With the European Central Bank cutting rates, assets invested in exchange traded funds (ETFs) and exchange traded products (ETPs) listed in Europe continue to grow, reaching a new record high of US$522 billion at the end of Q1 2016.
That’s according to preliminary data from ETFGI’s March 2016 global ETF and ETP industry insights report.
According to the data, ETFs/ETPs listed in Europe gathered net inflows of US$5.11 billion in March – that marks the 18th consecutive month of net inflows.
The European ETF/ETP industry had 2,207 ETFs/ETPs, with 6,895 listings, assets of US$522 billion, from 52 providers listed on 25 exchanges in 21 countries at the end of Q1.
Deborah Fuhr, managing partner at ETFGI, said emerging markets and developed ex-U.S. markets also had a strong March ending up 12.5% and 7.2% respectively.
She added U.S. equities rebounded in March ending the month up 7%.
“Based on comments from the Fed there is a growing belief that interest rates will be held lower for longer than previously anticipated,” she said. “The European Central Bank cut rates and announced additional stimulus will begin in April, accelerating the rate of bond purchases from 60 to 80 billion euros per month.”