Actively managed ETFs and ETPs reached record levels during October – 39.4 per cent more than in all of last year, reports ETFGI, an independent research and consultancy firm.

Net inflows were US$7.28 billion in October 2020. In October of 2019, net inflows stood at US$34.85 billion. (In all of last year, net inflows were US$42.10 billion.)

Total assets invested in actively managed ETFs/ETPs reached a record high of $234.86 billion at the end of October with year-to-date net inflows a record level of $58.69 billion. Fixed Income-based actively managed ETFs/ETPs gathered net inflows of $3.99 billion during October.

Uncertainty about U.S. election and COVID-19 led to greater inflows

“During October, the S&P 500 decreased by 2.66% due to the uncertainty of U.S. elections and a rise in [COVID-19] virus infections,” said Deborah Fuhr, managing partner, founder and owner of ETFGI.

“Developed markets outside the U.S. fell 3.56% during October, when 21 of 24 countries lost ground as a large portion of Europe announced new lockdown plans. Emerging markets reported a [positive] return of 2.04% in October.” 

Substantial inflows can be attributed to the top 20 ETFs/ETPs by net new assets, which collectively gathered US$5.46 billion during October.