The global economic landscape is shifting in 2025. Investors are navigating a complex environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and evolving market dynamics. In this climate, equity ETFs are emerging as powerful tools for gaining targeted exposure to traditional and emerging markets.
Thornburg’s Entrance Into the ETF Space
Thornburg Investment Management is a storied investment firm with over four decades of experience. It made a big splash in the ETF space in 2025 with the launch of two new funds. They are the Thornburg International Equity ETF (TXUE) and the Thornburg International Growth Fund ETF (TXUG). These ETFs focus on developed markets outside the U.S., providing investors with diversified global exposure to regions like Europe and Japan.
As of now, TXUE has already garnered almost $100 million in assets under management. The fund outperformed the popular iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA ) in March. Thornburg’s approach to active management is reflected in these funds. They offer an actively managed opportunity for investors seeking international diversification in a predominantly U.S.-centric investment landscape.
With Thornburg’s expertise, TXUE and TXUG serve as strategic tools for those looking to add targeted exposure to international equity markets to their portfolio, particularly in a year filled with geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Sprott’s Focus on Precious Metals
This year, precious metals like gold and silver have shown significant market potential, driven by inflation concerns and economic instability. To capitalize on this trend, Sprott launched a unique active ETF, the Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG ). This ETF stands out in the market as the only active fund dedicated to gold and silver miners, offering investors a direct way to gain exposure to precious metals equities.
GBUG’s investment strategy combines a value-driven approach with a contrarian perspective. The fund focuses on companies with strong fundamentals and growth potential, while also targeting those out of favor with the broader market. These companies are selected for their solid management, competitive positions, and effective strategies. GBUG also considers international investments, with significant exposure to countries like Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, as well as emerging markets.
With commodity-backed investments often performing well during times of inflation, Sprott’s new fund provides an opportunity for those looking to hedge against uncertainty.
Betting on Emerging Markets
Amid shifting global trade dynamics, GMO has launched a new ETF, the GMO Beyond China ETF (BCHI). The fund focuses on regions benefiting from nearshoring and the relocation of manufacturing outside China. As trade tensions and tariffs reshape global supply chains, BCHI presents an opportunity for investors to gain exposure to the regions set to benefit most from these changes, such as Vietnam and Mexico. Additionally, India’s booming tech sector is expected to drive growth.
GMO emphasized in a press release that BCHI’s goal is not to avoid China necessarily, but to target the countries, sectors, and companies that could benefit from the evolution of global supply chains.
The equity ETF landscape in 2025 is rich with opportunities, driven by shifting global trends and market disruptions. Of all the ETF equity fund launches in the first quarter of 2025, these are among the most intriguing and offer valuable tools for long-term investors looking to capitalize on changing market dynamics.
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