Have you ever watched a basketball game and marveled at the simplicity of an underhanded free throw? It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done with surprising precision. In the world of investing, a similar approach is making waves, catching the attention of savvy investors and racking up impressive returns. The strategy? A unique exchange-traded fund (ETF) that’s turning heads by blending disciplined stock picking with a focus on long-term trends. Let’s dive into why this fund is outperforming the market and what it can teach us about smart investing in 2025.
The Rise of a Market-Beating ETF
In a crowded world of investment options, standing out is no small feat. Yet, one ETF has managed to do just that, growing to $1.5 billion in assets in under a year since its launch in late 2024. This fund, built on a foundation of thematic investing, has delivered a stellar 13.7% return since inception, leaving the MSCI USA Large Cap Index’s 7.8% in the dust, according to industry data. What’s more, it ranks in the top 3% of nearly 1,400 funds in its category, per Morningstar’s 2025 analysis. So, what’s driving this success? It’s all about a strategy that feels both familiar and innovative, like a well-executed free throw.
The beauty of this strategy lies in its simplicity—it’s about picking stocks that align with multiple high-growth themes to maximize consistency.
– Investment strategist
What’s Behind the “Granny Shots” Name?
The name might raise an eyebrow, but it’s a clever nod to a basketball technique that’s all about reliability over flash. In investing terms, a “granny shot” refers to selecting stocks that fit into several key investment themes—think of them as overlapping circles in a Venn diagram. These themes, like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy innovation, and the growing influence of millennials, are chosen for their potential to drive earnings growth over time. By focusing on stocks that check multiple boxes, the fund reduces risk and boosts the odds of steady outperformance.
Picture this: a stock tied to both AI and millennial spending habits. Even if AI takes a backseat in market hype, the millennial angle might still carry it forward. It’s like having a backup plan built into every pick. This multi-theme approach is what makes the fund resilient, no matter how the market mood swings.
How the Fund Picks Its Winners
The ETF’s portfolio is lean, holding about 35 large-cap stocks from the S&P 500, rebalanced quarterly to stay fresh. Its top holdings include names tied to tech, finance, and semiconductors—sectors that have been red-hot in 2025. But it’s not just about chasing trends. The fund’s rules-based process ensures discipline, targeting companies with strong fundamentals and exposure to high-growth themes.
- Tech Innovators: Companies driving AI and cybersecurity advancements.
- Financial Disruptors: Firms reshaping how younger generations invest.
- Energy Leaders: Businesses capitalizing on sustainable energy trends.
This isn’t about throwing darts at a board. The fund’s managers analyze earnings potential and market trends, ensuring each stock has a story that spans multiple growth drivers. It’s a bit like picking a fantasy football team—you want players who can score in different ways, so you’re never left hanging when one playstyle falls out of favor.
Why It’s Resonating with Investors
In my experience, investors crave strategies that feel both intuitive and forward-thinking. This ETF delivers on both fronts. Its focus on long-term trends like AI and millennial-driven markets taps into what’s shaping the future, while its disciplined approach reassures those wary of speculative bets. The result? A fund that’s not just a flash in the pan but a steady performer that’s drawing consistent inflows.
Investors are drawn to strategies that balance innovation with stability, and this fund nails that combination.
– Financial analyst
The fund’s rapid growth to $1.5 billion in assets speaks volumes. Unlike some ETFs that languish for years before gaining traction, this one has hit the ground running. Investors aren’t just dipping their toes in—they’re diving in headfirst, buying regularly rather than making one-off speculative purchases.
The Power of Thematic Investing
Thematic investing isn’t new, but it’s rarely been executed with such precision. By zeroing in on trends like global labor suppliers (think companies enabling remote work) and millennial influence, the fund captures the pulse of the economy. These aren’t fleeting fads—they’re structural shifts that could define markets for decades.
| Investment Theme | Key Driver | Example Sector |
| Artificial Intelligence | Tech innovation | Semiconductors |
| Millennial Impact | Consumer behavior | Fintech |
| Cybersecurity | Digital security | Software |
| Energy Innovation | Sustainability | Renewables |
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how these themes overlap. A company might be a leader in AI while also catering to millennial preferences, doubling its growth potential. This layered approach helps the fund weather market volatility, as one theme can pick up the slack when another dips.
Can It Sustain the Hype?
Outperforming in the short term is one thing; doing it over the long haul is another. Many funds start strong only to fizzle out when market conditions shift. So, what gives this ETF staying power? For one, its focus on earnings growth keeps it grounded in fundamentals, not just market hype. Plus, its quarterly rebalancing ensures it stays aligned with evolving trends.
I’ve seen plenty of funds come and go, but this one feels different. Its emphasis on story arcs—long-term narratives that drive growth—sets it apart. Whether it’s the rise of AI or the spending power of millennials, these aren’t trends that vanish overnight. They’re the kind of shifts that can fuel outperformance for years.
What Investors Should Know
Before you jump in, it’s worth noting the fund’s 0.75% expense ratio. It’s not the cheapest out there, but it’s competitive for an actively managed ETF. The cost reflects the research and expertise behind the stock picks, which have clearly paid off so far. Still, as with any investment, it’s wise to weigh the fees against the potential returns.
- Do your homework: Understand the themes driving the fund’s picks.
- Consider your goals: This fund suits those seeking growth with stability.
- Monitor performance: Keep an eye on quarterly updates to stay informed.
One thing’s clear: this isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a strategy for investors who believe in the power of long-term trends and want a fund that’s both innovative and disciplined. If you’re looking to add a dynamic player to your portfolio, this ETF might just be your slam dunk.
Why It Matters for 2025 and Beyond
As we move deeper into 2025, the investment landscape feels more complex than ever. Economic shifts, technological breakthroughs, and changing consumer behaviors are reshaping markets at a breakneck pace. Funds like this one offer a way to navigate that complexity without getting lost in the noise. By focusing on multi-theme stocks, it provides a roadmap for capturing growth while managing risk.
The best investments are those that align with where the world is headed, not where it’s been.
– Market strategist
In a way, this ETF is like a guide for the modern investor. It doesn’t chase every shiny new trend but instead hones in on the ones with staying power. And that, to me, is what makes it so compelling. It’s not just about beating the market today—it’s about setting yourself up for success tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Investing can sometimes feel like a high-stakes game, but it doesn’t have to be. The Granny Shots ETF proves that a thoughtful, disciplined approach can deliver results without all the flash. By blending thematic investing with a focus on earnings growth, it’s carving out a unique space in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this fund offers a lesson in balancing innovation with stability.
So, what’s the takeaway? Sometimes, the simplest strategies—like a well-aimed granny shot—can be the most effective. As markets evolve, keeping an eye on funds like this one could be the key to staying ahead of the curve. What do you think—could this approach fit into your investment playbook?
