In a recent discussion highlighting the state of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Christian Magoon, CEO of Amplify ETF, provided insight into the trends shaping investor choices in 2025. ETFs have garnered significant attention, with total assets surpassing $13 trillion, reflecting a continuous increase in inflows, particularly in recent years.
Magoon emphasized the advantages of ETFs over traditional investment vehicles, citing their tax and cost efficiency, transparency, and flexibility. These qualities have positioned ETFs as an attractive option for investors seeking diversified exposure.
A major theme in the ETF landscape has been the surge in interest in precious metals. Both gold and silver have experienced substantial price increases, with gold rising over 60% and silver surging over 120%. This uptrend has fueled demand not only for physical assets but also for ETFs focused on gold and silver mining. For example, some silver mining ETFs have reported gains exceeding 170%, indicating a strong investor appetite for this sector.
The conversation also touched on the volatile cryptocurrency market. The year saw significant inflows into crypto ETFs, but a notable decline began around October 10, reflecting a broader market downturn. Despite this setback, interest persisted, particularly in innovative products like crypto option income ETFs, which are designed to generate income through options trading on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This development illustrates a shift in investor strategy, as traders seek income opportunities in a flat or bearish market.
The discussion naturally progressed to artificial intelligence (AI), which has dominated investment discourse in 2025. Magoon pointed out that while the growing interest is undeniable, there are concerns regarding the concentration of investment in a few top companies and the cyclical nature of AI spending. He highlighted an equal-weighted AI ETF that has performed robustly this year by diversifying across various sectors, including semiconductors, hardware, and software, reflecting a prudent investment strategy.
Looking ahead to 2026, Magoon forecasted a potentially volatile mid-term election cycle that historically tends to lead to market corrections in the first half, followed by stronger performance in the latter half. He expressed cautious optimism regarding market liquidity and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, predicting a more favorable investment environment as the year progresses.
In terms of asset classes, Magoon remained bullish on precious metals and suggested a possible recovery for cryptocurrencies, particularly Ethereum and Solana, which may start to decouple from Bitcoin. He noted that the growing interest in stablecoins and tokenization could create early price momentum for these assets.
With a complex landscape ahead, investors have much to consider as they navigate the evolving trends in the ETF market. Magoon’s insights provide a roadmap for strategic investment, blending caution with optimism as the new year approaches.
