ETF News You Missed This Week - Feb. 2 - Feb. 6, 2026

ETF Launches

Active equity and thematic innovation take center stage

Active management remains a dominant theme across new equity ETF launches, with issuers leaning into technology, sustainability, and data-driven portfolio construction.

The CoreValues America First Technology ETF (USMD) enters the market with a targeted approach to strategic U.S. technologies. The actively managed fund focuses on semiconductors, defense, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity companies, tracking the Solactive America First Technology Index while allowing for tactical adjustments and limited exposure to pre-IPO firms.

Broad market exposure with an active overlay is also gaining traction. The Avantis Total Equity Markets ETF (AVTM) provides diversified global equity exposure through direct holdings and other ETFs, following a blended benchmark of 85% U.S. and 15% international equities. The strategy emphasizes strategic allocation, rebalancing discipline, and tax efficiency.

Sustainability remains a structural growth theme within ETFs. The Impax Global Infrastructure ETF (BLDX) marks Impax’s first ETF after converting its existing Global Sustainable Infrastructure Fund. Now trading on the NYSE, the actively managed fund targets companies supporting the transition to a more sustainable global economy, offering improved accessibility and tax efficiency in ETF form.

Dividend and factor-driven strategies are also expanding. The Virtus Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (VEM) focuses on dividend-paying emerging markets equities, combining AI-driven sentiment analysis with quantitative modeling. The strategy currently tilts toward Financials and Information Technology within the MSCI Emerging Markets universe.

Meanwhile, the Burney U.S. Equity Select ETF (BRES) provides core U.S. equity exposure through a dynamic multi-factor approach. Holding 80 to 100 stocks, the actively managed portfolio adjusts factor weightings based on market conditions and builds on the firm’s long-standing stock selection expertise.

New AI-powered strategies

Artificial intelligence continues to shape ETF innovation, particularly in active stock selection and market-neutral approaches.

The FINQ DOLLAR NEUTRAL U.S. Large Cap AI-Managed Equity ETF (AINT) uses an adaptive AI model to construct long and short positions across S&P 500 constituents. Typically holding 10 to 14 long and short positions, the strategy aims to generate absolute returns independent of broader market direction.

Complementing this approach, the FINQ FIRST U.S. Large Cap AI-Managed U.S. Equity ETF (AIUP) applies AI-driven ranking across the S&P 500 and holds approximately 14 to 20 top-ranked names. With daily analysis and frequent rebalancing, the strategy seeks to capture alpha through high-conviction positioning and rapid responsiveness to changing market signals.

On the thematic end of the spectrum, the Tuttle Capital UFO Disclosure ETF (UFOD) offers exposure to aerospace, defense, advanced materials, and energy companies tied to potential non-human technology developments. The actively managed thematic strategy reflects rising investor curiosity around UAP-related disclosures and speculative technological shifts.

Income-focused and structured equity solutions expand

NEOS Investments introduced two equity income strategies, the NEOS Boosted S&P 500 High Income ETF (XSPI) and the NEOS Boosted Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (XQQI). Both seek higher tax-efficient monthly income and enhanced market participation, targeting up to 150% notional exposure to underlying high-income equity strategies.

The firm also expanded into digital assets with the NEOS Boosted Bitcoin High Income ETF (XBCI), which aims to deliver elevated monthly income and enhanced Bitcoin exposure by targeting up to 150% notional exposure to its underlying Bitcoin income strategy.

Structured outcome ETFs continue to evolve as well. Innovator Capital Management launched the Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF – February (DDTF) and the Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF – February (DDFF). These strategies aim to generate positive returns in both rising and falling markets through defined buffers and capped upside over a one-year outcome period.

Allianz Investment Management followed with the Allianz International Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Jan ETF (JANI). The ETF offers international equity exposure with a 15% downside buffer and uncapped upside potential, combining global growth participation with built-in risk mitigation.

GraniteShares is pushing structured income further with the launch of the GraniteShares Tesla Autocallable Income ETF (TLA) and the GraniteShares NVIDIA Autocallable Income ETF (ANV). These ETFs provide simplified access to autocallable strategies tied to Tesla and NVIDIA, offering monthly income potential and daily liquidity within the ETF structure.

Leveraged and single-stock trading tools continue to proliferate

Defiance ETFs expanded its lineup with several tactical products. The Defiance Daily Target 2X Short ASTS ETF (ASTN) offers inverse leveraged exposure to AST SpaceMobile. The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MRNA ETF (MRNX) provides 2x leveraged exposure to Moderna, while the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long ZETA ETF (ZETX) targets Zeta Global. Rounding out the lineup, the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RCAT ETF (RCAX) delivers leveraged exposure to Red Cat Holdings. Each is designed for short-term tactical positioning with daily resets and elevated risk profiles.

Fixed income and credit exposure evolve through ETF conversions

ETF conversions from mutual funds and traditional vehicles continue as issuers seek broader distribution and tax efficiency.

DoubleLine converted its Securitized Credit Fund into the DoubleLine Securitized Credit ETF (DSCO). The actively managed ETF focuses on mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and collateralized loan obligations, combining qualitative research with quantitative risk analysis to identify income opportunities across structured credit markets.

Crypto exposure broadens across formats

Crypto-linked ETFs are expanding beyond single-asset exposure into diversified and income-oriented strategies.

The ProShares CoinDesk 20 Crypto ETF (KRYP) offers diversified exposure to top cryptocurrencies by tracking the CoinDesk 20 Index through swaps. The rules-based, cap-weighted approach provides broad crypto exposure without direct ownership of digital assets.

Hybrid income strategies are also emerging. The VistaShares BitBonds 5 Yr Enhanced Weekly Option Income ETF (BTYB) combines approximately 80% Treasuries with 20% Bitcoin exposure through a synthetic covered call approach. Designed to enhance income and potentially double the yield of five-year Treasuries, the ETF delivers weekly distributions while blending traditional fixed income stability with crypto-linked upside.

Filings

Active equity expansion across value, growth and global markets

Diamond Hill is preparing to enter the ETF space with the Diamond Hill High Income ETF, which will focus on below-investment-grade fixed income securities including high yield bonds, distressed debt, bank loans and asset-backed securities. Using a bottom-up research process, the fund will aim to generate both income and capital appreciation by exploiting inefficiencies across global credit markets.

Avantis continues to build out its active ETF lineup with two new filings. The Avantis U.S. Core Equity ETF (AVUC) will target U.S. equities with an emphasis on smaller companies exhibiting strong value and profitability characteristics. The strategy may use derivatives and seeks to outperform by overweighting attractively valued, high-quality firms while underweighting larger, less profitable companies.

Internationally, the Avantis All International Core Equity ETF (AVNC) will focus on non-U.S. equities across developed and emerging markets. Like its U.S. counterpart, the actively managed strategy emphasizes smaller companies with high profitability and compelling valuations, using financial data and potential derivative overlays to drive security selection and portfolio efficiency.

Polen Capital is also entering the pipeline with the Polen 5Perspectives Growth Opportunities ETF, an actively managed U.S. growth strategy investing primarily in stocks eligible for the Russell 3000 Growth Index. The fund will use a proprietary “Attractiveness Score” to identify companies with strong competitive advantages, thematic relevance and durable earnings growth potential.

Structured outcome and buffer strategies continue to scale

Aptus Capital Advisors has filed for four one-year deep buffer ETFs: the Aptus January Deep Buffer ETF (JADB), Aptus April Deep Buffer ETF (APDB), Aptus July Deep Buffer ETF (JUDB) and Aptus October Deep Buffer ETF (OCDB). Each will use FLEX Options to provide capped upside and downside protection ranging roughly from -4% to -34%, resetting annually at the start of each outcome period.

To complement these strategies, the firm also filed for the Aptus Laddered Deep Buffer ETF (ALDB). Rather than offering its own buffer or cap, the fund will allocate across the four quarterly deep buffer ETFs to create a laddered exposure. This approach aims to reduce timing risk and smooth performance across multiple outcome periods linked to S&P 500 performance.

Corgi Funds is taking the concept further with filings for a suite of 24 structured buffer ETFs spanning U.S. equities, technology leaders, small caps and international markets. The lineup will include 10%, 15%, 30% and 100% buffer strategies across multiple monthly series, significantly expanding investor choice for downside protection across asset classes and regions.

Credit and fixed income filings point to continued ETF migration

Principal has filed several new fixed income ETFs. The Principal Securitized Debt ETF (WDE) will allocate at least 80% to securitized credit including mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized loan obligations. The actively managed portfolio will primarily hold investment-grade assets and may use derivatives extensively.

Duration-specific strategies are also in development. The Principal Long Duration ETF (DWWN) will focus on U.S. Treasury STRIPS with duration closely aligned to the Bloomberg U.S. STRIPS 20+ Year Index, while the Principal Inflation Protection ETF (RIZE) will target U.S. TIPS with a near-zero duration profile to hedge inflation while limiting interest rate sensitivity.

Rounding out the lineup, the Principal CLO ETF (UUPP) will target at least 80% exposure to collateralized loan obligations, primarily senior tranches, with a portfolio duration under one year and flexibility to use derivatives and floating-rate securities.

Leveraged, inverse and single-stock trading tools proliferate

ProShares has filed an extensive lineup of 3x and 4x leveraged ETFs, including the QuadPro series targeting major indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000, along with sector and thematic exposures including Financials, Semiconductors and the Magnificent 7. Additional filings include leveraged precious metals and commodity strategies designed to be K-1 free.

In commodities, ProShares also filed for a suite of 2x leveraged ETFs offering daily exposure to copper, gold, natural gas, oil, palladium, platinum, silver and uranium through derivatives while avoiding K-1 tax reporting.

Single-stock leverage continues to expand rapidly. Tradr ETFs filed for daily 2x leveraged ETFs tied to ten companies including Analog Devices, Coupang, Monolithic Power Systems and Teradyne, while also filing for ten 2x inverse single-stock ETFs targeting names such as Marathon Digital, Lumentum Holdings and Western Digital.

Defiance ETFs filed for a broad range of 2x leveraged products tied to companies including AST SpaceMobile, BlackSky, Coherent, JD.com, Seagate Technology and Viasat. The firm also filed for the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long Discord ETF, designed to deliver 200% of Discord’s daily share performance through swaps and options.

Leverage Shares has similarly filed for both 2x long and 2x short daily ETFs linked to Discord, highlighting growing demand for leveraged exposure even to private-market names.

Crypto ETF pipeline continues to deepen

Bitwise has filed for the Bitwise Uniswap ETF, a proposed spot crypto ETF designed to hold Uniswap tokens directly and track a CME CF reference rate. The fund would use Coinbase Custody for safekeeping and create or redeem shares in large baskets through authorized participants.

21Shares has filed for the 21Shares Ondo ETF, which would provide spot exposure to the ONDO token. The passive strategy would hold the cryptocurrency directly without leverage and price shares using a CME CF reference rate.

Other Updates

Fee pressure continues across issuers

Vanguard reinforced its cost leadership by cutting expense ratios on 84 share classes across 53 mutual funds and ETFs, effective February 2, 2026. While the median reduction was just 0.01%, the changes are expected to save investors roughly $250 million annually. This marks Vanguard’s second broad fee reduction in a year after delivering about $350 million in savings during 2025. The move underscores how scale continues to drive pricing competition across the ETF industry.

Alpha Architect also trimmed fees across its quantitative lineup. The Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) and Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (QMOM) now charge 0.28%, while the Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) each charge 0.38%. Though modest, the reductions reflect growing scale and a continued push toward lower-cost factor exposures.

Strategy changes and repositioning

Some existing ETFs are undergoing notable strategic updates.

VanEck will rename the VanEck Gaming ETF (BJK) to the VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (BJK) on April 8, 2026. The fund will shift from the MVIS Global Gaming Index to the MarketVector Digital Native Economy Index, expanding its focus to include digital finance, gig platforms and broader online ecosystems. The broader mandate may increase turnover and tracking differences but positions the fund for a more diversified digital economy theme.

Amplify also enhanced its energy income strategy. The Amplify Energy Dividend Income ETF (NDIV) has been renamed the Amplify Energy & Natural Resources Covered Call ETF (NDIV) after adding a covered call overlay. The fund now tracks the VettaFi Energy and Natural Resources Covered Call Index and targets annual income above 10% through a mix of dividends and options premiums.

Crypto moves into model portfolios

Digital assets are increasingly being integrated into portfolio construction tools rather than just standalone ETFs. Bitwise has launched Model Portfolio Solutions for Digital Assets, offering seven professionally managed model portfolios built around crypto ETFs and related equities. Available across major advisory platforms, the models are rebalanced regularly and designed to help advisors incorporate crypto exposure into diversified client portfolios.

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.