ETF Zoo: From SpaceX to the Corgi Cannon, Anything Goes
This week’s ETF Zoo covers the hottest topics in the ETF industry, including the impending SpaceX IPO and it’s impact on markets, the Corgi cannon of ETF launches this week, why every sector is becoming a tech play, and more. Tune in for a check-up on active popularity and then stay to learn about the cockroach portfolio, and if you need one.
In this episode of the ETF Zoo, Dave Nadig, President & Director of Research at ETF.com, talks with Mike Akins, Founding Partner of ETF Action; Tony Dong, MSc, CETF, Founder and Owner of ETF Portfolio Blueprint; and Todd Sohn, Senior ETF & Technical Strategist, Strategas Securities. Together the group dives into the blistering pace of the ETF market in 2026, the impending SpaceX IPO and it’s rippling effect on markets and benchmark indices, the Corgi cannon of new funds and potential implications for the industry, and more.
You can also find this conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or over on our YouTube channel.
There’s been a staggering $651 billion in new flows year-to-date, generating an implied $1.5 billion in fee revenue for the ETF industry. Akins argues that this momentum is sustainable, not necessarily because new money is flooding the market, but because of the ongoing migration from mutual funds to ETFs, particularly within active management and alternative spaces. The conversation moves into active management, including discussions of fixed income and more.
The impending SpaceX IPO remains top of mind for everyone (including Dave Nadig: read his latest thoughts here). The discussion lingers on the fact that the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are considering changing financial viability rules to fast-track these hyper IPO companies into indexes, a move that forces passive investors to buy into potentially unprofitable, volatile assets. With companies like NVIDIA and Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) driving the lion's share of returns in popular funds like the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), investors should beware of stretched valuations and the recent crop of consensus plays, according to Sohn.
The Corgi cannon of fund launches also took center stage in this week’s episode. Corgi recently filed for over 300 funds and launched 34 in a single day earlier this week. While the firm currently undercuts competitors on fees, the mood was dubious on how well an approach like this will fare. Akins is quick to point out that retail investors rarely chase small fee differences in themes that can swing significantly in either direction, suggesting that without a major distribution force for advisors, many of these niche ETFs face a tough uphill battle.
The conversation closes on a shift to defensive strategies and the rise of prediction market ETFs. If you’ve never heard of the Cockroach Portfolio, prepare to be enlightened. Dong shares his version, a minimalist strategy consisting of five ETFs with low fees, rebalanced quarterly, that generates historical outperformance compared to benchmarks. Despite the allure of high-octane tech and speculative betting markets, the truth remains that the best long-term strategies are these types of straightforward, tried and true strategies even as the industry continues to churn out increasingly exotic and risky products.
Find out more about this episode's guests:
Mike Akins and ETF Action: etfaction.com
Tony Dong and ETF Portfolio Blueprint: etfportfolioblueprint.com
Todd Sohn and Strategas: strategasasset.com
