Horizon Caps Expands 2025 ETF Lineup with Three New Actively Managed Funds Offering Diverse Domestic and International Exposure

Horizon, a provider of customized investment and technology solutions for financial advisors, announced the launch of three new exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) that broaden its portfolio of goals‑based strategies. The additions—an international equity fund, a small‑ and mid‑cap core equity fund, and an international managed‑risk fund—bring Horizon’s ETF lineup to a total of twelve products, all introduced in 2025.

All three funds are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are effective as of today.

• Horizon International Equity ETF (FRGN): This fund targets capital appreciation by blending active management with quantitative models that allocate across both developed and emerging markets. It employs a multi‑factor framework that evaluates value, momentum, quality, volatility, and market sentiment. To enhance returns, the strategy incorporates tactical put‑spread options, a move that reflects Horizon’s broader push to integrate derivatives for risk‑adjusted performance in a low‑interest‑rate environment.
• Horizon Small/Mid‑Cap Core Equity ETF (SMOX): Designed to capture growth in U.S. small‑ and mid‑cap equities, SMOX also uses an active‑quantitative hybrid approach. The fund screens for the same five factors—value, momentum, quality, volatility, and sentiment—to uncover diversified return sources. Like FRGN, SMOX employs put‑spread options to boost total return while managing downside exposure.
• Horizon International Managed Risk ETF (SFTX): SFTX aims for total return by investing in a diversified basket of equities from developed and emerging markets, while dynamically shifting a portion of assets into U.S. Treasury securities or cash equivalents during periods of heightened market volatility. The fund’s Risk Assist® framework automatically reduces exposure when volatility spikes, a tactic that aligns with the growing demand among advisors for “risk‑on/risk‑off” solutions that can protect client portfolios without sacrificing upside potential.

The three new ETFs reinforce Horizon’s strategy of building outcome‑oriented building blocks that advisors can deploy to address specific client objectives, from aggressive growth to capital preservation. The firm’s rapid expansion—from zero to twelve ETFs in less than a year—highlights the accelerating appetite for purpose‑driven investment products that blend traditional active management with sophisticated quantitative and derivatives techniques.

“Each product reflects direct feedback from advisors who are looking for tools that simplify portfolio construction while still delivering differentiated risk‑adjusted returns,” said the firm’s Head of Product, Clark Allen, CFA, CPA, CAIA. “FRGN, SMOX and SFTX give advisors flexibility to target international exposure, small‑cap growth, or managed‑risk strategies—all essential components of a modern, goals‑based advisory practice.”

John Drahzal, President and CEO of Horizon, added, “Our pipeline of ETFs demonstrates a relentless focus on innovation. By leveraging proprietary technology, advanced analytics, and option‑based risk mitigation, we are equipping advisors with the means to meet client expectations in an increasingly complex market landscape.”

Industry analysts note that the ETF market has matured beyond pure passive index tracking. The integration of active management, factor‑based models, and options strategies—exemplified by Horizon’s new offerings—marks a shift toward “smart beta” and “active‑beta” solutions that seek to outperform traditional benchmarks while controlling volatility. As retail and institutional investors alike demand more nuanced risk‑return profiles, providers that can deliver transparent, technology‑driven products are likely to capture a larger share of advisor allocations.

Horizon’s suite of twelve ETFs, all launched in 2025, positions the firm among the most aggressive new entrants in the goals‑based ETF space. The funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

Investors should carefully review each fund’s prospectus, objectives, risks, fees, and expenses before investing. All ETFs trade on an exchange at market prices, which may differ from net asset value, and brokerage commissions can affect returns.

A put spread is an options strategy that involves buying and selling two put options on the same underlying asset with the same expiration date but different strike prices.

Source: Horizon