Cryptocurrency has evolved from speculative gamble to strategic portfolio component. Grayscale Head of Research Zach Pandl explains how digital assets now offer measurable diversification benefits comparable to traditional alternatives like private equity. With Bitcoin’s volatility matching large-cap tech stocks and new ETF accessibility, advisors can seamlessly integrate crypto exposure while hedging against macroeconomic risks and fiat currency devaluation.
Research Affiliates launched RAUS, a reimagined cap-weighted ETF that tackles a hidden flaw in traditional indexes like the S&P 500. While appearing nearly identical, with 95% overlap, RAUS uses fundamental metrics to select companies instead of pure price momentum—avoiding the costly “buy high, sell low” cycle that plagues standard benchmarks. The result: a familiar structure with potentially better outcomes through disciplined index maintenance.
Manulife John Hancock Investments is leveraging its dual-brand identity to showcase global scale and deep private markets expertise. The firm has expanded its ETF platform over a decade, now offering differentiated active strategies across fixed income, equity, and specialized assets like senior loans. President and CEO Kristie Feinberg highlights how active ETFs meet evolving advisor demand while preparing for demographic shifts including longevity and the great wealth transfer.
Many portfolios ignore securitized credit—one of the largest bond segments. The John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (JHMB) changes that, offering attractive yield and professional access to agency MBS and securitized assets. With yields matching corporate bonds’ and floating-rate opportunities emerging, this $155M strategy (as of September 10, 2025) from Manulife John Hancock Investments represents a compelling entry point into an underrepresented market.
While investors pile into the same seven tech giants, the Pacer TRFK ETF takes a different approach—capturing the entire data ecosystem that powers AI. From chips to security software, this focused strategy has delivered compelling returns by identifying the “picks and shovels” of the AI revolution rather than speculating on which applications will win.
As advisors seek tax-efficient income solutions amid shifting rate environments, the Principal Spectrum Tax-Advantaged Dividend Active ETF (PQDI) emerges as a compelling option. This actively managed fund focuses on qualified dividend income across preferred securities, institutional bonds, and European contingent convertibles, potentially offering investors half the tax burden of traditional bond income while maintaining investment-grade credit quality and accessing complex securities typically reserved for institutions.
While most fixed-income strategies face declining yields as rates fall, the Principal Spectrum PREF ETF demonstrates how preferred securities with reset features can deliver rising income. Growing from $25 million to $1.2 billion, the strategy’s exclusive focus on institutional preferreds with floating or fixed-to-reset coupons has increased its average coupon from 4.9% to 5.5%. With 60% of holdings facing resets by 2027, this active strategy offers advisors a rare solution for potential income growth regardless of rate direction.
