Two exchange traded funds overseen by bond giant PIMCO account for more than half the assets held in all actively managed ETFs.
At the end of March, there was $12.9 billion in active ETFs listed in the U.S., according to AdvisorShares Investments. [Active ETFs are ‘New Distribution Channel’ for Money Managers]
The largest active fund by far was PIMCO Total Return ETF (NYSEArca: BOND), which held $4.6 billion at the end of the first quarter. The ETF managed by Bill Gross now stands at about $5.2 billion. [ETF Chart of the Day: PIMCO Total Return]
BOND, the ETF version of PIMCO Total Return Fund, has grown rapidly after launching in March 2012. Gross has said the ETF is designed to allow smaller investors to get access to PIMCO’s strategies. [PIMCO Readies Three More Bond ETFs]
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (NYSEArca: MINT) has also been a success, as an alternative to money market funds. [Short Duration ETFs vs. Money Funds]
Next page: Breaking down the active ETF business