In 1H 2026, 728 new ETFs were listed in the U.S. CFRA identified five notable launches that reflect key investor themes: high-bandwidth memory (HBM), space exploration, the HALO (Heavy Asset Low Obsolescence) trade, securitized debt, and regulated money markets tied to stablecoin legislation.

1. Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) — $23B+ AUM

The standout launch of 1H 2026. DRAM provides pure-play exposure to the HBM chip industry, a critical AI hardware supply chain component. Top holdings: SK hynix, Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology (>90% combined HBM market share). DRAM is differentiated from SMH and SOXX, which cannot hold non-U.S.-listed memory stocks. Ranked 6th among all U.S. ETFs by 1H 2026 inflows.

2. Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) — Space Theme

Driven by investor demand for SpaceX (SPCX) exposure post-IPO. NASA gained pre-IPO SPCX exposure via a special purpose vehicle. Space-themed ETF category likely to grow as SPCX's expansion spawns a broader supplier ecosystem (semiconductors, advanced materials, industrial gases, AI infrastructure).

3. ProShares GENIUS Money Market ETF (IQMM) — $20B+ AUM

Differentiated by meeting GENIUS Act reserve requirements for payment stablecoin issuers — stricter than standard Rule 2a-7. Serves as a bridge between traditional fixed income and digital asset markets. Asset growth jumpstarted by allocations from other ProShares ETFs.

4. Roundhill HALO ETF (LOHA) — HALO Theme

First U.S. ETF explicitly focused on the Heavy Asset Low Obsolescence trade. The thesis: AI is less likely to disrupt capital-intensive businesses with physical assets than digital, asset-light businesses. 38% Industrials exposure, combined 33% Consumer Discretionary/Staples. Zero IT/Financials exposure.

5. iShares Securitized Income Active ETF (SECU) — Securitized Debt

Active management approach to higher-yielding securitized credit. Portfolio: 33% commercial mortgages, 31% non-agency MBS, 19% CLOs. 30-day SEC yield: 5.41%, average YTM: 6.25%, effective duration: 3.47 years. 44% AAA-rated. Expanding the non-government securitized credit ETF category beyond JAAA's AAA-only focus.

• HBM is a structural AI theme: DRAM's $23B in AUM validates HBM as a core semiconductor exposure. Monitor MU, SK hynix, Samsung.
• Space ETF category is nascent but growing: NASA and peers provide a diversified way to play the SpaceX supply chain beyond direct SPCX exposure.
• HALO is unproven but interesting: The thesis (AI-resistant physical assets) is gaining ETF products but lacks a track record. Worth watching.
• Securitized credit yields are attractive: SECU's 5.41% yield with 3.47yr duration in an active vehicle is a potential fixed income alternative for yield-seeking portfolios.

• Semiconductors (HBM cycle)
• Space Innovation (SpaceX supply chain)
• AI Infrastructure (HBM as critical AI hardware)