While Global X has experienced its fair share of flops over the years, a number of strategies have stuck around. For instance, the Global X Uranium ETF (NYSEArca: URA), which tracks uranium producers, has built up $216.5 million in assets and the Global X Guru Index ETF (NYSEArca: GURU), which tracks top hedge fund picks, has garnered $425.9 million in assets.
Some strategies could also sit at low assets for years before becoming a popular trade. A recovering Eurozone has propelled interest in the Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF (NYSEArca: GREK) as a tactical, short-term trade. GREK now has $153.4 million in assets and trades with an average daily volume of 340,743 shares. [Eurozone ETFs to Watch Ahead of Stress-Test Results]
Additionally, as more investors try to diversify away from traditional asset classes to diminish portfolio volatility, alternative investments have also gained in popularity. For example, master limited partnership ETFs are moving into the mainstream. The JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN (NYSEArca: AMJ), an exchange traded note that tracks the Alerian MLP Index, holds $6.5 billion in assets under management and Alerian MP ETF (NYSEArca: AMLP), the largest MLP ETF, has $9.4 billion in assets. [Sell-Off in MLP ETFs May Be Buying Opportunity]
Looking ahead, the industry is crafting ETF strategies that generate more creative and precise ways to achieve targeted outcomes. For instance, Guggenheim has been expanding its line up with smart-beta and bond ETF offerings.
“You’re going to start to see an increased level of granularity in trying to capture investment themes,” Held added.
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Max Chen contributed to this article.