You are on the Investment solutions website for advisors & wealth management firms.
Browse more Fidelity websites here.
Commentary
ETF flows eye record
It will take a big Q4, but 2021's record ETF flows are within reach.
Key Takeaways
- 2024 ETF flows could set a new annual record.
- ETFs now have $10 trillion in assets under management.
- Active ETFs have been a big booster for flows.
Q3 ETF flows surged by $292 billion, bringing year-to-date flows to $698 billion. That’s up 46% compared to this time last year, and it already surpassed the roughly $600 billion in total flows for all of 2023. Across 3,700 products, ETFs have now eclipsed $10 trillion in assets under management for the first time ever.
ETF flow record
Another quarter, another big 3 months for ETF flows. ETFs were responsible for 28% of total US exchange volume during the third quarter, with $10 trillion in traded volume.
It will take another big quarter of flows, but 2021’s all-time record haul of just under $1 trillion in annual flows is reasonably within reach. If ETF flows during the last quarter of 2024 match that of this past quarter, that could set a new yearly record.
The biggest source of momentum this year has been behind US equity (e.g., stock) ETFs. During all of 2023, US equity ETFs accumulated roughly $300 billion in flows. While US stocks continued to broadly make fresh highs in the second half of 2024, equity ETFs saw $177 billion in flows during Q3 alone. Broad-based index funds have been the primary source of strength in terms of flows.
Source: Fidelity Investments, as of October 10, 2024.
While equity ETF flows have now outpaced fixed income (e.g., bond) flows for 6 straight quarters, the latter have also been strong—especially compared to a relatively weak 2023. Fixed income ETFs saw $100 billion in flows during Q3, led by $40 billion and $23 billion for aggregate bond and government/Treasury categories, respectively. That represents one of the best quarters for fixed income flows in years.
Actively managed, crypto, structured-product ETFs
Several trends have gained traction in 2024, including the ongoing growth of actively managed ETFs as well as the emergence of cryptocurrency ETFs.
Actively managed ETFs accounted for $200 billion (29%) of ETF industry flows year to date, while only representing 8% ($797 billion) of ETF assets. Of the 200 ETFs that were launched in Q3, 156 were actively managed. A record 513 ETFs have launched thus far this year, of which 388 were actively managed.
In crypto, 9 spot bitcoin ETPs launched this year thus far, gathering $5.5 billion in flows during Q3. That brings the year-to-date cume to $39 billion. Additionally, 8 spot ethereum ETPs launched in Q3, gathering $2.4 billion (not including an ethereum trust that converted during the quarter).
In the defined outcome/structured products space, those types of ETFs have seen $3.5 billion in flows during each of the first 3 quarters of 2024. That brings their total assets under management to $54 billion.
Looking for ETFs?
ETF flows can be a useful tool to help identify market trends, and to see where investors are broadly putting their money. You can search for ETFs using a variety of characteristics, like the fund's objectives, fundamentals, technicals, performance, volatility, trading characteristics, tax considerations, and analyst ratings.Visit our ETF List Page to View Fidelity's Full ETF offering.
Next steps to consider
Active ETFs
Unlock unique investment opportunities and construct a stronger core with our industry-leading approach to active ETFs.
Learn more
Quantitative Investing
Find out how a blend of human insight, data, and technology can help uncover opportunity for your clients.
Learn more
Sector/Industry
Target specific segments of the economy with our full spectrum of sector funds, ETFs, and other solutions.
Learn more
Exchange-traded products (ETPs) are subject to market volatility and the risks of their underlying securities, which may include the risks associated with investing in smaller companies, foreign securities, commodities, and fixed income investments. Foreign securities are subject to interest rate, currency exchange rate, economic, and political risks, all of which are magnified in emerging markets. ETPs that target a small universe of securities, such as a specific region or market sector, are generally subject to greater market volatility, as well as to the specific risks associated with that sector, region, or other focus. ETPs that use derivatives, leverage, or complex investment strategies are subject to additional risks. The return of an index ETP is usually different from that of the index it tracks because of fees, expenses, and tracking error. An ETP may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value (NAV) (or indicative value in the case of exchange-traded notes). The degree of liquidity can vary significantly from one ETP to another and losses may be magnified if no liquid market exists for the ETP's shares when attempting to sell them. Each ETP has a unique risk profile, detailed in its prospectus, offering circular, or similar material, which should be considered carefully when making investment decisions.
ETFs are subject to market fluctuation and the risks of their underlying investments. ETFs are subject to management fees and other expenses.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The Fidelity ETF Screener is a research tool provided to help self-directed investors evaluate these types of securities. The criteria and inputs entered are at the sole discretion of the user, and all screens or strategies with preselected criteria (including expert ones) are solely for the convenience of the user. Expert Screeners are provided by independent companies not affiliated with Fidelity. Information supplied or obtained from these Screeners is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or guidance, an offer of or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities, or a recommendation or endorsement by Fidelity of any security or investment strategy. Fidelity does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy or approach to screening or evaluating stocks, preferred securities, exchange-traded products, or closed-end funds. Fidelity makes no guarantees that information supplied is accurate, complete, or timely, and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from its use. Determine which securities are right for you based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, financial situation, and other individual factors, and reevaluate them on a periodic basis.
All the data presented within are from Fidelity Investments and Bloomberg, as of January 10, 2024. For our purposes, we refer to funds, ETPs, and ETFs interchangeably. These data do not reflect mutual fund data, and investors who would like to monitor the entire fund flow universe may want to consider flows going into or out of mutual funds.
Fidelity Investments® provides investment products through Fidelity Distributors Company LLC; clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC; and institutional advisory services through Fidelity Institutional Wealth Adviser LLC.
1126788.5
B615739210F146B5BEA34054403507FF