How many ETFs launched in 2024?

Money Management looks back at the significant launches of the year, which saw the Australian exchange-traded fund (ETF) industry welcome more than 30 new funds. 

These include new offerings brought to market from providers like BlackRock, Global X, Betashares and Macquarie, among others. 

February

While January was a quiet month, the year’s launches kicked off in February with VanEck’s Global Listed Private Credit (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: LEND), believed to be Australia’s first global listed private credit ETF. 

Later in the month, BlackRock unveiled three new ETFs: the iShares MSCI World ex Australia Momentum ETF (IMTM), iShares MSCI World ex Australia Value ETF (IVLU), and iShares MSCI World ex Australia Quality ETF (IQLT). 
It marked the inaugural iShares products listed on Cboe in Australia.

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April

While no funds closed or launched in March, April began with the launch of the Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI) on the ASX. Tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, GXAI offers Australian investors exposure to innovation and growth in AI-related companies.

This was followed by Franklin Templeton announcing the launch of two active ETFs – the Franklin Australian Absolute Return Bond Fund (Managed Fund) (ASX: FRAR) and the Franklin Global Growth Fund (Managed Fund) (ASX: FRGG) – on the ASX.

Betashares also launched its Wealth Builder series, comprising two “moderately geared” ETFs – the Betashares Wealth Builder Australia 200 Geared Complex ETF and Betashares Wealth Builder Diversified All Growth Geared Complex ETF.

Russell Investments also unveiled its first multistrategy ETF in Australia, the Russell Investments Sustainable Global Opportunities Complex ETF (ASX: RGOS), responding to rising growth in sustainable investment and in actively managed ETFs.

JP Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM) launched its 12th active ETF in Australia, listing its high conviction Global Select Equity Active ETF (JGLO) on the ASX.

May

This month, Global X launched the Global X Gold Bullion ETF, which aims to replicate the movements in the Australian dollar price of gold, less the annual management fee, by investing in physical gold bullion bars.

Betashares also expanded its fixed income solutions with the Betashares Australian Major Bank Subordinated Debt ETF, offering investors exposure to a portfolio of high-quality tier 2 floating rate subordinated bonds issued by Australia’s big four banks.

Towards the end of the month, Macquarie Asset Management launched two new systematic active ETFs, designed to provide exposure to an active equity strategy with a fee structure aligned to performance.

Additionally, Global X confirmed the impending launch of its Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF, providing exposure to firms set to benefit from increased infrastructure activity in the US, a sector backed by federal spending to drive the strong need for growth.

June

Fidelity International launched four new active ETFs in the market this month, namely the Fidelity Global Future Leaders ETF, the Fidelity Asia ETF, the Fidelity India ETF, and the Fidelity Australian High Conviction ETF.

Additionally, BlackRock Australia announced the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF, offering Australian investors a higher allocation to the emerging markets universe outside of China and providing the opportunity for greater global diversification.

Not long after, BlackRock Australia introduced its iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF.

Lazard Asset Management also launched its Global Listed Infrastructure Active ETF.

July

This quarter commenced with the launch of its Global X Australian Bank Credit ETF (BANK), which provides exposure to credit in the Australian banking sector, tracking the Solactive Australian Bank Credit Index’s performance. It was described as the first “three-in-one” passively managed package of senior bonds, subordinated bonds and hybrid securities.

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) expanded its ETF model portfolio range with the addition of a high growth offering for advisers seeking to service younger investors. The new option complemented its three existing risk-based portfolios – Moderate, Balanced and Growth – that invest in a range of asset classes and sectors across the risk spectrum.

Betashares launched a currency hedged version of its S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (ASX: HQUS) as well as the Betashares Australian Momentum ETF (MTUM). According to the ETF provider, the product is the first Australian equities momentum ETF on the ASX and it aims to help investors access exposure to a systematic, rules-based momentum investing strategy.

Global X went on to also launch a currency hedged fund, this one being a currency hedged version of its FANG+ ETF (ASX: FHNG). 

Additionally, L1 Capital launched a listed hedged vehicle on the ASX with its L1 Capital International (Hedged) Active ETF.

August

The actively managed JPMorgan Global Equity Premium Income Complex ETF (JEGA) was launched on the ASX this month, seeking to produce an income of 7–9 per cent annualised each month, combining equities with options to balance yield, capital growth and risk.

Dimensional Fund Advisors also expanded its ETF range with three new products: the Dimensional Australian Value Trust, the Dimensional Global Value Trust, and the Dimensional Global Small Company Trust.

BlackRock Australia rounded out the month with the announcement of its iShares 20+ Year US Treasury Bond ETF (AUD Hedged) for Australian advisers and investors. The firm said investors may consider the product for portfolio diversification, as adding duration can provide defence against potential market volatility and during periods of slowing growth.

September

This month, VanEck announced the launch of the VanEck Global Defence ETF, an ASX-listed ETF focusing on global defence stocks. 

Shortly after, the Global X S&P World Ex-Australia GARP ETF was made available to ASX investors. The product provides investors with exposure to global companies with strong earnings growth, solid financial strength and trading at reasonable valuations.

October

Nanuk announced the listing of its New World Fund (Currency Hedged) Active ETF (NNWH), which provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of listed companies that are poised to benefit from, or contribute to, improving global environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Hot on the heels of VanEck the month prior, two new defence ETFs also entered the market: the Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR) and Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC).

November

The month kicked off with the launch of the Betashares Ethical Australian Composite Bond ETF, which provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of high-quality Australian corporate and government bonds. The bonds are screened to exclude issuers, with the exception of sovereign bond issuers, with material exposure to fossil fuels or engaged in activities considered inconsistent with responsible investment considerations.

Two Pinnacle affiliates, Plato Investment Management and Firetrail Investments also launched new offerings. The Plato Global Alpha Complex ETF is an active ETF version of its Plato Global Alpha Fund. Meanwhile, the Firetrail Australian Small Companies – Active ETF seeks to outperform the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index over the medium- to long-term after fees by investing in a concentrated portfolio of around 40 Australian small-cap stocks.

Ausbil announced it will launch its first ETF, with the Ausbil Active Dividend Income strategy set to debut as an ETF in the Australian market next year. 

December

Rounding off the year, Income Asset Management (IAM) announced plans for two Single Bond ETFs on Cboe, making corporate bonds like Tier 2 bonds available to retail investors in Australia. 

The two ETFs will offer economic exposure to the interest returns and capital preservation of high-quality bank subordinated debt from Westpac and Commonwealth Bank.