Weekly Channel Summary
The Alternatives channel, comprising 51 ETFs from 28 issuers, holds total assets of $20.53 billion. Investors demonstrated strong interest over the week, pouring a net $674 million into the space. This recent activity builds on a powerful year-to-date trend, with inflows now totaling $10.20 billion. Over the past twelve months, the channel has accumulated nearly $11.0 billion in new assets.
This Week’s Performance Leaders and Laggards
Managed Futures strategies led all categories with a 2.71% gain for the week, extending their impressive year-to-date return to 15.52%. Long Volatility funds also posted a positive return of 2.27%, though they remain down significantly for the year. In contrast, Short Volatility was the sole category to finish in the red, declining by a modest 0.26%.
Absolute Return Performance Snapshot
| Absolute Return | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | 6 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managed Futures | 2.71% | 4.46% | 5.26% | 4.89% | 15.52% | 22.77% |
| Multi-Strategy | 0.72% | 1.25% | 3.44% | 8.71% | 13.74% | 12.45% |
| Event Driven | 0.08% | 0.24% | 0.84% | 1.99% | 2.77% | 3.65% |
Volatility Performance Snapshot
| Volatility | WTD | 1 Month | 3 Month | 6 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vol – Long | 2.27% | -12.40% | -34.09% | -50.50% | -39.54% | -53.95% |
| Vol – Short | -0.26% | 5.62% | 15.54% | 24.07% | 11.57% | 19.43% |
Top & Bottom 5 ETFs by Weekly Performance
The Simplify Multi-QIS Alternative ETF (QIS) was the week’s standout performer, delivering a remarkable 10.25% return. Another managed futures product, the Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA), also posted a strong 6.50% gain. On the other end of the spectrum, the Opportunistic Trader ETF (WZRD) experienced a steep decline, falling 39.57% for the week.
| Ticker | Fund Name | WTD Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Performers | ||
| QIS | Simplify Multi-QIS Alternative ETF | 10.25% |
| CTA | Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | 6.50% |
| UVIX | 2x Long VIX Futures ETF | 3.53% |
| KMLM | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF | 3.47% |
| UVXY | ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF | 2.80% |
| Bottom Performers | ||
| WZRD | Opportunistic Trader ETF | -39.57% |
| SVIX | -1x Short VIX Futures ETF | -2.06% |
| SVXY | ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF | -1.02% |
| HFND | Unlimited HFND Multi-Strategy Return Tracker ETF | -0.77% |
| HDG | ProShares Hedge Replication ETF | -0.62% |
Analyzing the Weekly Flows
Investors allocated a net $674 million to the Alternatives channel this week, underscoring continued demand for non-correlated strategies. The Managed Futures category was the primary beneficiary, capturing the vast majority of flows with a $568 million intake. Multi-Strategy funds also saw positive interest, adding $93 million. No category experienced meaningful outflows during the period.
Absolute Return Flows Summary
| Absolute Return | Fund Count | AUM | 5 Day | 30 Day | 90 Day | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managed Futures | 17 | $8.87B | $568M | $701M | $983M | $3,438M | $4,215M |
| Multi-Strategy | 15 | $8.84B | $93M | $417M | $1,557M | $6,578M | $6,834M |
| Event Driven | 8 | $433M | -$0M | -$20M | $1M | -$24M | -$1M |
Volatility Flows Summary
| Volatility | Fund Count | AUM | 5 Day | 30 Day | 90 Day | YTD | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vol – Long | 5 | $1.28B | $12M | $173M | $290M | $422M | $283M |
| Vol – Short | 5 | $1.05B | $2M | -$58M | -$168M | -$213M | -$371M |
Top & Bottom 5 ETFs by 5-Day Flow
The iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) overwhelmingly led inflows, attracting a massive $534 million in new capital. This single fund accounted for nearly 80% of the channel’s total net flow for the week. In terms of redemptions, the Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) saw the largest net exit at $52 million. The ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (UVXY) followed with outflows of $10 million.
| Ticker | Fund Name | 5-Day Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Inflows | ||
| DBMF | iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF | $534M |
| IALT | iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF | $70M |
| KMLM | KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF | $61M |
| VXX | iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN | $29M |
| FLSP | Franklin Systematic Style Premia ETF | $20M |
| Outflows | ||
| CTA | Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF | -$52M |
| UVXY | ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF | -$10M |
| UVIX | 2x Long VIX Futures ETF | -$7M |
| SVOL | Simplify Volatility Premium ETF | -$5M |
| WZRD | Opportunistic Trader ETF | -$0M |
Note: the following fund(s) were excluded from the flow totals above because the weekly flow exceeds 75% of the fund’s AUM and may be the result of a custom rebalance: VIXM (-$108M).
Issuer League Table Update
iShares continues to lead the Alternatives category with a 28.62% market share, closely followed by iM at 23.17%. Thanks to the success of its flagship fund, iM was the top asset gatherer of the week, bringing in $534 million. Conversely, Simplify recorded the largest net outflows among issuers, with redemptions totaling $55 million.
Top 5 Issuers by AUM
| Brand | Fund Count | AUM | AUM Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| iShares | 2 | $5.88B | 28.62% |
| iM | 1 | $4.76B | 23.17% |
| Simplify | 5 | $2.25B | 10.95% |
| NYLIM | 2 | $1.26B | 6.15% |
| Franklin | 1 | $1.09B | 5.31% |
Top & Bottom 3 Issuers by 5-Day Flow
| Brand | 5-Day Flow |
|---|---|
| Inflows | |
| iM | $534M |
| iShares | $70M |
| KraneShares | $61M |
| Outflows | |
| Simplify | -$55M |
| ProShares | -$7M |
| Volatility Shares | -$3M |
For a deeper dive into these trends, access our FREE, in-depth Alternative ETF reports in the right side panel of this page.
Disclosures
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All investments, including ETFs, involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investors should consider their investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing.
This analysis was developed by the team at ETF Action. We leverage advanced AI tools to assist in the drafting and refinement of our content, based on our expert prompts, direction, and final review.
