ETFs Reach Record Investment Levels as Industry Recognizes Top Funds and Leaders
February 6, 2025 – The 2025 ETF.com Awards are set to recognize the top-performing exchange-traded funds (ETFs), industry leaders, and innovative financial products after a record-breaking year in the ETF space. With over $1 trillion in inflows in 2024, the industry witnessed strong momentum in actively managed funds, dividend-focused ETFs, and cryptocurrency-based investments.
ETF.com’s editorial staff carefully narrowed down over 700 nominations to a final list of just under 100, featuring some of the most innovative and successful funds.
This year’s awards introduce six new categories, including Active ETF of the Year, reflecting the increasing popularity of actively managed funds. Among the nominees are dividend, fixed income, and categorized loan obligation (CLO) funds, as well as newly launched actively managed ETFs that have gained investor attention.
ETF of the Year: The Industry’s Biggest Prize
Among the most prestigious awards, the ETF of the Year category has been compared to the Oscar race of 1994, which saw Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, and Forrest Gump competing for Best Picture. Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas described this year’s contest as a “tough choice”, given the strong lineup of nominees.
✔ Spot Bitcoin ETF Favorite to Win
One of the leading contenders is IBIT, the iShares Bitcoin Trust, a spot Bitcoin ETF that has gained immense popularity since regulatory approvals for crypto-based funds. Social media sentiment strongly favors IBIT as the likely winner, reflecting the growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets.
✔ Vanguard’s VOO Could Make History
Another strong contender is VOO, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which is closing in on SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) to potentially become the largest ETF in the world. VOO has consistently delivered low-cost, broad market exposure and remains a favorite among long-term investors.
✔ Nuclear Energy and CLO ETFs Among the Finalists
- Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ): One of 2024’s best-performing equity funds, this ETF capitalized on the renewed focus on nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable power source.
- Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA): A unique ETF that has attracted investors looking for higher yields through Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs), a segment that gained traction in 2024.
With such a diverse mix of investment strategies competing, the ETF of the Year award will be closely watched by industry professionals and investors alike.
New Categories Highlight Growth of Active and Thematic ETFs
The ETF.com Awards 2025 introduce six new categories, reflecting the evolving nature of the ETF landscape. One of the most anticipated is Active ETF of the Year, highlighting funds that provide investors with actively managed strategies to enhance returns and manage risks.
✔ Best New Active ETF Nominees:
- BondBloxx Private Credit CLO ETF (PCMM) – A CLO-focused fund catering to fixed-income investors.
- Calamos Laddered S&P 500 Structured Alt Protection ETF (CPSL) – A structured alternative ETF designed for risk management.
- Fidelity Yield Enhanced Equity ETF (FYEE) – A dividend-focused ETF providing enhanced income potential.
- NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) – A fund targeting high-income opportunities within the Nasdaq-100.
- Roundhill S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (XDTE) – Capitalizing on the rise of zero-day options trading strategies.
- Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM) – A tax-efficient bond ETF for income-seeking investors.
The inclusion of these funds highlights how active management is becoming an integral part of the ETF industry, alongside traditional passive strategies.
A Record-Breaking Year for ETFs
The ETF industry had a historic 2024, with over $1 trillion in inflows, driven by growing investor confidence in exchange-traded funds as an efficient investment vehicle.
✔ Actively Managed ETFs Gain Traction
- Active ETFs attracted 25% of total inflows, signaling a shift in investor preferences toward strategies that adapt to market conditions rather than purely tracking an index.
✔ Cryptocurrency ETFs Enter the Mainstream
- The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs led to record-breaking inflows into crypto-based funds, making them a core part of ETF portfolios.
✔ Thematic ETFs Find New Growth Areas
- Interest in clean energy, nuclear power, and alternative income strategies continued to drive investor interest in thematic ETFs.
Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees: Recognizing ETF Industry Leaders
The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates visionaries and pioneers in the ETF space, recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to the industry.
✔ Notable Nominees Include:
- Bob Pisani – Senior markets correspondent at CNBC, known for his insightful ETF coverage.
- Joanna Gallegos – Co-founder and CEO of BondBloxx, a firm specializing in fixed-income ETFs.
- Rob Arnott – Chairman of Research Affiliates, a key figure in quantitative investing.
- Bruce Bond – Co-founder and CEO of Innovator Capital Management, a leader in defined outcome ETFs.
- George Milling-Stanley – Chief gold strategist at State Street Global Advisors, recognized for his expertise in gold investment strategies.
These industry professionals have shaped the evolution of ETFs, contributing to their widespread adoption and innovation.
Conclusion: The ETF Industry Continues to Evolve
The 2025 ETF.com Awards highlight the growth, innovation, and competitiveness of the ETF industry, which continues to evolve in response to investor demand.
✔ Actively managed funds are gaining momentum, challenging traditional passive strategies.
✔ Cryptocurrency ETFs have entered the mainstream, with IBIT leading the charge.
✔ Thematic ETFs focusing on nuclear energy, alternative income, and structured products are attracting significant attention.
✔ Industry pioneers are being recognized for their contributions to shaping the ETF landscape.
With a record-breaking year behind them and new trends emerging, ETF investors and industry professionals will be closely watching which funds and individuals take home the top honors at the 2025 ETF.com Awards.
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