“While the statistics from XTF detail US asset flows, we are seeing similar strong and growing interest globally in a wide array of index-based ETFs,” Ken O’Keeffe, managing director & global head of ETPs, FTSE Russell, said in a note. “Notably, we’re seeing growing interest in ETFs across asset classes. This year, in the US we have seen significant inflows in to ETFs tracking both equity and fixed income indexes. We have also seen growing interest in ETFs based on smart beta indexes.”
For example, the most popular ETF plays of the year include the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEArca: IVV), which saw $14.0 billion in net inflows; the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEArca: IEMG), which added $9.6 billion; and the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEArca: IEFA), which attracted $7.9 billion.
Furthermore, the iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEArca: LQD) was among the top ten most popular ETF plays of 2017, bringing in $5.6 billion in net inflows.
For more information on asset flows, visit our ETF performance reports category.