The Most Interesting New ETF Launches of March

March 2025 has witnessed a series of innovative Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) launches, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the investment landscape. From cryptocurrency-focused products to sector-specific funds, these new offerings provide investors with diverse opportunities to diversify their portfolios. Here are some of the most noteworthy ETF launches this month:​

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETP

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, introduced its first bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe. Domiciled in Switzerland, the 'iShares Bitcoin ETP' is listed in Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. This launch follows BlackRock's significant success in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, where it attracted over $50 billion into similar products after regulatory approval in January 2024. For this European venture, BlackRock has partnered with Coinbase as the custodian and Bank of New York Mellon as the administrator. ​

HANetf's Europe-Focused Defence ETF

HANetf unveiled a Europe-focused defence ETF aimed at providing investors exposure to the rapidly growing European defence sector. Building on the success of its existing Future of Defence Ucits ETF (NATO), this new fund targets European-listed defence companies, excluding U.S. firms and those with significant revenue from controversial weapons. Based on the EQM Future of Defence Index with additional investment screens, the ETF is set to be listed on European exchanges soon. This launch aligns with Europe's increasing defence spending and efforts to enhance domestic security capabilities. ​

Thailand's Approval of Leveraged and Inverse ETFs

In a significant policy shift, Thailand approved the sale of leveraged and inverse ETFs to retail investors starting in March 2025. Leveraged ETFs aim to deliver multiples of index performance, while inverse ETFs profit from index declines. Asset managers are required to disclose associated risks, strategies, and fees, and include performance simulators to illustrate potential outcomes. This initiative aims to strengthen Thailand's ETF sector and expand its capital markets, making them more competitive within the Asian region. ​

Nomura's S&P 500 Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment ETF

Nomura Asset Management launched an ETF designed to track the performance of the S&P 500 Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (Industry Group) 35% Capped Index (USD) TR. Approved for listing by the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) with a listing date of March 27, 2025, this ETF offers investors exposure to the semiconductor industry's performance within the S&P 500. The minimum investment amount is expected to be approximately 2,000 yen per unit. ​

REX Bitcoin Corporate Treasury Convertible Bond ETF

REX Financial introduced the REX Bitcoin Corporate Treasury Convertible Bond ETF (BMAX), which began trading on March 14, 2025. This fund focuses on convertible bonds issued by companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, such as Strategy (formerly known as MicroStrategy). Managed by REX Financial, BMAX targets firms that have issued equity-linked notes to finance cryptocurrency investments, providing investors with exposure to both interest income and potential equity gains linked to Bitcoin holdings. ​

GraniteShares 2x Long MARA Daily ETF

GraniteShares launched the 2x Long MARA Daily ETF (MRAL) on March 8, 2025. This leveraged ETF seeks to provide twice the daily performance of Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (MARA), a leading cryptocurrency mining company. It caters to investors aiming to amplify their exposure to MARA's stock performance. ​

Thornburg's Entry into Active ETFs

Thornburg Investment Management, overseeing $45 billion in assets, announced the launch of its first two active ETFs: Thornburg International Equity ETF (TXUE) and Thornburg International Growth ETF (TXUG). Both funds invest primarily in non-U.S. developed market equities, with TXUE seeking long-term capital appreciation and TXUG aiming for long-term capital growth. These launches mark Thornburg's entry into the ETF market, reflecting its commitment to providing clients with diverse investment solutions. ​

These developments underscore the ETF industry's continuous innovation, offering investors novel avenues to access diverse sectors and asset classes.