Cohen & Steers Expands Active ETFs with New Infrastructure and Income Strategies
Cohen & Steers Expands Active ETFs with New Infrastructure and Income Strategies
Cohen & Steers, Inc. (NYSE: CNS) has recently made a notable entry into the actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) market, launching two innovative strategies on December 10, 2025. These new offerings, the Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Opportunities Active ETF (NYSE Arca CSIO) and the Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF (NYSE Arca CSSD), are designed to cater to the growing demand for tailored investment options among wealth managers and their clientele.
According to Daniel Noonan, the Head of Global Distribution at Cohen & Steers, the rise of active ETFs has transformed the investment landscape in the U.S. He highlighted that these vehicles are increasingly favored by investors, representing the fastest-growing segment in wealth management. Noonan emphasized that Cohen & Steers, with its robust history and expertise in infrastructure and preferred securities, aims to support investors in constructing superior portfolios suited for the current market environment.
Overview of the New ETFs
Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Opportunities Active ETF (CSIO)
The CSIO ETF is an actively managed portfolio targeting a range of infrastructure-related companies. It is structured to capitalize on significant trends such as the rising demand for energy and foundational elements associated with data growth and artificial intelligence (AI). This approach enables investors to gain exposure to high-conviction opportunities in a benchmark-unconstrained manner. The team managing CSIO includes Benjamin Morton, who oversees global infrastructure, alongside portfolio managers Tyler Rosenlicht and Thuy Quynh Dang.
Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF (CSSD)
On the other hand, the CSSD ETF is crafted to yield tax-efficient income while delivering total returns through a selection of short-duration preferred securities. This ETF primarily focuses on investment-grade, institutional preferred securities, offering a worthwhile alternative to traditional short-term fixed income investments. The management team for this ETF consists of Elaine Zaharis-Nikas, who leads Fixed Income and Preferred Securities, supported by portfolio managers Jerry Dorost and Robert Kastoff.
Through these ETFs, Cohen & Steers aims to bring together its years of specialized management experience with the inherent advantages of active ETFs. These benefits include lower management costs, enhanced tax efficiency, increased transparency, and the flexibility of intraday liquidity.
The Broader Context of Cohen & Steers' ETF Portfolio
Cohen & Steers has established itself as a frontrunner in the realm of active investment management, particularly in listed real assets and alternative income strategies. With the addition of CSIO and CSSD, the firm now boasts a portfolio of five actively managed ETFs, encompassing various asset classes such as real estate, alternative income, and now, infrastructure and preferred securities. Previous launches earlier in 2025 include the Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) and the Cohen & Steers Natural Resources Active ETF (CSNR), as well as the Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF (CSPF).
The company’s CEO, Joseph Harvey, expressed optimism about the momentum witnessed in their active ETF offerings this year. He noted that investors have shown a clear interest in actively managed strategies that can effectively generate alpha—the excess return over a benchmark index—especially when compared to standard 60/40 stock-bond portfolio allocations. According to Harvey, the current economic conditions suggest favorable trends for real assets and preferred securities, making these asset classes attractive for those seeking superior investment returns.
Conclusion
In an ever-evolving financial landscape, Cohen & Steers’ commitment to expanding its suite of actively managed ETFs reflects a strategic approach to meet investor needs. By focusing on sectors like infrastructure and preferred securities, the firm is well-positioned to leverage its expertise while helping clients navigate today's complex markets. Investors eager to explore these new ETFs can find more information on the Cohen & Steers website, where they can access additional resources about their innovative offerings and investment strategies.