ETF launches this week add to the bewildering array of available options

Keeping up with the ever-growing range of exchange-traded funds available to investors in the US is a full-time gig – there were around 4,000 new ETFs last year - but here are just a few that are new this week.

BlackRock has launched two new active money market ETFs and in the process claims the industry’s first prime money market ETF, the iShares Prime Money Market ETF (NYSE: PMMF) along with the iShares Government Money Market ETF (NYSE: GMMF).

“Cash is a fundamental building block of investor portfolios, providing stability and liquidity,” said Jon Steel, global head of Product and Platform of BlackRock’s Cash Management Business. “In 2024, US money market funds surpassed $6 trillion in assets, fueled by the appeal of short-term interest rates.”

The funds are actively managed by BlackRock’s Cash Management Group.

Schwab Asset Management’s new offering this week is the Schwab Core Bond
ETF (NYSE Arca: SCCR) which is the firm’s second actively managed fixed income ETF (and its 12th fixed income ETF overall) which invests in US dollar denominated securities and is designed based on the investment process used for the Wasmer Schroeder Core Bond Separately Managed Account strategy.

Cohen & Steers has launched three new active ETFs: Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (NYSE Arca: CSRE), Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF (NYSE Arca: CSPF), and Cohen & Steers Natural Resources Active ETF (NYSE Arca: CSNR).

“Active ETFs have seen tremendous market growth and have become the preferred vehicle for many wealth managers and their clients,” said Daniel Noonan, head of the firm’s Wealth Management Consulting Group. “Launching active ETFs represents a significant opportunity for Cohen & Steers to expand access to our time-tested strategies in real assets and alternative income.”

Pacer ETFs’ new fund aims to deliver returns comparable to private equity and venture capital investments, but with the benefits of an ETF. Sean O’Hara, president of Pacer ETF Distributors, says that the Pacer PE/VC ETF (NYSE: PEVC) is a new way to tap into private markets, something a recent survey revealed advisors are keen to explore.

“PEVC bridges the gap between the exclusivity of private equity and venture capital with the accessibility of ETF products,” he commented.

Finally, for something more niche, the AdvisorShares HVAC and Industrials ETF (Ticker: HVAC) has a first-of-its-kind focus offering investors exposure to American companies in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. 

“The HVAC industry continues to demonstrate rapid growth and resilience with an established history of outperforming the broader market,” said Noah Hamman, CEO of AdvisorShares. “We believe the HVAC ETF provides a compelling opportunity for investors to access targeted exposure to a sector primed for long-term expansion, driven by increasing construction, energy efficiency trends, and climate resilience—all delivered in a fully transparent and efficient ETF investment vehicle.”