Weekly ETF Industry Recap: U.S., Europe, and Canada Highlights – June 30-July 4, 2025

ETF Weekly Update (June 30-July 4, 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

AOT Invest Launches 2x Leveraged Software Platform ETF on NYSE

AOT unveils SOFL, a 2x daily leveraged ETF tracking top software-driven firms via a custom index. SOFL targets short-term traders with exposure to scalable, AI-driven digital platforms.

Innovator Launches First Dual Directional Buffer ETFs

Innovator debuts DDTL and DDFL, offering upside exposure and gains in down markets (up to -10% or -15%), with built-in buffers and capped returns over a one-year period.

Horizon Adds Two Active Bond ETFs with Options Overlay

Horizon launched BNDY and FLXN—two actively managed fixed income ETFs using put spread overlays. BNDY targets core bond exposure, while FLXN focuses on flexible high-yield income.

Hedgeye Launches All-Weather Capital Allocation ETF (HECA)

Hedgeye debuts HECA, an active ETF aiming for long-term growth while avoiding 15%+ drawdowns. Managed by David Salem, it uses a rules-based macro model and invests mainly in ETFs.

TrueShares Launches PVEX ETF for Upside Potential With Downside Protection

TrueShares debuts the ConVex Protect ETF (PVEX), using call and laddered put options to capture gains above a 6% hurdle while reducing downside risk in U.S. large-cap equity exposure.

Obra Funds Launches Active High Yield Bond ETF (ODHY) Focused on Credit Selection

Obra Funds debuts the Obra Defensive High Yield ETF (ODHY) targeting high yield corporate bonds rated B3/B or better. Using a proprietary default risk rating system, the fund emphasizes credit quality, cash flow, and downside risk control.

JPMorgan Converts MBS Fund to ETF With Launch of JMTG

JPMorgan launches JMTG, an active ETF focused on mortgage-backed securities, following a mutual fund conversion. The fund targets long-term performance with a 0.24% fee and broad MBS exposure.

REX-Osprey Launches First U.S. Solana + Staking ETF

The new SSK ETF offers U.S. investors Solana exposure plus staking rewards—currently yielding 7.3%—via a spot-based, non-derivative structure with rewards passed directly to holders.

Tuttle to Launch 10 Leveraged Crypto ETFs by July 16

Tuttle Capital plans to debut 2x leveraged ETFs tied to XRP, Solana, BNB, TRUMP, and other tokens, with SEC filings indicating a July 16 effective date pending final exchange setup.

First Trust Launches Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BFJL) With 15% Floor and 31.26% Cap

First Trust debuts the FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy Floor15 ETF – July, offering bitcoin-linked returns with a 31.26% upside cap and 15% maximum downside over a 1-year term ending June 30, 2026.

First Trust Converts FGB Closed-End Fund Into Active BDC ETF (FBDC)

First Trust has reorganized FGB into the FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC), giving shareholders NAV-equivalent ETF shares. FBDC targets income via BDCs and specialty finance firms.

U.S. Fund Updates

Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF to Become Fully Transparent

Effective Sept. 15, 2025, the PGRO ETF will shift from semi-transparent to transparent daily holdings disclosure under Rule 6c-11. Its management fee was also reduced to 0.49% on July 1.

Putnam Lowers Fee on Emerging Markets ex-China ETF

Effective July 1, 2025, Putnam reduced the management fee on its Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (PEMX) from 0.85% to 0.69%, lowering total annual fund operating expenses accordingly.

ALPS | O'Shares Europe ETF Renamed and Reindexed to Expand Scope

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, the fund will be renamed ALPS | O'Shares International Developed Quality Dividend ETF (ticker: OEFA) and shift its index to the O'Shares International Developed Quality Dividend Index, broadening exposure beyond Europe.

Columbia Threadneedle Equity Income ETFs Revamp Strategies and Benchmarks

Effective Sept. 2, 2025, Columbia U.S. and International Equity Income ETFs will adopt rules-based dividend selection models and new Solactive value benchmarks, replacing MSCI indexes to better align with strategy changes.

SEC Suspends Grayscale’s GDLC ETF Over Solana and XRP Exposure

The SEC halted Grayscale’s GDLC ETF launch, citing altcoin exposure to Solana and XRP. The pause triggers a review, highlighting regulatory uncertainty for multi-crypto ETFs.

U.S. ETF Closures

Tema to Liquidate Two Thematic ETFs in August

Tema will liquidate its Luxury and Neuroscience & Mental Health ETFs on August 1, 2025, citing strategic reasons. Trading ends July 30, with redemptions managed in cash thereafter.

U.S. ETF Filings

J.P. Morgan Files for Treasury-Focused Money Market ETF

The JPMorgan 100% U.S. Treasury Securities Money Market ETF is a government money market fund investing solely in U.S. Treasury securities. Unlike traditional money funds, it will trade on an exchange with a floating NAV.

Global X Plans ETF Targeting AI Chips and Quantum Tech

The Global X AI Semiconductor & Quantum ETF will track the Global X AI Semiconductor & Quantum Index, focused on firms in AI chip design, data center hardware, and quantum computing technologies.

Liberty One Files for Actively Managed Dividend-Focused ETF

The Liberty One Spectrum ETF will target large-cap U.S. dividend-paying stocks across 11 sectors, with an equal-weight approach and focus on income and capital appreciation.

Liberty One Plans Active ETF Focused on Recession-Resistant Dividends

The Liberty One Defensive Dividend Growth ETF will invest in large-cap U.S. stocks with rising dividends, targeting recession-resistant sectors like staples, utilities, and pharma for stable income.

Liberty One Files for Balanced ETF Focused on Defensive Growth and Income

The Liberty One Tactical Income ETF files for an active ETF blending 35–65% equities and bonds, targeting large-cap dividend stocks and fixed income ETFs, with a focus on recession-resistant sectors.

iShares Files for Four Buffered ETFs Tied to S&P 500 Performance

The iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer ETFs MAR/JUN/SEP/DEC will offer 12-month capped upside exposure to IVV and a 10% downside buffer, using options strategies to target outcomes for full-period investors.

YieldMax Files for SCHD-Based ETF Targeting Double Dividend Yield

The YieldMax® SCHD DoubleDiv™ ETF for an active ETF investing in SCHD and writing options to target income double SCHD’s yield. The fund also holds Treasuries and may limit upside via its options strategy.

ARK Files Q1–Q4 Defined Outcome ETFs Linked to ARKK

ARK Invest files for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 Defined Innovation ETFs, each offering a 50% downside buffer and upside exposure above a 5% hurdle on ARKK over 12-month periods starting in January, April, July, and October.

Stone Ridge Files Bond ETFs With Scheduled Principal & Income Payouts

Stone Ridge files for LifeX Income ETFs, aiming to pay $0.8333 per share monthly—totaling $10 annually—through a mix of interest income and planned return of principal, with full liquidation in 2028 or 2030.

Harmonic Capital Files Global Multi-Asset Tactical ETF

The NovaTide Flexible Allocation ETF will invest across equities, fixed income, and commodities worldwide using a dynamic, unconstrained strategy with tactical shifts and potential short positions.

Columbia Files for Five New ETF Share Classes Across Equity and Bond Strategies

Columbia has filed to launch ETF share classes for five funds, including Core Bond, Large Cap Growth, and Research Enhanced strategies across international, mid-cap, and small-cap equities.

U.S. Issuer Rebrand

State Street Rebrands Asset Management Arm, Drops ‘Global Advisors’ Label

State Street has rebranded its asset management division as State Street Investment Management, retiring the 'Global Advisors' name after 30 years. The SPDR ETF brand remains unchanged.

U.S. ETF Ecosystem Updates

SEC Outlines Disclosure Guidance for Crypto Asset ETFs

The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a detailed statement on disclosure expectations for crypto asset ETPs, covering risk factors, NAV methodology, custody, service providers, and regulatory compliance.

Figma Reveals $70M Bitcoin ETF Stake Ahead of IPO

Figma’s IPO filing shows $69.5M in Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) holdings and $30M in USDC set aside for more Bitcoin, signaling growing corporate interest in crypto exposure.

Europe Weekly ETF Industry News

EU ETF Launches

REX Shares Debuts Covered Call ETFs in Europe With HANetf

REX Shares launches three active covered call ETFs—FEGI, FEPI, and CEGI—on LSE, Xetra, and Borsa Italiana, targeting tech and crypto stocks with income-focused options strategies.

AXA IM Launches Active Inflation-Linked and Short Duration Bond ETFs

AXA IM debuts two active fixed income ETFs: ACPI targets global inflation-linked bonds (0.20% TER), while ASHU focuses on short-dated corporate debt (0.19% TER), both listed on Deutsche Boerse.

Franklin Templeton Launches 0.05% Fee Short-Term US Treasury ETF

Franklin Templeton debuts SHOR, a UCITS ETF tracking 0–1 year U.S. Treasuries at just 0.05% TER—matching Europe’s lowest-cost options for short-dated government bond exposure.

BlackRock Launches Synthetic S&P MidCap 400 ETF With Tax Efficiency Edge

BlackRock debuts SP4S, a swap-based ETF tracking the S&P MidCap 400 on Euronext Amsterdam. With a 0.20% TER, SP4S avoids U.S. dividend withholding tax, enhancing cost efficiency.

First Trust Launches AI UCITS ETF Tracking 50 ‘Gold Tier’ Stocks

First Trust debuts FTAI on the LSE, offering exposure to 50 top-tier AI companies via Bloomberg’s AI Select Index. The ETF targets firms leading in AI tech like deep learning and NLP.

EU Planned ETF Launches

HANetf to Launch World's First APAC ex-China Defence ETF

HANetf will debut the first ETF focused on Asia-Pacific defense stocks excluding China, tapping into rising regional security spending. The launch follows surging demand for targeted defense exposure.

EU Fund Updates

DWS Cuts Fees on Core Xtrackers Equity and Bond ETFs

DWS lowers fees on five Xtrackers ETF share classes, including XDWD (MSCI World) from 0.19% to 0.12% and XDPU (S&P 500) from 0.06% to 0.05%, enhancing competitiveness across core exposures.

EU Fund Milestone

WisdomTree Europe Defence ETF Hits $3B AUM in 3 Months

WDEF has surpassed $3B AUM since its March 2025 launch, reflecting strong investor demand for exposure to Europe’s defence sector amid rising NATO-aligned military spending.

EU ETF Ecosystem Updates

Robinhood Launches Tokenized Trading for 200 US ETFs and Stocks in Europe

Robinhood debuts 24/5 tokenized trading on Arbitrum, offering European investors access to 200 US ETFs and stocks—including VOO—with plans to expand to private firms like OpenAI and SpaceX.

BNP Paribas Finalizes €5.1bn Acquisition of AXA IM, Eyes ETF Growth

BNP Paribas completes its €5.1bn takeover of AXA IM, forming a €1.5trn platform. The two ETF arms will operate separately for now as they develop a joint roadmap to expand in European ETFs and private assets.

UniCredit Launches Italy’s First Capital-Protected Bitcoin ETF Product

UniCredit debuts a structured product linked to BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, offering 100% capital protection and capped 85% upside. Available to Italian pro clients until July 28.

Citigroup Takes Stake in HANetf, Taps It for ETF Platform Support

Citigroup acquires a minority stake in HANetf and will outsource capital markets functions to it for Citi’s upcoming ETF white-label platform, Citi Velocity ETFs, launching later this year.

Canada Weekly ETF Industry News

Canada ETF Launches

LongPoint Launches First Canadian 2x ETFs on Coinbase & MicroStrategy

LongPoint debuts MSTU and COIU, Canada’s first double-leveraged ETFs on MicroStrategy and Coinbase, offering TSX-listed, CAD-denominated crypto stock exposure.

Franklin Templeton Debuts Core Equity ETF Suite with Fee Waiver

Franklin Templeton Canada launched Canadian, U.S., and international Core Equity ETFs (FCRC, FCRU, FCRI) with 0.25% fee waivers through 2025 and active, multi-factor strategies.

RBC iShares Launches Hedged U.S. Total Market ETF

RBC iShares launched XTOH, a CAD-hedged ETF offering full U.S. equity market exposure via ITOT, with a low 0.07% fee and built-in currency risk mitigation.

Canada ETF Filings

Dynamic Funds Adds USD Units to Discount Bond ETF

Dynamic Funds filed to launch USD units (DXDU.U) of its active U.S. discount bond ETF, targeting investment-grade bonds maturing in 3–7 years.

Canada ETF People

Hamilton ETFs Names New Co-CEOs Amid Rapid Growth

Hamilton Capital has promoted Jennifer Mersereau and Patrick Sommerville to co-CEOs as AUM surged 70% to $8.7B and its ETF count rose to 30. Mersereau retains her role as co-founder.

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.