Passive vs. Active Fund Flows
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View from the Observation Deck  

  1. Investors directing capital into mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) continued to favor passive investing over active management on a massive scale in 2018.   
  2. Passive mutual funds and ETFs reported estimated net inflows totaling $457.7 billion, compared to estimated net outflows totaling $300.7 billion for those actively managed.  
  3. For comparative purposes, in 2017, passive mutual funds and ETFs reported estimated net inflows totaling $691.6 billion, compared to estimated net outflows totaling $7.0 billion for actively managed mutual funds and ETFs. 
  4. The two asset classes garnering the largest amount of net inflows in 2018 were Taxable Bond at $125.7 billion and International Equity at $87.9 billion. 
  5. The only active category garnering more interest from investors than their passive counterpart was Commodities.   
  6. We intend to monitor net flows moving forward.

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. 

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Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2019 @ 3:27 PM

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.