As the market transitions into a new phase of the economic cycle, VettaFi’s Winter Symposium offered a vital framework for tactical portfolio adjustments.
Top strategists joined VettaFi on January 29 to provide data-backed forecasts on the trajectory of global interest rates, persistent inflationary pressures, and the resilience of corporate earnings. Advisors came away from the event with the tools needed to mitigate risks stemming from sudden regime shifts while capturing alpha in a fragmented market.
2025 ETF Flow Trends: Key Takeaways for the New Year Ahead
Fidelity Investments Head of ETF Strategy Craig Ebeling joined VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth and Director of Research Cinthia Murphy to discuss the firm’s fascinating survey data. Ebeling broke down fund flow data by fund fee, and compared flows in equities and fixed income segments.
Why Make Free Cash Flow the Core of a Portfolio?
From price-to-earnings ratios to dividend yields, there are various metrics investors can use to identify value in today’s market. One powerful metric worth noting, however, is free cash flow (FCF). VictoryShares and Solutions portfolio manager Michael Mack joined TMX VettaFi in this winter symposium to discuss FCF strategies in 2026. He covered how they can work in different market environments as well as complement various investor portfolios.
Fixed Income in Focus at the Symposium
Samarth Sanghavi, head of fixed income products at TMX VettaFi, discussed how the 2026 fixed income market is faring alongside moderator Kirsten Chang, senior industry analyst at TMX VettaFi. Noting that he believes now is the time for folks to move out of cash, Sanghavi highlighted investment-grade credit, intermediate-duration treasuries, and liquid mortgage-backed securities as potential alternatives. Sanghavi also explained how he and his team create differentiated fixed income indexes that stand out.
Nuclear Powers on in 2026
Stacey Morris, head of energy research at VettaFi, and Lauren Hein, client solutions at Exchange Traded Concepts, discussed the recent outperformance of nuclear energy driven by Big Tech demand and bipartisan government support. The panel highlighted the transition of nuclear energy into a high-growth sector, specifically focusing on the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the strategic use of the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ) to capture the entire global nuclear supply chain.
Hidden in Plain Sight: The AI & Robotics Ecosystem
The AI and robotics investment opportunity extends far beyond the mega-cap tech names dominating headlines. That key theme was explored in a discussion led by Roxanna Islam, head of sector and industry Research at VettaFi. The panel featured Rafael Silva, research analyst at VettaFi, and Lauren Hein from Exchange Traded Concepts.
Silva pointed to healthcare robotics as a strong example of this “hidden ecosystem.” He noted that medical robot installations increased by 91% in 2024 and that AI-enhanced imaging has led to “better outcomes” for patients. Meanwhile, Hein emphasized that the real opportunity lies in owning the “entire robotics and automation global supply chain.” She advised investors to look beyond traditional tech staples to capture the full “AI as a disruptor story.”
For more exclusive insights for advisors, watch the replay of, “Winter Symposium: New Year. New Strategy” from Thursday, January 29, 2026. Follow the link here to catch the replay.
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Originally published on ETF Trends
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