Matthew Tuttle, a fund manager known for his unique and often controversial ETFs, is back with two new funds that are generating buzz in the financial world. His latest creations aim to cater to investors seeking alternative approaches to traditional investment strategies.
The first, the ETF Opportunities Trust Tuttle Capital Shareholders First Index ETF (ESGX), takes a direct aim at companies that prioritize ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles over shareholder profits. Tuttle argues that many companies are prioritizing political agendas and trendy activism over maximizing returns for investors. He believes that focusing on profits should be the primary goal of any company, and ESGX offers a way for investors to support this philosophy.
The ETF tracks the AJN Shareholders First Index, which selects U.S. companies that prioritize profit generation above all else. The fund’s top holdings include MarketAxess Holdings (MKTX), Evergy Inc (EVRG), J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT), MDU Resources Group (MDU), and RLI Corp (RLI). This approach comes in response to a growing trend of companies being accused of prioritizing ESG and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies over financial growth, as seen with companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD), Planet Fitness (PLNT), and Target Corporation (TGT).
Tuttle’s second new ETF, the Spinnaker ETF Series Tuttle Capital Self Defense Index ETF (GUNZ), focuses on the self-defense sector. The fund invests in companies involved in the manufacturing, servicing, supplying, and distribution of personal and law enforcement defense equipment and services. This ETF reflects a growing concern among Americans about personal safety and a perceived increase in crime.
The GUNZ ETF tracks the AJN Self Defense U.S. Equity Index, with top holdings including Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Johnson Controls (JCI), AXON Enterprise (AXON), Allegion PLC (ALLE), and OSI Systems (OSIS). Tuttle attributes the growing demand for self-defense products to increased anxiety about safety and recent events like the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which has led to a surge in gun sales.
Tuttle’s bold moves with these new ETFs highlight a shifting landscape in the investment world. Investors are increasingly seeking funds that align with their personal beliefs and values, whether it’s a focus on profits over political agendas or a desire to invest in companies contributing to self-defense. It remains to be seen whether these funds will resonate with investors and gain traction in the long term, but they undoubtedly offer a unique and potentially disruptive approach to investing.