Back to top

Image: Bigstock

5 ETFs Making Waves Since Their 2025 Launch

Read MoreHide Full Article

The global ETF market is on a solid trajectory in 2025, setting a record for new fund launches in the first half of the year. According to ETFGI, 1,308 new ETFs were introduced worldwide as of the end of June, a sharp increase from 878 in the same period last year. There were 266 closures of ETFs during the first half of 2025, resulting in a net increase of 1,042 ETFs.

Among issuers, BlackRock’s iShares led the way with 42 new ETFs, followed by Global X (36) and First Trust (27). In total, 326 different providers rolled out new products. The momentum has translated into a record $17 trillion in global ETF AUM as of June, surpassing the $16.3 trillion high set in May. Year-to-date ETF inflows hit $897.7 billion, marking another all-time high, ETFGI reported.

We have highlighted the five most successful ETF launches so far this year. These are JPMorgan Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (JMTG - Free Report) , JPMorgan Active High Yield ETF (JPHY - Free Report) , 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL - Free Report) , iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF (HIMU - Free Report) and Simplify Government Money Market ETF (SBIL - Free Report) .

Several key trends are fueling the explosion in ETF launches:

Actively Managed ETFs: These are gaining traction as investors seek more tactical, flexible approaches in volatile markets (read: Best-Performing Active ETFs of 1H25).

Thematic Funds: ETFs targeting niche themes, such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and cybersecurity, continue to attract significant inflows.

Innovative Structures: Growth in ETFs offering exposure to digital assets (e.g., the iShares Bitcoin Trust, IBIT) and derivatives-based strategies has expanded the market’s breadth.

Factor-Based Strategies: Products focused on value, momentum, quality, size and minimum volatility are rising in popularity.

Mutual Fund to ETF Conversions: Asset managers are increasingly launching ETF versions of their traditional mutual funds to align with investor demand and reduce costs.

Best ETF Launches

JPMorgan Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (JMTG - Free Report)

JPMorgan Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF has amassed $5.8 billion in its asset base since its debut on June 27. It is an actively managed ETF that primarily invests in mortgage-backed securities. JMTG holds a broad basket of 2,427 securities with each accounting for no more than 1.3%. Agency Mortgage takes the largest share in the basket with 76.1%. JPMorgan Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF charges 24 bps in annual fees. 

JPMorgan Active High Yield ETF (JPHY - Free Report)  

JPMorgan Active High Yield ETF has accumulated more than $2 billion in AUM since its debut on June 24. It is also an actively managed ETF that invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of below investment-grade debt securities. Holding 450 securities in its basket, JPHY sports a yield to maturity of 6.35%. JPMorgan Active High Yield ETF charges 45 bps in annual fees (read: Tap Income ETFs Amid Trump Tariffs' Legal Trouble). 

0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL - Free Report)

0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF tracks the Bloomberg US Treasury Bills 0-3 Months Index, a market-weighted Treasury index with an ultra-short-term dollar-weighted average maturity. It holds 27 securities in its basket with average duration and average maturity of 0.1 years each. 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF has gathered $2.1 billion in its asset base since its debut on Feb. 7. It charges 7 bps in fees from investors per year.  

iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF (HIMU - Free Report)

iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF has amassed $1.8 billion in its asset base since its debut on Feb. 7. It seeks to provide shareholders with as high a level of income exempt from federal income taxes by tracking the BBG Muni 60% HY + 20% Muni BBB + 20% Muni IG ex BBB Custom Index. HIMU holds a basket of 791 securities with well-diversified exposure across health, education and corporate muni industries. iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF charges 42 bps in annual fees.

Simplify Government Money Market ETF (SBIL - Free Report)

Simplify Government Money Market ETF has gathered $1.2 billion in its asset base since its debut in July. It seeks current income consistent with liquidity and stability of principal and operates as a government money market fund pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Simplify Government Money Market ETF charges 15 bps in annual fees. 

Published in