Alpha, Expenses, and the Shift from Active to Passive
Summary of 2017 ETF Flows and Trends¹
  • Total US-listed ETF Assets reached $3.44 trillion at the end of 2017, a 34.6% increase from the end of 2016.  Total estimated net flows for the year were $465 billion, outpacing 2016's record-setting flows by $178 billion.
  • Total Assets increased by ≥ 25% in five ETF categories, including International Equity ETFs (+60%), US Equity ETFs (+32%), Taxable Bond ETFs (+30%), Sector Equity ETFs (+25%), and Municipal Bond ETFs (+25%).
  • International Equity ETFs had the strongest estimated net inflows in 2017 ($149 billion), followed by US Equity ETFs ($143 billion), and Taxable Bond ETFs ($121 billion).  No ETF category had estimated net outflows in 2017.

¹ Source: Morningstar, as of 12/31/17. Includes all US-listed exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes and other exchange-traded products. All net inflow and outflow numbers are estimates based on information provided by Morningstar.

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Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 @ 8:42 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.