While the bread-and-butter of the ETF industry has been index-tracking products, active ETFs are quickly growing in popularity as several funds have gained critical mass with investors. There are now more than 55 different active ETFs with a combined $13 billion and counting in total assets under management. More importantly, these funds have allowed retail investors to apply professional management to a variety of asset classes and strategies [see 10 Questions About ETFs You've Been Too Afraid To Ask]. What’s the Appeal? For investors, there’s a lot to like about active ETFs. First, given the markets heavy volatility over the last few years, active ETFs–because they are managed by a professional–have the ability to shift allocations and positions according to the economic environment. Recent studies have shown that managers with high “active shares”–or the percentage of a fund’s weight-adjusted portfolio that differs from its benchmark–can produce extra returns for portfolios. Typically, [...] Click here to read the original article on ETFdb.com. Related Posts: Tax Efficiency Report Card 5 Most Popular New ETFs Of 2012 (So Far) Using ETFs To Build A Complete Bond Portfolio Bond ETF Drawbacks: Case For Active Management In Fixed Income Arena Complete List Of Active ETFs