From the Editor...

Today marks the first day of our end-of-year publishing break, which will run through Jan. 4. As we look forward to a bit of much-needed R&R, we're wishing all of you a joyous holiday season. Before we sign off for the year, however, we'd like to highlight what we've been up to the last couple weeks.

In the spirit of looking and planning ahead, we recently compiled a list of issues fund boards are likely to encounter and discuss in 2026. Our exclusive and unique 10 Things... lists are meant to provide guidance and conversation starters for boards as they take on the challenges of the times. We hope you find this one useful as you map out your board's agendas for the coming year.

It's no surprise that the introduction of an ETF share class is front of mind for directors. Catch up on Dimensional Fund Advisors' plans for early 2026 through our exclusive interview the Stradley's Bruce Leto, who is independent counsel to the board and funds counsel. Dimensional, of course, is the first (after Vanguard) to be granted relief to offer ETF share classes of its open-end funds and is ready to move; more are expected to follow throughout the year. We also recently published a useful guide for board discussions on the ETF share class topic, so don't miss that either. 

Finally, check out our latest Viewpoints articles penned by Stradley's Taylor Brody, on closed-end fund activism, and Kris Spazafumo, formerly of Capital Group, on model portfolios. 

Enjoy the last two weeks of 2025, and Happy New Year! We'll catch you on the flip side. 

For now,

Hillary Jackson, co-founder and editor