Exchange traded fund (ETF) usage was recently explored by the Advisor Perspectives Universe.
The data, gathered on Feb. 28, was interesting:
- ETFs now hold twice the assets of
index funds (70.3% vs. 29.7%). ETF assets increased from 65.0% to
70.3% over the prior five months.
- ETFs and Index Funds now represent 32.9% of total mutual fund assets, up from 29% on Sept. 30, 2007 and 27% on June 30, 2007.
- ETFs
and Index Funds now represent 6.4% of total marketable securities in
the AP Universe, up from 4.6% on Sept. 30, 2007 and 3.9% on June 30, 2007.
- Holdings
tied to broad-based indexes increased, but still represent a relatively
small portion of overall assets in the AP Universe. Holdings tied to
the S&P 500 increased from 17.3% to 24.5% of total mutual fund
assets from Sept. 30, 2007 to Feb. 28. Holdings tied to the EFA increased
from 17.5% to 20.4% over the same time period. Holdings tied to the
total market decreased slightly, from 4.5% to 4.3%.
- Holdings
in sector-based ETFs decreased consistently from Sept. 30, 2007 to Feb. 28 (as
a percentage of mutual fund assets) and continue to remain a small
percentage of ETF holdings.
For more interesting numbers and insight, check out the tables on the site.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.