

Buoyed by a spate of mutual-fund-to-ETF conversions, active ETFs made their presence felt in 2024. That accounted for significant percentages of both inflows and launches.

ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF focuses on large-cap, dividend-paying stocks with high or improving ROIC. RFFC is better balanced in sectors and holdings than the S&P 500, but has underperformed it since its inception. RFFC has also underperformed several active ETFs over the last three years. In particular, FFLC, CGGR and DUHP are superior to RFFC in return, liquidity, and have lower fees.

Had enough of volatile markets? You wouldn't be alone.

Active ETFs have made significant progress in recent years. Combining the transparency of ETFs with the flexibility of active management, active funds have a lot to offer curious investors.

Bull vs. Bear is a weekly feature where the VettaFi writers' room takes opposite sides to debate controversial stocks, strategies, or market ideas — with plenty of discussion of ETF ideas to play either angle. For this edition, Nick Wodeshick and Nick Peters-Golden debate whether rate cuts will still arrive this year.

Looking for an active ETF that's performing well and takes a special view? The ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) may appeal.

Active ETFs have driven market narratives over the last year or so, with active strategies picking up significant flows. That has contributed to renewed interest from asset managers and investors alike in adding some active ETF performance.

Regardless of who wins, the political fallout associated with the midterm elections will likely shake up the markets, contributing to renewed volatility, but the elections could pave the way for new opportunities in portfolio allocation strategies.