The global ETF industry recorded its strongest start to a year on record, with net inflows reaching $626.42b in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from ETF research firm ETFGI.
The industry has now recorded 82 consecutive months of net inflows, according to the data. Total global ETF assets stood at $20.08tn at the end of March, less than the record $21.24tn reached in February.
Equity ETFs gathered $54.1bn in March, bringing year-to-date inflows to $225.6bn, while fixed income ETFs attracted $35.4bn during the month and $119.2bn year-to-date.
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Active ETFs drew $245.9bn in inflows in the first quarter— up from the same period last year. Markets were more volatile during March, with the S&P 500 falling nearly 5% and both developed markets (excluding the US) and emerging markets posting declines.
BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard and State Street Global Advisors collectively controlled 58.3% of global ETF assets.The ETF industry now comprises more than 16,000 products listed across 85 exchanges globally.
