Top ETF Launches of Summer 2026

Core Equity ETF Launches

Asset managers are targeting established core benchmarks by offering advisors lower-cost alternatives. BlackRock made a major splash by debuting the iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (IQQ), directly challenging established category peers with a low-cost, mega-cap tech allocation tool.

Specifically, IQQ followed the State Street SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) as the second fund directly challenging the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ). Both IQQ and QNDX charge just 10 basis points. In contrast, $481 billion QQQ charges 18 basis points, while the $102 billion Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF's (QQQM) charges 15 basis points.

Simultaneously, active equity managers are expanding into the ETF structure for the first time. Harding Loevner made its foray into the ETF arena with the Harding Loevner International Developed Markets Select Equity ETF (LOEV). The ETF offers access to a concentrated, fundamental active portfolio.

Neuberger Berman also expanded its lineup recently by launching the Neuberger Quality Select ETF (NQLT), which targets resilient balance sheets and capital allocation metrics. For equity income, Amplify launched the Amplify S&P 500 Dividend Drivers ETF (DRVR), which invests in dividend-growing large-cap companies.

Thematics: AI, Photonics, & Consensus Momentum

Niche thematic strategies continue to capture investor attention by targeting specific growth vectors. Modern AI infrastructure relies heavily on advanced optical networks, prompting the launch of the Aura VettaFi Photonics Index ETF (PHOX).

In the broader AI space, Defiance expanded its thematic lineup with the Defiance AI Hyperscale Leaders ETF (AIHY). The new ETF concentrates exposure on massive data center infrastructure and specialized hardware providers.

Defiance also launched the Defiance KSM TipRanks Analyst ETF (RANK), leveraging Wall Street consensus data to construct a dynamic, analyst-backed momentum strategy.

The strategy first ranks the 500 largest U.S. companies by analyst buy recommendations. Next, the top 100 candidates advance to a momentum evaluation. This process compares current prices against eight-month, 50-day, and 200-day moving averages. Consequently, only the top 50 qualifying companies make the final index.

Crypto and Leveraged ETF Launches

As tactical trading tools evolve, issuers are providing advisors with sophisticated instruments to manage market volatility. Amplify unveiled the Amplify Fairlead Tactical Bitcoin ETF (BNAV), a strategy designed to dynamically shift between spot digital asset exposure and cash equivalents based on technical trend indicators.

For semiconductor tactical trading, REX Shares debuted two products: The 3x daily leveraged MicroSectors 3X Long Semiconductor ETN (SMHU) and the inverse MicroSectors -3X Short Semiconductor ETN (SMHD).

Finally, single-stock ETF trading expanded further with Direxion launching the Direxion Daily SpaceX Bear 2X ETF (LOFD). It offers short daily leveraged exposure to commercial space economy sentiment.

For more news, information, and analysis visit the Thematic Investing Content Hub.

VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”) is the index provider for PHOX and RANK, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, PHOX and RANK are not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi, and VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of PHOX and RANK.

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