Core Insights - The fixed income ETF market experienced significant growth in 2025, with major players like BlackRock and Vanguard leading the charge, while Northern Trust emerged as a top contender [1] - A total of 953 active ETF launches occurred, resulting in $476 billion in flows, with 418 of these focused on discretionary and systematic fixed income [1] - The U.S. Federal Reserve's three consecutive rate cuts at the end of 2025 prompted fixed income investors to seek additional yield through diversification [1] Company Highlights - BlackRock, through its iShares brand, topped the fixed income launch leaderboard in 2025, introducing new actively managed funds such as the iShares Mortgage-Backed Securities Active ETF (MBBA) and iShares Securitized Income Active ETF (SECU) [1] - Northern Trust launched 11 fixed income ETFs in August 2025, including the Northern Trust Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS), Northern Trust Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXI), and Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXT), catering to various segments of the yield curve [1] - Vanguard introduced the Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS), which provides diversified exposure to corporate and international bonds, enhancing yield opportunities for investors [1] Market Trends - Multi-sector income strategies saw substantial growth, doubling in size to surpass $50 billion in assets under management (AUM) [1] - The iShares Flexible Income Active ETF (BINC) became a significant player in the multi-income market, offering flexibility in a changing macro environment with a net expense ratio of 40 basis points [1] - The active/passive barbell approach adopted by advisors has contributed to the success of multi-sector income funds [1]