Weekly ETF Industry Recap: U.S., Europe, and Canada Highlights – July 28- August 1, 2025

ETF Weekly Update (July 28-August 1, 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

State Street Launches 11 Premium Income Sector ETFs

State Street has introduced a suite of 11 Select Sector SPDR® Premium Income ETFs, offering sector exposure plus enhanced income via covered call strategies. Each fund invests in a corresponding Select Sector SPDR and sells call options to generate yield, expanding State Street’s leadership in sector-based investing.

BlackRock Launches Active Infrastructure ETF (BILT)

BlackRock has introduced the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (BILT) on Cboe, offering global exposure to 50–60 listed infrastructure firms. Actively managed, BILT taps into the $68T growth in global infrastructure, targeting sectors like energy, transport, and utilities. It joins BlackRock’s $10B infrastructure ETF suite.

Dakota Wealth Launches Active ETF Combining Stock Picks and Tactical ETF Rotations

Dakota Wealth Management has launched the Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK), an actively managed U.S. equity fund using both direct stock selection and tactical ETF strategies. The fund targets large-cap U.S. companies and sector-focused ETFs, with monthly rebalancing and dynamic risk-based allocations aimed at capturing market trends and minimizing volatility.

PGIM Expands Fixed Income Suite with 3 Corporate Bond ETFs

PGIM has launched three actively managed ETFs—PGIM Corporate Bond 0–5 Year ETF (PCS), PGIM Corporate Bond 5–10 Year ETF (PCI), and PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL)—targeting short-, intermediate-, and long-term investment-grade bonds. The launch expands PGIM’s fixed income ETF lineup to 13.

First Trust Launches Nuclear Power ETF Targeting Clean Energy Growth

First Trust has debuted the First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR), tracking the Bloomberg Nuclear Power Index. The fund provides exposure to up to 50 global companies involved in uranium, power generation, and EPC services, tapping into rising demand for zero-carbon energy driven by AI, EVs, and industrial reshoring.

YieldMax Launches RBLY ETF for Income on Roblox Options

YieldMax has launched RBLY, an options-based ETF targeting income from Roblox (RBLX) equity derivatives. Part of the YieldMax® ETF lineup, RBLY does not hold RBLX shares directly and will follow a Group A distribution schedule, with its first payout expected on September 3, 2025.

GraniteShares Launches YieldBOOST COIN ETF Targeting Options Income

GraniteShares has introduced the YieldBOOST COIN ETF (COYY), aiming to generate income by selling put options on the 2x Long COIN Daily ETF (CONL). COYY joins the firm’s YieldBOOST lineup, offering exposure to Coinbase-linked leveraged ETFs while seeking to capitalize on options premiums.

REX Shares Launches First 2x ETFs for Webull and DraftKings

REX Shares has introduced BULU and DKUP, the first U.S. ETFs offering 2x daily exposure to Webull and DraftKings, respectively. Listed on the CBOE, these leveraged funds target traders seeking amplified exposure to fintech and digital sports betting, expanding the T-REX suite of high-conviction, single-stock ETFs.

U.S. Fund Updates

Pacer Cuts Fees on Four Thematic ETFs to 0.49%

Pacer has reduced fees from 0.60% to 0.49% on four ETFs effective August 1, 2025: TRFK, FOWF, ODDS, and BULD. The fee cuts span strategies focused on digital infrastructure, defense tech, digital entertainment, and industrial innovation, reflecting Pacer’s continued push to attract cost-conscious thematic investors.

Guardian Life Seeds $100M for Janus Henderson ABS ETF

Guardian Life Insurance has provided $100 million in seed capital for Janus Henderson’s new asset-backed securities ETF, JABS. The funding was disclosed during Janus Henderson’s Q2 earnings call, signaling strong institutional backing for the fixed income-focused ETF.

Global X XYLD Updates Investment Policy to Allow Broader Index Replication

Effective September 30, 2025, the Global X S&P 500® Covered Call ETF (XYLD) will broaden its 80% investment policy to include not only securities in the Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index but also investments with similar economic characteristics. The fund will now use representative sampling, which may include underlying ETFs, potentially increasing tracking error risk.

U.S. ETF Closures

American Century to Close QPFF and QCON ETFs in September

American Century Investments will liquidate its Quality Preferred (QPFF) and Quality Convertible Securities (QCON) ETFs, ceasing trading on September 8, 2025. QPFF, known for its 8.85% yield and strong financial health, will return assets to shareholders by mid-September. The closures come despite American Century managing $72B in ETF assets.

U.S. ETF Filings

Brookmont Files for Dividend-Focused Active ETF

The Brookmont Dividend Growth ETF is an active ETF targeting U.S. large- and mid-cap dividend growers. The fund will use a bottom-up approach to find high-quality companies with strong cash flow and capital discipline. It aims to mirror sector weightings of the Russell 1000 Value Index.

Advisors Asset Management Plans CLO-Focused Active ETF

The AAM Crescent CLO ETF (CLOC) is an active ETF that invests primarily in investment-grade U.S. dollar-denominated CLOs. Managed by Crescent Capital, the fund targets senior and mezzanine tranches using a top-down macroeconomic approach, aiming for higher yields with lower default risk than traditional fixed income.

T. Rowe Price Files for Quant-Driven International Equity ETF

The T. Rowe Price Active Core International Equity ETF is  focused on developed markets outside the U.S. The fund will combine fundamental and quantitative models, targeting stocks in the MSCI EAFE Index while maintaining sector and country exposures similar to the index. It seeks moderate tracking error with the goal of outperforming the benchmark.

VanEck Files for ETF Targeting Global Nuclear Innovation

The Nuclear Innovators ETF is an active ETF focused on global nuclear innovation firms, including those in advanced reactor tech and uranium enrichment. The fund may use derivatives and direct equity investments and will concentrate in energy, industrials, and utilities sectors. It is non-diversified and may include emerging market exposure.

Global X Files for ETF Tracking Gold Miners Index

The Global X Gold Miners ETF aiming to replicate the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index. The fund will invest at least 80% in global gold and silver mining firms, including ADRs and GDRs. Using a modified float-adjusted market-cap strategy, the fund targets developed and emerging market exposure with quarterly rebalancing.

First Trust Plans ETF Tracking Critical Metals for Tech and Energy

The First Trust Indxx Critical Metals ETF will track the Indxx Global Critical Metals Index, which targets firms mining metals vital to clean energy, EVs, and tech. The index excludes companies with operations in China or Russia and favors those tied to the U.S. or North America. It holds up to 50 global stocks and rebalances semi-annually.

F/m Investments Files for Callable Tax-Free Muni Bond ETF

The F/m Callable Tax-Free Municipal ETF (ZMUN) is a passive ETF tracking the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Currently Callable Index. The fund targets investment-grade U.S. municipal bonds that are at or near call dates, offering higher coupons and tax-exempt income. It uses representative sampling and may lend securities or invest in affiliated ETFs.

iShares Files for Global Multi-Strategy Alternatives ETF

The iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF is an actively managed ETF offering diversified exposure to global asset classes and alternative strategies. The fund will use long/short positions, derivatives, and a Cayman subsidiary for commodity-linked investments. It targets returns in both up and down markets through systematic, fundamentally driven asset allocation.

Teucrium, AlphaDroid File for Momentum-Based Fund-of-Funds ETF

The AlphaDroid® Broad Markets Momentum ETF (EZMO) is a passive fund-of-funds tracking the AlphaDroid® EZMO Broad Markets Momentum Index, which uses momentum strategies to rotate between ETFs like SPY, QQQ, and SPEU. The fund adapts to Bull/Bear signals monthly, investing in broad market or defensive ETFs. It may hold concentrated positions and up to 40% in emerging markets ETFs.

Teucrium, AlphaDroid File for Defensive Sector Rotation ETF

The AlphaDroid® Defensive Sector Rotation ETF (EZRO) is a passive fund-of-funds ETF tracking the AlphaDroid EZRO Defensive Sector Rotation Index. The ETF rotates monthly among eight momentum-driven ETF strategies across sector and subsector themes, shifting between Bull and Bear market modes. It aims to enhance returns while managing downside risk through tactical ETF selection.

AllianceBernstein to Convert Three Fixed-Income Mutual Funds to ETFs

AllianceBernstein will convert three mutual funds into actively managed ETFs: California Municipal Portfolio (AICYX) will become the AB California Intermediate Municipal ETF, New York Municipal Portfolio (ANIYX) will convert to the AB New York Intermediate Municipal ETF, and Bernstein Intermediate Duration Institutional Portfolio (SIIDX) will become the AB Core Bond ETF.

WisdomTree Files for Blockchain-Enabled PutWrite ETF on S&P 500

WisdomTree has filed for an ETF tracking the Volos U.S. Large Cap Target 2.5% PutWrite Index, which follows a cash-secured put writing strategy on SPY aiming for 2.5% option premiums. The fund will hold U.S. Treasuries and tokenize shares on blockchains like Stellar and Ethereum for enhanced digital recordkeeping and transfer flexibility.

Leverage Shares (Themes ETF) Files for 2x Daily Leveraged ETF on Figma Stock

The Leverage Shares 2X Long FIG Daily ETF offers 200% daily leveraged exposure to Figma (FIG). The fund will use swaps and options strategies to achieve its objective, rebalancing daily. It may allocate up to 50% of assets as collateral and will be concentrated in the software industry, where FIG is classified.

ProShares Files for 2x Daily Leveraged ETF on Figma (FIG)

The ProShares Ultra FIG is a leveraged ETF offering 2x daily exposure to Figma (FIG), which recently went public on July 31, 2025. The fund will use derivatives, primarily swaps, along with equity securities and money market instruments, to achieve its target. It will rebalance daily and seek to maintain leveraged exposure regardless of market direction.

REX Shares Files for 2x ETFs on Figma and SharpLink Gaming

REX Shares has filed for two leveraged ETFs targeting daily 2x exposure to Figma Inc. (FIG) and SharpLink Gaming Inc. (SBET). The funds may use swaps, call options, or direct equity to achieve leverage. Daily rebalancing is employed to maintain 200% exposure, with high portfolio turnover expected.

NYSE and CBOE Seek Streamlined Approval Process for Crypto ETFs

The CBOE has filed a rule change with the SEC to allow crypto ETFs to launch under a unified framework, reducing the need for separate approvals. If adopted, issuers could list ETFs meeting specific criteria without individual 19b-4 filings. NYSE Arca submitted a similar request, signaling industry-wide efforts to align crypto with traditional fund processes.

Cboe Files to List Canary Capital’s Staked Injective ETF

Cboe has filed to list a staked Injective ETF from Canary Capital, aiming to make it the third staked crypto ETF after Solana and Ether. The fund will earn staking rewards via an approved platform. SEC acknowledgment is pending, with a final decision possibly by March 2026 amid improving regulatory clarity on staking.

U.S. ETF Ecosystem Updates

SEC Approves In-Kind Creation for Spot Bitcoin, Ether ETFs

The SEC has approved in-kind creation and redemption for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, aligning them with commodity ETP standards. This structural shift allows authorized participants to directly deliver or receive crypto, improving cost efficiency and liquidity. Analysts see it as a key step toward broader crypto ETF adoption.

ETFs Remain Top Choice for RIAs, Holding Nearly $4T in Assets

According to ISS MI, 81% of RIAs preferred ETFs in 2024, holding $3.99T in ETF assets—doubling since 2022. Passive ETFs made up $3.55T, while active ETFs, though smaller at $434B, accounted for nearly half of all active ETF assets. Low fees and tax efficiency were key drivers behind both passive and active ETF preferences.

eToro to Launch 24/5 Stock & ETF Trading with Tokenized Equities

eToro will offer 24/5 trading for 100 top U.S. stocks and ETFs, with plans to tokenize them as ERC20 tokens on Ethereum. The move enables round-the-clock global access, peer-to-peer transfers, and DeFi integration. Initially launching outside the U.S., this marks a major step toward blockchain-powered equity markets.

Europe Weekly ETF Industry News

EU ETF Launches

DWS Launches Ultra-Low-Fee Swap-Based US Equity ETFs

Xtrackers by DWS has rolled out three swap-based US equity ETFs, including the XNDQ, XEQW, and X500, with temporary market-low fees. XEQW and X500 undercut major rivals like Invesco and UBS, offering synthetic exposure to S&P 500 variants and Nasdaq 100. The structure offers tax advantages over physical ETFs, especially on U.S. dividends.

HANetf Launches Indo-Pacific Defence ETF, Excludes China

HANetf has introduced the Future of Defence Indo-Pacific ex-China UCITS ETF (QUAD), targeting defence, aerospace, and security firms across India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The ETF addresses a gap in European portfolios, which average just 3.55% exposure to Indo-Pacific defence stocks, amid rising regional military spending.

CoinShares Launches World’s First Zero-Fee SEI ETP

CoinShares has debuted the CoinShares Physical Staked SEI (CSEI) on SIX Exchange, offering 1:1 exposure to SEI tokens with zero management fees. The ETP includes automatic 2% staking yield and targets institutional investors seeking high-performance blockchain access with full regulatory compliance.

EU ETF Ecosystem Update

FCA to Lift Ban on Retail Access to Crypto ETNs in the UK

Starting 8 October, UK retail investors can trade crypto ETNs on FCA-approved exchanges. The regulator cites market maturity and improved understanding as reasons for lifting the four-year ban. Consumer protections will apply, though investments won’t be covered by the FSCS.

WisdomTree to Acquire Farmland Manager Ceres Partners for $275M

WisdomTree will acquire Ceres Partners, gaining $1.85B in U.S. farmland assets and marking its entry into private markets. The move targets growth in farmland, solar, AI data infrastructure, and water. The deal, closing Q4 2025, aims to boost earnings and expand WisdomTree's real asset offerings.

EU ETF People

UBS ETF Head Clemens Reuter to Retire After 15 Years

UBS AM's longtime ETF leader Clemens Reuter will retire, ending a 15-year tenure marked by passive and active ETF expansion. Amanda Rebello, formerly of DWS and BlackRock, will take over on Sept. 16 to lead ETF and index fund sales, signaling UBS's push for global ETF growth.

Canada Weekly ETF Industry News

Canada ETF Launches

JPMorgan Launches Global Select Equity Active ETF in Canada

J.P. Morgan Asset Management has launched the JPMorgan Global Select Equity Active ETF (JGLO) on the TSX. The actively managed fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by targeting high-conviction global equities with strong free cash flow and growth potential, aiming to outperform the MSCI World Index.

IA Clarington Launches GTRI Active Global Income ETF

IA Clarington has launched the ETF series of the IA Clarington Agile Global Total Return Income Fund (GTRI). With a management fee of 0.65 percent, GTRI is actively managed and invests in a diversified mix of global fixed income securities across multiple sectors.

First Trust Canada Launches Long/Short Equity ETF

First Trust Canada launched the First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) on the TSX. The fund invests in the US-listed FTLS ETF, offering long and short exposure to U.S. equities. Total management fees for Canadian investors are 1.1 percent, combining the local and underlying fund costs.

Canada ETF Filings

Picton Files for ETF Units of Picton Income Fund

Picton Investments has filed to add ETF units to the actively managed Picton Income Fund. The fund charges a 0.9% management fee plus a 20% performance fee on returns above its blended high yield and corporate bond benchmark. It invests mainly in global corporate debt, with flexibility to hold loans, convertibles, and up to 25% in equities.

Brompton Files for Investment Grade CLO ETF

Brompton has filed for the Brompton Wellington Square BBB CLO ETF (tickers: BBBB, BBBB/U). The actively managed fund will invest at least 75% of its portfolio in investment-grade CLOs, with up to 25% allowed in below investment-grade CLOs. CLO selection will be handled by a sub-advisor.

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.