NEW YORK, October 03, 2026 (DAILYNWZ) — U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds have attracted more than $1.54 trillion in net inflows through September, already surpassing the full-year record set in 2025, according to State Street Investment Management data.
The inflows have exceeded the previous annual high of $1.52 trillion recorded last year, with three months still remaining in 2026. Matthew Bartolini, State Street Investment Management’s global head of research strategists, expects total inflows into U.S.-listed ETFs to reach $2.3 trillion by year-end.
Equity ETFs have drawn more than $1 trillion so far this year, making them the largest destination for new money. Fixed-income ETFs have attracted more than $469 billion.
Within equities, technology funds have led sector inflows, taking in more than $59 billion. Financial-sector funds, by contrast, have recorded the largest outflows, losing more than $3.8 billion.
By geographic exposure, ETFs tracking U.S. stocks have attracted about $655 billion, well ahead of funds focused on developed international markets, which have received $150.4 billion.
“Investors continue to favor ETFs as their primary tool for allocating capital, building portfolios, and adapting to changing market conditions, while mutual funds remain mired in persistent outflows,” Bartolini said.
The surge in ETF demand has come alongside strong gains in U.S. equities. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, the world’s largest ETF by assets under management, was up more than 13% for the year as of Friday morning.
Investor enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and strong corporate earnings helped drive U.S. stocks to record highs earlier in the year. Markets became more volatile last month, however, as inflation concerns linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict coincided with sharply higher bond yields.
The scale of this year’s ETF inflows points to continued demand for the funds even as market conditions have become less predictable. State Street’s year-end projection would put 2026 inflows roughly $780 billion above the previous annual record.