Retail traders are taking on more risk by purchasing ETFs following equity sectors and commodities, according to a report from Charles Schwab Corp.
Among this client segment, about 35% of flows went into sector ETFs in the first quarter to lead all categories, and a big jump from the fourth quarter. [Commodity ETF Assets Hit Record]
“Retail traders sought exposure to real estate, financials and technology,” Schwab said in a quarterly update.
ETF assets custodied at Schwab stood at $138 billion as of March 31, 2012, up 14% from the same period in 2011.
The firm also manages its own ETFs that boast very low fees. [Charles Schwab Gaining in ETFs]