasuries, semiconductors, and more — via swaps and direct holdings. Funds aim to pay variable weekly distributions, often as return of capital, backed by Treasuries as collateral.

Tradr Files 20 Single-Stock 2X Daily Leveraged ETFs

Tradr has filed for ETFs delivering 2× daily leveraged exposure to: APO, NEM, BE, NIQ, BLSH, NNE, CLS, NXPI, DASH, ON, ETSY, OPEN, FLY, QS, IREN, SNPS, KSS, SRPT, MCHP, and WULF. Each fund targets double the daily return of its stock before fees, magnifying both potential gains and losses for short-term traders.

Voya Investment Management Files Active Bond ETF Targeting Income & Appreciation

The Voya Core Bond ETF is an actively managed ETF investing mainly in investment-grade bonds and bond-like derivatives, with 80%+ in fixed income across sectors and geographies, including emerging markets. Duration will typically range 3–10 years. The fund uses macro and fundamental analysis, may employ derivatives, and integrates ESG factors into its process.

Voya Investment Management Files Flexible Income ETF With Up to 65% in High Yield Bonds

The Voya Multi-Sector Income ETF is an active ETF seeking high current income and long-term appreciation, investing 80%+ in income-producing bonds and bond-like derivatives. The fund can hold up to 65% in below-investment-grade debt, with duration from 0–10 years, and may use floating-rate loans, derivatives, and ESG factors in a dynamic, macro- and fundamentals-driven process.

Voya Investment Management Files Ultra-Short Duration Income ETF

The Voya Ultra Short Income ETF is an active ETF aiming for high current income with capital preservation, investing 80%+ in diversified income-producing bonds and similar derivatives. The fund’s dollar-weighted duration will not exceed one year, may hold up to 15% in high-yield debt, and can use derivatives and floating-rate instruments, guided by a dynamic, ESG-integrated process.

Collaborative Files for Growth and Income ETF

The PL Growth and Income ETF is an active ETF aiming for long-term capital appreciation and income through 30–50 U.S. stocks, bonds, and preferreds, plus ETFs for targeted exposure. The fund can hold up to 70% in fixed income and uses covered calls and cash-secured puts for income, combining quantitative and fundamental analysis to manage risk and enhance returns.

Donoghue Forlines Files ETF Tracking Innovation Tech Index

Donoghue Forlines filed for an ETF aiming to track the DF Innovation Tech Index, which targets U.S. companies in intelligent systems, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, sensing technologies, and decentralized finance. The market-cap-weighted index caps positions, limits non–pure play exposure to 20%, and rebalances quarterly, with potential for high portfolio turnover.

FINQ AI Files Active Large-Cap ETF Using Autonomous AI Stock Rankings

The FINQ FIRST U.S. Large Cap AI-Managed Equity ETF is an actively-managed ETF investing mainly in S&P 500 stocks, selected from its proprietary AI model that ranks all 500 daily by relative attractiveness. The portfolio typically holds 13–16 top-ranked names, rebalanced quarterly, with possible weighting adjustments. The AI uses NLP, machine learning, and market data to adapt over time, aiming for long-term growth in large-cap U.S. equities.

FINQ AI Files Dollar-Neutral Long/Short AI-Powered ETF

The FINQ DOLLAR NEUTRAL U.S. Large Cap AI-Managed Equity ETF is an actively managed ETF aiming for absolute returns via a dollar-neutral strategy in S&P 500 stocks. Using its autonomous AI model, the fund typically goes long the top 10 ranked names and short the bottom 10, balancing exposures to reduce market direction risk. Positions are rebalanced quarterly, with collateral held in cash or Treasuries.

Global X Files for U.S. Natural Gas ETF

The Global X U.S. Natural Gas ETF will track the Global X U.S. Natural Gas Index, which includes U.S.-listed companies in upstream and midstream natural gas and NGL operations, excluding MLPs. Firms must meet reserve or revenue thresholds for inclusion. The index uses modified market-cap weighting, rebalances semi-annually, and the fund will follow a passive replication or sampling approach.

Defiance Files for 5 Single-Stock 2X Daily Target ETFs

Defiance applied for leveraged ETFs offering 2× daily exposure to individual stocks: ET, FIG, IREN, MP, and QS. Each fund seeks to deliver twice the daily return of its underlying company’s shares before fees, magnifying both potential gains and losses for short-term traders.

Gladius Capital Plans ETF Using Box Spreads for Short-Term Yield

The Wayfinder Dynamic U.S. Interest Rate ETF is an active ETF aiming to match or beat the yield of the 0–12 month U.S. Treasury Bill market. The fund will primarily use box spreads—paired option positions that neutralize market price risk—to replicate cash-equivalent returns tied to short-term interest rates. Positions may be rolled frequently, resulting in high turnover.

Gladius Capital Plans ETF Targeting Index vs. Stock Volatility Gaps

The Wayfinder U.S. Dispersion ETF is an active ETF aiming to profit from volatility differences between an equity index and its components. The fund will trade equity and index options, FLEX options, and swaps, with both long and short positions, and may use the Wayfinder Dynamic U.S. Interest Rate ETF for cash management. Portfolio exposure may shift frequently based on risk-reward views.

Gladius Capital Plans Gold ETF with Lower-Volatility Strategy

The Wayfinder Gold ETF is an active ETF aiming to deliver gold-linked returns with less volatility than direct gold exposure. At least 80% will be in gold-related securities, ETFs, ETNs, and derivatives, with some exposure via a Cayman subsidiary. The fund may use covered calls for income, invest up to 20% in fixed income, and employ the affiliated Wayfinder Dynamic U.S. Interest Rate ETF for cash management.

Gladius Capital Plans Oil ETF with Lower-Volatility Approach

The Wayfinder Oil ETF is an active ETF targeting attractive oil-linked returns with less volatility than direct crude exposure. At least 80% will be in oil-related securities, ETFs, ETNs, and derivatives, with some held via a Cayman subsidiary. The fund may invest up to 20% in fixed income and use the affiliated Wayfinder Dynamic U.S. Interest Rate ETF for cash management.

Gladius Capital Plans U.S. Equity ETF with “Better Beta” Strategy

The Wayfinder U.S. Market Better Beta ETF seeks S&P 500–linked capital appreciation with risk management enhancements. The fund will use listed S&P 500 options, related ETFs, swaps, and futures, and may allocate to the affiliated Wayfinder Dynamic U.S. Interest Rate ETF for cash management. Quantitative methods aim to adjust exposure for improved risk-adjusted returns.

Gladius Capital Plans Defensive Equity ETF Using S&P 500 Options

The Wayfinder Saber ETF  is an active ETF aiming for equity-like returns with downside protection via a defensive derivatives structure. The fund will primarily use listed S&P 500 options, alongside potential allocations to the affiliated Wayfinder Dynamic U.S. Interest Rate ETF for cash management, seeking consistent performance across varying market conditions.

Roundhill Plans Relaunch of Meme Stock ETF

The Roundhill Meme Stock ETF (MEME) will be an active ETF investing in 13–25 “meme stocks,” defined as the most volatile names among the 200 most traded U.S.-listed stocks and ADRs. Holdings are weighted by implied volatility and may be rebalanced weekly. The fund targets highly liquid, social media–driven stocks across market caps and will be non-diversified.

U.S. ETF Ecosystem Updates

Harvard Endowment Reports $116M Stake in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF

Harvard Management Company, which oversees the university’s $53.2 billion endowment, disclosed owning roughly 1.9 million shares of the iShares Bitcoin ETF as of June 30, valued at more than $116 million. The position ranks as Harvard’s fifth-largest holding, behind Microsoft, Amazon, Booking Holdings, and Meta. While the endowment has long concentrated on technology investments, the filing suggests a growing allocation toward digital assets, following earlier reports of Harvard exploring crypto fund exposure as far back as 2018. The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF, approved alongside 10 similar products in January 2024, has since grown to more than $86 billion in assets, with recent SEC action expanding allowable options contracts, potentially boosting demand.

BlackRock Denies Plans for XRP or Solana ETFs

BlackRock stated it has no current plans to pursue spot exchange-traded funds tied to XRP or Solana, countering online speculation about an expanded crypto ETF lineup. In comments to The Block, a company spokesperson said the world’s largest ETF issuer “does not have any plans to file for an XRP or a SOL ETF at this time.” The firm already offers digital asset products, including its iShares Bitcoin ETF, but gave no indication of future filings for other cryptocurrencies.

SEC Opposition Pressures XRP ETF Approval Odds

SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw remains the lone dissenting vote in 13 crypto ETF decisions, reaffirming her opposition to such products. Her stance drove XRP ETF approval odds down to 65% on Polymarket, before a slight rebound. Investors fear her resistance could delay or complicate future XRP ETF approvals.

Events Industry Veterans Acquire ETF.com to Build Events-Driven Platform

Matt Middleton and Anil D. Aggarwal have acquired a majority stake in ETF.com from ETFS Capital, aiming to transform it into an events-focused multimedia hub. Leveraging their track records in large-scale finance and fintech events, they plan to boost ETF.com’s role in education, networking, and industry engagement.

Cboe Surpasses 1,000 U.S. ETF Listings, Expands Role in Active Strategies

Cboe BZX Exchange has topped 1,000 U.S. ETF listings, becoming the second venue to reach the mark. Listings have grown 70% since 2023, fueled by demand for actively managed, derivatives-based, and crypto ETFs. Over 40% of new U.S. ETFs this year use options strategies, underscoring Cboe’s leadership in innovative product listings.

Chainlink Launches Onchain Data Streams for U.S. Equities and ETFs

Chainlink has rolled out Data Streams delivering real-time, institutional-grade pricing for U.S. equities and ETFs, including SPY, QQQ, NVDA, and AAPL, across 37 blockchains. Adopted by DeFi protocols like GMX and Kamino, the service enables tokenized stocks, perpetual futures, and synthetic ETFs, bridging traditional markets with onchain finance.

Europe Weekly ETF Industry News

EU ETF Launches

Palmer Square Launches First Passive Euro CLO ETF in Europe

Palmer Square Capital Management has debuted the first passive euro-denominated CLO ETF for institutional investors in Europe. Listed on Xetra, the ETF tracks AAA- and AA-rated European CLO debt via the firm’s proprietary Eclose index. It aims to give institutions transparent, efficient access to cycle-resilient CLO senior debt.

J.P. Morgan Launches Active India Equity ETF

J.P. Morgan Asset Management has listed the JPM India Research Enhanced Index Equity Active UCITS ETF (JRIN) across major European exchanges with a 0.40% TER. Targeting outperformance of the MSCI India 10/40 index, JRIN uses bottom-up stock selection and invests at least 67% in India-focused companies.

WisdomTree, Allfunds Secure Approval for Quantum Computing ETFs

WisdomTree and Allfunds have received Irish regulatory approval to launch UCITS ETFs focused on quantum computing. The filings follow VanEck’s QNTM debut in May, which has amassed $92.3M AUM despite purity concerns. The launches signal growing competition in this niche tech theme, with Allfunds using its new white-label platform.

EU ETF Ecosystem Updates

BUX, J.P. Morgan Launch Europe’s First Self-Directed Active ETF Portfolios

BUX has partnered with J.P. Morgan Asset Management to debut “BUX Prime Investment Plans,” multi-asset portfolios built with J.P. Morgan’s active ETFs. Available in eight European countries via BUX Prime for €7.99/month, the plans offer retail investors institutional-level strategies without extra fees.

CAIS, Solactive Launch Benchmark for Non-Traded Private Credit BDCs

CAIS Advisors and Solactive have introduced the Solactive CAIS Private Credit BDC Index (CAISCRED), the first benchmark for SEC-regulated, non-traded perpetual-life BDCs. Published Aug. 6, it offers a transparent, rules-based way for advisers to track and compare private credit strategies in the growing alternatives market.

Canada Weekly ETF Industry News

Canada ETF Filings

J.P. Morgan AM Plans to Expand Active ETF Suite

J.P. Morgan AM has filed for the JPMorgan US Ultra-Short Income Active ETF (JPST) and the JPMorgan US Bond Active ETF (JBND). JPST aims to provide income with low volatility via investment-grade short-term debt, while JBND targets total return from investment-grade intermediate- and long-term bonds.

Global X Expands BetaPro Suite with Inverse Nasdaq-100 ETF

Global X has filed for the BetaPro Nasdaq-100 Daily Inverse ETF (QQI), which seeks to deliver -100% of the daily performance of the Nasdaq-100 Index.

Invesco Adds USD and CAD Hedged Units to Income Advantage ETFs

Invesco has filed for USD- and CAD-hedged units of the Invesco NASDAQ 100 Income Advantage ETF (QQCI/U, QQCI/F) and the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Income Advantage ETF (EQLI/U, EQLI/F). Both ETFs track their respective indexes while using derivatives or structured products to generate additional income.

Harvest Files for 11 New Canadian High Income Shares ETFs

Harvest Portfolios Group has filed a preliminary prospectus for 10 single-stock ETFs and one diversified fund targeting major Canadian companies. The lineup includes AEME (Agnico Eagle), BCEE (BCE), CCOE (Cameco), CNQE (Canadian Natural Resources), ENBE (Enbridge), RYHE (Royal Bank), SHPE (Shopify), SUHE (Suncor), TDHE (TD Bank), TEHE (TELUS), and HHIC (Harvest Canadian High Income Shares ETF), all using modest leverage and covered call strategies to deliver high monthly income.

Ninepoint Files First Canadian Single Stock Lightly Leveraged ETFs

Ninepoint Partners has filed for 10 Canadian single-stock ETFs and one fund of funds combining covered calls on up to 50% of holdings with 1.25x leverage. The lineup includes Barrick (ABHI), BCE (BCHI), Cameco (CCHI), CNQ (CQHI), CNR (CRHI), Enbridge (ENHI), RBC (RYHI), Shopify (SHHI), Suncor (SUHI), TD (TDHI), and the Enhanced Canadian High Income ETF (ECHI), each charging a 0.39% management 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.