ETF trends in Switzerland

Swiss ETF market booming, but watch out for active ETFs!

The number of newly available ETFs continued to rise unabated last year: Three times more new ones were launched than taken off the exchange. Overall, the number of ETFs grew by 11.4%, which represents a slight acceleration compared to the previous five years with an average growth of 8.1%.

Last year also saw a strong increase in active ETFs. Their number doubled to 357. They now already account for 17% of all listed ETFs. Five years ago, it was just 4%. Their promise sounds tempting: A professional fund manager decides which stocks end up in the ETF and tries to beat the market along the way.

Our take: Watch out for the cost trap. Active ETFs are often significantly more expensive than their passive siblings. History shows, however: Long term, very few active managers manage to continuously outperform the market. So you pay for something that isn't delivered at all.

At findependent, we stick to our line: We consistently focus on a good handful of carefully selected passive ETFs that cost-efficiently replicate a whole market. Our fees are low, leaving more returns in your pocket.

Thematic ETFs: When trends fade

Furthermore, numerous new thematic ETFs launched once again. Their total number reached 412! Whether quantum computing, nuclear energy, or European military equipment, providers were creative with their latest ideas.

The year 2025 also showed how quickly fashion trends can end on the stock market. Many specific thematic ETFs – whether genomic healthcare, fintech innovation, or other niches – were closed again due to lack of interest and disappointing price performance. Their promise: Investments in "the" industry of the future – sold at a premium.

Our take: Don't bet on these (expensive) "one-day flies" of the finance world. They are usually launched with a lot of pomp only after outstanding performance and then close quietly after poor performance. Small investors are always one step too late.

We, on the other hand, broadly base our findependent investment solutions: No guessing game as to which sector or topic wins next week, month, or year. We invest your hard-earned money broadly spread in companies across the entire global economy. That might be a bit less thrilling, but much more relaxing for your nerves and clearly better for your wallet in the long run!

Swiss investors rely on the savings plan effect

Meanwhile, 44% of Swiss investors use fund savings plans. That is super encouraging! Unfortunately, the most efficient implementation – via an ETF savings plan – is not yet widely used at 9%. But there is a silver lining, as its popularity is rising, especially among younger people. A survey by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts showed that at 48%, almost half of ETF investors at least express interest in an ETF savings plan.

Our take: That is exactly the philosophy we promote at findependent from day 1: Investing regularly and broadly spread, thus benefiting from the compound interest effect in the long term. Then it doesn't matter if prices fluctuate a bit sometimes. What's more important than the timing of the investment is that you start investing in the first place!

Conclusion: Less is more

The ETF year 2025 shows: The market is becoming more complex. There are more products, more active strategies, and more interest in ETF savings plans.

Our message: Don't let the huge choice drive you crazy. You don't need to be a finance pro to profit from the growth of the economy. With a broadly diversified, passive, and cost-effective investment solution, you drive best in the long run. No matter how many new products come to the exchange: We select the best ETFs for you – according to our strict selection criteria and with the utmost care.