Robust Growth for Municipal Bond ETFs in 2015

Summary of 2015 ETF Flows and Trends1

  • US-listed ETF Assets stood at over $2.1 trillion on 12/31/15, a 6.7% increase from the end of 2014. Total estimated net inflows for the year were $245 billion, narrowly exceeding the record inflows of $242 billion from 2014.
  • ETF categories with the largest percentage increase in total assets in 2015 were Municipal Bond ETFs (+30%), Taxable Bond ETFs (+16.5%), and International Equity ETFs (+16.4%).
  • The strongest category of ETFs for net inflows in 2015 was International equity ETFs, with net inflows totaling over $105 billion. This was followed by Taxable Bond ETFs and US Equity ETFs, with net inflows totaling $58 billion and $52 billion, respectively.
  • The ETF category with the largest percentage decrease in assets was Commodity ETFs (-17.2%). Interestingly, this decline was primarily driven by poor performance, as the category actually had $772 million in net inflows for the year.

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1Based on Morningstar data, as of 12/31/15

Posted on Friday, February 5, 2016 @ 9:04 AM

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.