The number of newly launched funds in 2026 has already reached 1,416, just 89 short of matching the full-year total for 2025. On a monthly basis, August saw 181 fund launches, while September has recorded 152 so far, with an average offering size of 488 million shares.
However, despite the impressive number of new launches, the fundraising landscape shows a clear picture of uneven momentum. According to Wind data, a total of 31 funds adjusted their subscription periods during the past week (September 11 to September 18). Among them, only 5 closed subscription early, while the rest opted to extend, with 5 products pushing their subscription deadlines directly into October.
Where the adjustments are concentrated
Looking at the types of adjustments, the extended funds span multiple categories, including passive index funds, hybrid funds of funds (FOFs), equity-focused hybrid funds, and enhanced index funds. Notably, passive index funds have become the hardest-hit segment for extensions, with 17 products announcing delays, such as the Huatai-PineBridge ChiNext Fintech ETF, the Yongying Guozheng Grain Industry ETF, and the Industrial SSE STAR Market AI ETF.
Although market hotspots rotate quickly, investor appetite for specific themes remains tepid. Recognition among investors varies significantly across niche track products. While some hot themes draw high attention, their actual fundraising still requires more time. Meanwhile, traditional cyclical themes like grain and non-ferrous metals face even greater fundraising pressure.
A closer look at China Universal's two delayed funds
Specifically, over the past week, two products under China Universal Fund Management Co., Ltd. adjusted their subscription schedules. The China Universal Guozheng Aerospace Industry ETF (158030.OF), managed by Li Yanan, announced on September 16 that its subscription deadline would be extended to September 18. Separately, the China Universal CSI All-Share Dividend Quality ETF (561653.OF), managed by Sun Hao, announced on September 11 that its subscription deadline would be pushed to September 16. Both products are passive index funds.