In an interesting summer for investors attempting to navigate inflation, shifting interest-rate forecasts, turbulence in parts of the AI space, and other challenges, wins can be found in some unexpected places. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain vastly popular, so it's no surprise that some of them have done quite well in recent weeks. However, the fact that strong returns can be found in funds tied to commodities, Chinese equities, and cash-generating growth names may be surprising.
The three funds below are quite different in many ways, but each supports the idea that theme-driven funds may outpace broad market funds under the right conditions. Notably, these funds also underscore the importance of tactical bets in the ETF space and the value of expanding beyond the Magnificent Seven.
