Mesirow Financial Takes Significant Stake in Akre Focus ETF
By John Nada·Feb 20, 2026·4 min read
Mesirow Financial has acquired over 2 million shares of the Akre Focus ETF, reflecting a strategic shift towards quality investments amid market volatility.
On February 4, 2026, Mesirow Financial Investment Management disclosed a substantial new position in the Akre Focus ETF, acquiring over 2 million shares. This investment is valued at $131.8 million based on the ETF's trading price at the end of last year, marking a notable 2.7% of Mesirow's total assets under management as reported in their recent SEC filing.
The Akre Focus ETF, which operates under an active management strategy, emphasizes high-quality U.S. companies with strong returns on capital and disciplined management. This ETF replicates the successful strategy of the original Akre Focus mutual fund, founded in 2009, which has built a commendable track record over the years. The mutual fund has been recognized for its ability to identify and nurture companies that demonstrate consistent growth and sound management principles, making the transition to an ETF format an attractive option for investors seeking similar benefits in a more flexible investment vehicle.
Mesirow's decision to add a large position in the Akre Focus ETF aligns with its recent strategy shift of reducing holdings in several large-cap tech stocks, including Apple and Microsoft. This move highlights a broader trend in investment management, where firms are increasingly seeking exposure to funds with solid historical performance and a focus on quality over quantity. The implications for the financial markets are significant, as this shift could signal a growing preference among institutional investors for actively managed funds that prioritize fundamentals over market trends.
As of February 4, 2026, AKRE shares were priced at $58.33, which is notably 14.5% below the 52-week high. This drop in price reflects a challenging year for the ETF, as it was down 14.5% over the last year, underperforming the S&P 500 by a staggering 30 percentage points. Despite this underperformance, the strategic investment by Mesirow Financial may indicate a belief in the long-term recovery potential of the ETF and the underlying companies it invests in.
The Akre Focus ETF operates within the financial services sector, specifically in asset management. It offers a diversified portfolio that includes U.S. equities, preferred stocks, warrants, options, cash equivalents, and select foreign securities. This diversification provides a cushion against volatility and positions the fund to capitalize on opportunities across various market segments. The fund's focus on high-quality U.S. companies with strong shareholder returns and disciplined management is particularly appealing in times of economic uncertainty.
Mesirow Financial's investment philosophy has shown a commitment to quality growth stocks and ETFs, which is evident in their recent actions. By reducing positions in large-cap tech stocks such as Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet, Mesirow is realigning its portfolio towards assets that are believed to offer more stable returns. This strategic pivot underscores a growing recognition among institutional investors of the importance of fundamentals, especially in a market characterized by rapid changes and heightened volatility.
The Akre Focus ETF distinguishes itself through its competitive advantage, which lies in its focused, fundamentals-driven selection process. This methodology allows the fund to adapt allocations based on valuation and opportunity, providing a flexible approach that can respond to market dynamics more effectively than traditional passive investment strategies. Investors are increasingly drawn to such actively managed funds, particularly in a landscape where passive investments have dominated for years.
Mesirow's significant investment in the Akre Focus ETF reflects broader trends in the institutional investment landscape. As financial markets become more unpredictable, there's a palpable shift towards investing in quality over sheer quantity. This trend is not merely a reaction to current market conditions but may also signal a long-term strategic shift among investment firms looking to bolster their portfolios with assets that demonstrate resilience and potential for growth.