#United States #Chicago #Calamos #CTAG #Brandon Nelson

Calamos Timpani Active SMID Growth ETF Launched

On September 21, 2026, Calamos Investments, a leader in liquid alternatives, announced the launch of the Calamos Timpani Active SMID Growth ETF (CTAG) on the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE). This launch is significant as it marks the first active mutual fund-to-ETF conversion on the TXSE, aimed at providing investors with a robust opportunity in small- and mid-cap investments.

History and Strategy of the Fund

The journey of CTAG stems from the successful Calamos Timpani SMID Growth Fund, which has been recognized as a top performer in Morningstar's Small Growth category since its inception in 2019. Under the guidance of Brandon Nelson, who was named one of the top discretionary active managers by the Wall Street Journal in 2024, this fund has consistently outperformed its peers and benchmark, the Russell 2500 Growth Index, across various time horizons.

John Koudounis, President and CEO of Calamos, articulated his excitement about this launch, stating, “Our proven track record of active management in small- and mid-caps now extends to the ETF market.” Investors can now access a time-tested strategy that has been effective in identifying companies with “fundamental momentum” - a hallmark of the investment philosophy that Nelson and his team have employed over the years.

Investment Philosophy and Performance

Brandon Nelson has been instrumental in developing a disciplined approach to stock selection that emphasizes identifying small- and mid-sized companies exhibiting favorable growth trends. His team has effectively navigated market cycles, leveraging a distinct investment style focused on fundamental momentum. The fund has demonstrated a consistent track record of outperforming competitors in the same category, whether looking at yearly, three-year, or five-year returns.

Nelson remarked, “Our fundamental momentum investment style has proven itself over market cycles… We see significant and sustained upside for small- and mid-caps from here.” This positive outlook underscores the potential within this niche of the market, especially as demand for active management continues to rise.

Market Trends and Demand for Active ETFs

As stated by Matt Kaufman, Head of ETFs at Calamos, 2026 has seen record-breaking demand for active ETFs. Investors are increasingly seeking top-tier management within a framework that is liquid, transparent, and tax-efficient. The conversion of the Calamos Timpani SMID Growth Fund to an ETF format aligns perfectly with these emerging trends, enabling investors to capitalize on the advantages of actively managed strategies in a popular ETF structure.

The ETF structure not only allows greater liquidity but also offers a favorable tax treatment compared to traditional mutual funds. Particularly in a market characterized by rising interest in small-cap investments, the CTAG presents a strategic avenue for those looking to diversify their portfolios and seek outgrowth opportunities.

Fund Specifications and Operations

• - Fund Objective: The Calamos Timpani Active SMID Growth ETF seeks to deliver long-term capital appreciation through strategic investments in small- and mid-cap companies.
• - Benchmark: The fund will be benchmarked against the Russell 2500® Growth Index, ensuring it aligns with numerous performance metrics prevalent in the industry.
• - Management Fee: The fund will maintain a competitive net expense ratio of 0.79%, which is amongst the lower end for actively managed ETFs.

Overall, the introduction of the Calamos Timpani Active SMID Growth ETF is a pivotal milestone for Calamos Investments. It not only elevates their portfolio of liquid alternatives but also offers investors an excellent opportunity to engage with dynamic, high-potential growth stocks within the small- and mid-cap sector. Calamos aims to equip individual and institutional investors with sophisticated strategies that stand the test of market fluctuations and cater to an evolving financial landscape.

With over $52 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of June 30, 2026, Calamos continues to innovate by offering a range of cutting-edge investment products. For anyone interested in high-quality investment options, CTAG represents an exciting new venture into the world of actively managed ETFs.

For further information, visit Calamos.com.