Where do active ETFs fit in portfolios? Four roles investors value most

Schroders / Multi-Asset

16-09-2026

Active ETFs Gain Ground as Flexible Portfolio Building Blocks

Schroders’ Tom Stephens examines how investors are using active ETFs to address specific portfolio needs rather than treating them as a separate asset class.

49% of surveyed investors value active ETFs for diversification, particularly to add missing styles, sectors, regions or return sources.
42% see them as useful for tactical positioning, while 33% highlight their role in reshaping portfolio risks without rebuilding entire allocations.
29% value active ETFs during portfolio transitions, where intraday liquidity can help maintain market exposure while longer-term changes are implemented.

Explore the full report to see how active ETFs can support strategic, tactical and transitional portfolio objectives.

Multi-Asset