US ETF inflows smash annual record as investors favor funds

What happened: Year-to-date inflows into U.S.-listed ETFs exceeded $1.54 trillion at the end of September, topping the previous annual record of $1.52 trillion set in 2025. Key numbers: $1.54 trillion in year-to-date inflows at end of September. Why it matters: Equity ETFs were the biggest recipient of investor money, and technology funds saw the strongest sector inflows, while financial-sector funds saw the largest outflows. Continued inflows underscore sustained demand for market exposure despite volatility tied to inflation concerns and rising bond yields.

Year-to-date inflows into U.S.-listed ETFs exceeded $1.54 trillion at the end of September, topping the previous annual record of $1.52 trillion set in 2025.

Equity ETFs were the biggest recipient of investor money, and technology funds saw the strongest sector inflows, while financial-sector funds saw the largest outflows. Continued inflows underscore sustained demand for market exposure despite volatility tied to inflation concerns and rising bond yields.