Despite some fund closures, the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry managed to continue expanding through the month of September.
ETF and exchange traded note (ETN) assets surpassed $900 billion in September, a brand-new record. There are also more funds out there than ever: the month closed with 1,066 products. [September ETF Performance Report.]
Emerging market funds also had a standout month. Olivier Ludwig for Index Universe notes that Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets (NYSEArca: VWO) has been the most successful ETF year-to-date, gathering $13.3 billion in assets since the start of the year. [ETF Assets Hit A Milestone.]
That brings VWO even closer to surpassing its rival, iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (NYSEArca: EEM). The inflows are indicative of the improved sentiment toward developing markets as established economies limp their way toward recovery. [7 Top ETFs in the Third Quarter.]
SPDR Gold Trust (NYSEArca: GLD) is the second-most popular ETF, reflecting the intense market interest in all things gold-related. [Gold ETFs Look for Next Move.]
Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.
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