From a global standpoint, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are truly a prime investment tool. Morgan Stanley’s Institutional Equity group presented the numbers to back that up on Jan. 31. Heather Bell for Index Universe summarizes the report.

• ETF assets worldwide are at $796.60 billion, almost a 41% increase from 2007.
• The total number of ETFs in the world is at 1,171 primary listings, a jump of 64% over 2006.
• The United States represents the largest market, with 601 ETFs and $580.71 billion assets.
• Europe has 423 primary listings.
• The United States has 400 ETFs still awaiting approval and Europe has 90 in the pipeline.

As you can see, established markets have the majority of growth in ETFs, but a number of smaller markets will be adding listings in 2008. The global ETF market is just beginning.

Tags: Emerging Markets, Europe