2026 is more than halfway done, somehow, after a whirlwind start defined by volatility. Geopolitical risk and AI bubble risk were the headline drivers, even as portfolios were rewarded by strong tech earnings. The start of the year, then, should have proved a big opportunity for active ETFs to earn their keep. The top 10 active ETFs YTD spoke to both the specific risks that have defined the year and the rise of active overall as an option set.
Key Takeaways:
- Three of the top 10 active ETFs YTD focus on international/ex-U.S. stocks.
- Three focus on income, including dividends and call-option focused ETFs.
- The largest YTD flows for an active ETF were just over $7 billion, with the top 10 all above $4 billion in total YTD flows.
Data from ETF Database reveals an intriguing top 10 active ETFs defined by YTD flows. The highest inflows YTD came in at $7.2 billion for one ETF. Meanwhile, the lowest in the top 10 sat at just over $4.2 billion.
Taking the top spot in the data set? The iShares International Country Rotation Active ETF (CORO ) picked up $7.2 billion as of June 29. The fund charges 55 basis points (bps). It actively invests in non-U.S. country ETFs, doubling down on the ETF wrapper’s strengths. Intriguingly, the strategy can use developed and emerging markets ETF exposure to deliver for its investors.
CORO has returned 16% YTD, according to YCharts, while taking that approach. It relies heavily on iShares ETFs, with its largest allocation at time of writing per YCharts to the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ ).
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The Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV ) takes the next spot, having gained $6.1 billion YTD. CGDV charges 33 bps for its active approach. The fund focuses on firms that pay dividends or could potentially pay dividends. It has returned 11.4% YTD in doing so.
Next, the explicitly income focused JP Morgan NASDAQ Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ ) has gathered more than $5.6 billion in inflows YTD. Charging a 35-bps fee, the fund focuses heavily on stocks within the Nasdaq-100 index and sells call options on its investments for income. The fund has provided an 11.14% 30-day SEC yield as of May 31, 2026, per JP Morgan.
The Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM ) charges a 33-bps fee and has gathered $5.4 billion YTD, according to ETF Database data. The fund has returned 23.35% YTD, according to ETF Database data. The strategy invests in emerging markets, leaning more towards firms identified as trading at lower valuations and offering more profitability.
The iShares Large Cap Core ETF (BLCR ) has picked up $5.4 billion, as well, for its active approach. The fund takes the fifth spot in the top-10 active ETF list with its effort at competing for core allocation spots in portfolios. It has returned 16.1% YTD, charging 36 bps.
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The NEOS Nasdaq 100 High Income ETF (QQQI ) has gained just under $5 billion YTD, adding $4.9 billion. The fund charges a 68-bps fee, providing a strong 14.1% distribution rate, thanks to its data-driven call strategy of selling calls on its Nasdaq-100 stocks.
The second Avantis fund to make the list, the Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE ) added a $4.4 billion total in YTD flows as of June 29. The strategy largely matches the approach of AVEM, but with an international focus compared to an emerging markets ETF focus. The strategy has returned 9.2% YTD, charging 23 bps.
The PIMCO Multisector Bond Active ETF (PYLD ) represents the only bond fund in the top 10 active ETFs ranked by YTD flows. The fund has added $4.4 billion as well. It actively invests in bonds across U.S. and non-U.S. sectors, returning 1.8% YTD. The fund has provided a 5.8% distribution yield as of May 31.
Next, the iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF ) may have specifically benefitted from the geopolitical volatility this year. IDEF charges a 55 bps fee to invest in firms from around the world poised to benefit from growing government defense spending and conflict. It has gained $4.3 billion YTD.
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The third Avantis ETF, the Avantis U.S. Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV ) has pulled in $4.2 billion in YTD inflows. The fund charges a 25-bps fee to actively invest in small-cap names that meet its value standards. It’s added $4.2 billion YTD.
Finally, the Capital Group Growth ETF (CGGR ) has pulled in $4.2 billion as well. Charging 39 bps, the fund has returned 4.8% YTD for its approach, actively investing in top-growing U.S. stocks.
Together, the top 10 active ETFs for YTD flows expose some important trends and winning names. American Century Investments’ Avantis brand and Capital Group, as well as iShares, can all claim successful starts for active funds. Income strategies and internationally-focused funds also received attention. Overall, it marks continued use of active investing by investors to tackle some important themes and challenges.
Originally published on Advisor Perspectives
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