Asset managers launch new active ETFs on the ASX

Several fund managers are expanding their presence on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) through the launch or update of active exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Longwave Capital Partners has introduced the Longwave Australian Small Companies Fund – Active ETF (WAVE). This fund provides traded access to an unlisted unit trust that has reported an annual return of 8.2 per cent after fees through August 2026, outperforming the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index by 2.6 per cent. The strategy targets between 100 and 120 ASX-listed small companies across various sectors. The fund utilizes a scale-based management fee structure with no performance fee.

Janus Henderson has also launched the Janus Henderson Global Research-Engineered Active ETF (JGBL). This research-based global ETF offers a listed version of an existing strategy designed for core global equity allocations. The fund aims for a tracking error of approximately 1.5 per cent relative to the MSCI World Index, using proprietary research to adjust individual stock weights while maintaining broad market, country, and sector exposures.

Other firms, including Franklin Templeton, are also noted as being involved in launching or updating active ETFs on the ASX.