#ETFWatch As of March 22, 2025, here are some notable developments in the ETF landscape:

Managed Futures ETFs Gain Attention

Managed futures ETFs have gained popularity as a means to achieve "crisis alpha," performing well during market downturns. These funds utilize dynamic, long/short derivative trend-trading quantitative models, offering diversification beyond traditional bonds. Despite higher fees, proponents argue that managed futures provide resilience during major downturns, such as the dot-com crash and the global financial crisis. In 2022, managed futures saw significant asset inflows, with the largest ETF surpassing $1 billion. However, recent performance has been mixed, with high fees potentially offsetting advantages over bonds. The industry believes managed futures remain underappreciated due to perceived complexity. As a strategy, managed futures involve betting on trends in various markets, including commodities and currencies. While they can diversify a portfolio, their returns differ significantly from stocks and bonds. Fee reductions in new funds offer some optimism, but the debate over their long-term value continues. Commodities like gold have also been suggested for hedging, but predicting their performance remains challenging.

Leveraged ETFs Experience Volatility

In 2024, leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), designed to amplify daily market movements, experienced a surge, with total assets rising by nearly $40 billion—the largest growth since their inception in 2006. However, in 2025, as major indices like the S&P 500 fell, these funds faced significant downturns, leading to heavier losses. Popular leveraged ETFs tied to high-volatility stocks such as Tesla and Nvidia plummeted as their underlying stocks dropped. Despite these losses, some investors continue to be drawn to these funds, seeking quick profits amid rising living costs. Concerns persist over the risks and potential financial instability associated with these high-risk investments, which may not align with the original purpose of ETFs—long-term wealth dustry's efforts