ETF News You Missed This Week - Feb. 16 - Feb. 20, 2026

ETF Launches

Equity Strategies Diversify Across Regions, Themes and Income

Applied Finance Advisors has launched the Applied Finance IVS International SMID ETF (IVSX), an actively managed strategy targeting developed ex-North America SMID-cap companies with market capitalizations below $15bn. Using its proprietary Intrinsic Value Stewardship model, the fund focuses on undervalued companies with disciplined capital allocation and typically holds more than 150 stocks across sectors and countries.

SS&C ALPS Advisors has introduced the ALPS Nautilus SMR, Nuclear & Technology ETF (SMRF) on NYSE Arca. The actively managed strategy targets the nuclear and small modular reactor value chain, complemented by an AI and technology sleeve capped at 25%. An options overlay seeks to enhance income and reduce volatility.

VanEck has expanded its TruSector family with the Communications Services TruSector ETF (TRUC). The ETF combines individual stocks and targeted ETFs to provide uncapped communications services exposure while remaining RIC compliant, aiming to reduce tracking error and better reflect sector weights.

Global X has launched two covered call income strategies, the Global X Nasdaq-100 Income Edge ETF (EDGQ) and the Global X S&P 500 Income Edge ETF (EDGX). Both actively managed funds target weekly distributions through options overlays, aiming for annualized distribution rates of 13% and 9% respectively. Fees are waived through March 2027.

VanEck has also introduced the actively managed VanEck India Select ETF (INDZ), targeting high-quality Indian companies with sustainable earnings growth and strong capital efficiency through a blended fundamental and systematic approach.

DWS has listed the Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF), tracking the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. The fund targets European companies tied to defense, space and cybersecurity using revenue and patent screens, with a 0.35% expense ratio.

Roundhill has launched the Roundhill S&P 500 Target 10 Managed Distribution ETF (TPAY). The actively managed strategy seeks monthly distributions at a 10% annualized rate while maintaining S&P 500 exposure. Distributions are expected to consist largely of return of capital and may reduce principal over time.

Fixed Income and Structured Income Expand

ProShares has introduced the ProShares GENIUS Money Market ETF (IQMM), structured to align with stablecoin reserve requirements. The ETF invests exclusively in short-term U.S. Treasuries and emphasizes capital preservation, liquidity and weekly distributions.

Janus Henderson has launched the Janus Henderson AA-A CLO ETF (JA), providing actively managed exposure to AA- to A-rated CLO tranches. The fund debuted with approximately $100m in seed capital and targets high-quality yield with diversification benefits.

REX Shares has introduced the REX Autocallable Income ETF (ATCL), tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Large Cap VolMax Autocallable Total Return Index. Using swaps to access a laddered portfolio of autocallable structures, the ETF seeks consistent income alongside equity exposure.

Cryptocurrency and Staking Exposure

Grayscale has launched the Grayscale Sui Staking ETF (GSUI) on NYSE Arca. The fund holds SUI tokens directly and seeks additional yield through staking validation. It is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and carries heightened digital asset risk.

Canary Capital has rolled out the Canary Staked SUI ETF (SUIS), offering exchange-traded exposure to Sui tokens and staking rewards through traditional brokerage accounts without requiring a crypto wallet.

Alternatives and Real Assets

Simplify has introduced the Simplify DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (SDMF), tracking the DBi CTA Managed Futures Index. The strategy replicates managed futures exposures across equities, rates, currencies and commodities through swaps and short-term fixed income instruments, with up to 25% allocated via a Cayman subsidiary.

XFUNDS by Nicholas Wealth has launched the Nicholas Gold Income ETF (GLDN) and the Nicholas Silver Income ETF (SLVX). Both actively managed strategies combine precious metals equities, metal-linked ETPs and options overlays to target capital appreciation and regular income.

Leveraged and Tactical ETFs Expand Further

Single-stock leverage continues to accelerate.

REX Shares and Tuttle Capital have launched the T-REX 2X Long FIGR Daily Target ETF (FGRU) and the T-REX 2X Long APH Daily Target ETF (APHU), each seeking 200% of the daily performance of Figure Technology Solutions and Amphenol respectively.

Defiance ETFs has introduced the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long Copper ETF (COPZ), designed to deliver twice the daily return of the Global X Copper Miners ETF through swaps and options, providing amplified exposure to global copper miners.

Tradr ETFs has launched three leveraged single-stock funds: the Tradr 2X Short CleanSpark ETF (CLSZ), Tradr 2X Long Centrus Energy ETF (LEUX) and Tradr 2X Long Coherent ETF (COHX). Each seeks ±200% of the daily return of its underlying stock.

Leverage Shares has added two new products, the Leverage Shares 2X Long American Express ETF (AXPG) and the Leverage Shares 2X Long Freeport-McMoRan ETF (FCXG). Both aim to provide twice the daily return of their respective underlying equities and carry a 0.35% expense ratio.

The continued growth in daily reset leveraged ETFs underscores persistent demand for short-term tactical tools and amplified single-stock exposure within the ETF wrapper.

ETF Filings

Core Equity and Portfolio Building Blocks

Polen Capital has filed for the Polen 5Perspectives Large Growth ETF, an actively managed large-cap growth strategy investing at least 80% of assets in companies eligible for the Russell 1000 Growth Index. The portfolio will emphasize competitive advantages, thematic tailwinds and favorable business cycles, using a proprietary “Attractiveness Score” spanning valuation, management and technical factors.

Teucrium has filed for the Texas Equity Opportunity ETF, an actively managed strategy targeting companies with strong Texas ties. The fund will invest at least 80% of assets in firms headquartered, organized or generating significant revenue in Texas, with a starting universe above $500m market cap and flexibility to use derivatives for hedging or exposure.

SMART Wealth has filed two active domestic equity ETFs. The SMART Mid Cap ETF (SMCP) will focus on U.S. mid-caps between $2bn and $10bn market value, narrowing to roughly 25 to 40 holdings based on growth, momentum and earnings screens. The SMART Small Cap ETF (SSCP) will target U.S. small caps between $300m and $2bn, selecting 30 to 45 names using a multi-step screening process centered on financial strength, growth and liquidity.

Thrivent has filed for two quantitatively driven international strategies. The Thrivent International Small Cap ETF (TISC) will target non-U.S. small caps with at least 80% in small companies and 65% in developed markets. The Thrivent International Large Cap ETF (TILC) will focus on large-cap developed ex-U.S. equities aligned with the MSCI World ex-USA universe. Both will use factor-based models incorporating growth, valuation, momentum and risk.

Optimal Tax Asset Management has filed for the Optimal Tax Managed Equity ETF (OTAX), an actively managed U.S. equity strategy investing at least 80% in profitable U.S.-listed companies. The portfolio will allocate across mega-cap core, large and mid-cap momentum, and SMID-cap quality sleeves using proprietary profitability and growth screens.

Thematic, ESG and Factor Index Strategies

Beyond Investing has filed for the International Vegan Climate ETF (VEGX), a passive strategy tracking the Beyond Investing International Vegan Climate Index. The index excludes companies tied to animal exploitation, fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons and human rights controversies, removes U.S. and Australian firms, and applies a 5% cap per holding with semi-annual rebalancing.

ProShares has filed for the ProShares S&P 500 Buyback Aristocrats ETF, which will track an index of companies that have reduced shares outstanding for at least 10 consecutive years. The index will include a minimum of 40 equally weighted stocks and rebalance quarterly.

VanEck has filed for the VanEck Space ETF (WARP), a passive strategy tracking the MarketVector Space Index. The index targets companies generating at least 50% of revenue from space-related activities including rockets, propulsion, satellites and communications, with potential sector concentration in industrials and communications.

Tema has filed for the Tema Healthcare AI ETF, an actively managed global strategy investing at least 80% of assets in companies applying artificial intelligence across healthcare industries. The fund may hold 15 to 100 stocks globally and can include select private securities, with expected concentration in healthcare and information technology.

Multi-Asset, Hedged and Income-Oriented Strategies

Return Stacked has filed for the Return Stacked International Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSIT), combining international equities and managed futures into a leveraged “stacked” structure. The strategy targets approximately 100% exposure to each sleeve, resulting in roughly 200% combined exposure using futures, swaps and ETFs, with potential use of a Cayman subsidiary.

Shelton has filed for the Shelton Tactical Growth and Income ETF (TCKR), an actively managed allocation strategy shifting among U.S. equities, long-duration Treasuries and cash based on volatility and trend signals. The fund may also run a monthly options spread strategy using index calls to generate additional income.

Kurv has filed for the Kurv Uranium & Mining Enhanced Income ETF, combining uranium-linked exposure with fixed income and preferred securities. The strategy may use futures, options, synthetic positions and covered calls, with synthetic exposure potentially reaching up to 200% of NAV and up to 25% held via a Cayman subsidiary.

Brandywine Asset Management has filed for a broad lineup of active ETFs across U.S., international and small-cap equities, as well as core bond and global income strategies. Each will pair core exposure with index put options for downside protection and a diversified futures sleeve intended to offset hedging costs.

Digital Assets and Event-Driven Concepts

Volatility Shares has filed for futures-based ETFs providing exposure to Avalanche and Sui through derivatives rather than direct token holdings. The funds will invest at least 80% in crypto-linked instruments with collateral in Treasuries and similar securities. The firm also filed 2x daily leveraged versions for both AVAX and SUI.

Bitwise has filed a suite of election outcome ETFs under the PredictionShares brand tied to U.S. political results across the 2026 and 2028 cycles. The funds would invest in CFTC-regulated binary event contracts that pay out based on election outcomes, creating near-total loss risk if results are unfavorable.

GraniteShares has filed a similar range of political event ETFs tied to U.S. election outcomes for 2026 and 2028. These funds would also use binary event contracts with payouts dependent on specific electoral results and liquidation following settlement.

Pre-IPO, Single-Stock and Thematic Leverage

GraniteShares has filed for 2x long and -2x short daily ETFs tied to Databricks, Anthropic and OpenAI. Each would target 200% or -200% of daily price moves, positioning the products as high-risk tactical tools around potential future listings.

Tradr has filed for 2x long and 2x short daily ETFs linked to Kraken, Quantinuum, OpenAI and SpaceX. All four companies are reportedly exploring potential IPOs, with the proposed ETFs designed for short-term trading around anticipated listings.

Defiance has filed multiple Daily Target 2X Long ETFs tied to niche growth and emerging technology companies including Amprius Technologies, HeartBeam, Kopin, Lantronix, One Stop Systems, Rekor Systems and Velo3D, along with exposures linked to York Space Systems and the Truth Social God Bless America ETF. Additional filings target Ocean Power Technologies, Sidus Space, Samsung Electronics, SK hynix ADR and Kraken Robotics.

Corgi has filed a suite of 2x daily leveraged ETFs tied to major Asian and European technology companies including Samsung, SK hynix, MediaTek, Advantest, ASM, BESI and Lasertec, among others, extending single-stock leverage into global semiconductor and hardware supply chains.

Direxion has filed for a lineup of 3x leveraged bull ETFs tied to 20 major stocks including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Berkshire Hathaway, spanning technology, crypto-linked and healthcare exposures.

Ultra-Leverage Expands to 4X

Direxion has also filed a sweeping lineup of 4x leveraged bull ETFs covering bitcoin, ether, major U.S. indexes including the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100 and Dow, along with Treasuries, sectors and emerging markets. The filings push daily reset leverage further up the risk spectrum.

Leverage Shares has filed for 21 new 4x long daily ETFs linked to existing underlying ETFs spanning AI, semiconductors, gold miners, Treasuries, China, India and broad U.S. equities. Each would seek four times the daily return of its referenced ETF and is designed for short-term tactical trading.

Other ETF Developments

Several structural changes are underway across the ETF landscape. First Trust plans to rename its Merger Arbitrage ETF as the First Trust Equity Market Neutral ETF (NTRL) in Q2 2026, shifting from merger arbitrage to a long-short market neutral strategy using equities, ETFs and derivatives, while reducing fees to 0.95%.

In the thematic space, Yorkville America Equities intends to launch the Truth Social America First ETF by absorbing the $32m Point Bridge America First ETF (MAGA), pending shareholder approval, expanding the Truth.Fi lineup following earlier acquisitions and planned crypto ETFs.

On the closures side, Tuttle Capital Management will liquidate a broad range of T-REX 2X leveraged ETFs, including inverse ether and multiple single-stock funds, citing limited asset growth and ongoing costs, with delistings expected mid-March and final liquidations around March 23, 2026.

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.