Top ETF Launches of 2015 As New Listings Reach 100

According to data from ETF.com, there are now 1,721 exchange-traded products currently available on U.S.-listed exchanges and that number is expanding at a breakneck pace.  Just this year, a combined 100 new ETFs and ETNs have debuted amid a bifurcated global marketplace that has seen some products embraced and others stuck in idle.

Without a doubt, the recipe of success for the most widely adopted launches in 2015 has been to capitalize on the reach of well-known money managers.   

Cutting-Edge Technology

The iShares Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) debuted in March and has already amassed $678 million in total assets.  This product was created at the behest of Ric Edelman through a joint venture between Barclays iShares group and index provider Morningstar.

XT is essentially a unique group of global stocks engaged in the forefront of technological innovation.  This ETF contains 200 holdings that are primarily engaged in the technology, health care, and telecommunication fields.  The current XT portfolio is 67 percent U.S. stocks and 33 percent developed international markets. 

Active Portfolio Management

Just behind XT in the asset race this year is the SPDR DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF (TOTL), which debuted in February.  TOTL is a joint venture between State Street and renowned bond investor Jeffrey Gundlach.

The actively managed TOTL has amassed $605 million in total assets and is considered a top competitor against the established PIMCO Total Return ETF (BOND).  Gundlach is regarded as one of the top bond investors based on his track record of success in actively managed mutual funds managed by DoubleLine Capital.

Currency Hedged

Another top theme this year has been the rise in the U.S. dollar index, which has encouraged investors to seek out currency-hedged ETFs.  The WisdomTree Europe Hedged SmallCap Equity Fund (EUSC) has raised $224 million in total assets in just three short months.

EUSC provides exposure to 222 European small cap stocks with concomitant short positions in the euro currency.  The end result is a diversified portfolio of developed international companies that will benefit from the current trend in the U.S. dollar.  

Notable Mentions

The three ETFs mentioned above have clearly separated themselves from the pack in a short period of time.  However, other promising new funds include the iShares U.S. Fixed Income Balanced Risk ETF (INC) and Innovator IBD 50 ETF (FFTY).