ASX investors can't get enough! ETF inflows hit new record high

ETFs are breaking records again….

| More on:
the words ETF in red with rising block chart and arrow

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

It's well known that the ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an investment vehicle that seems to grow more popular by the day. Offering an accessible and relatively cheap way to invest in entire indexes, ETFs have been around for a while. But this vehicle has really hit its stride over the past few years in particular.

Back in December last year, the Motley Fool covered what was then a record-breaking month of November for ASX ETFs. At the time, we reported that funds under management grew by $4.9 billion over November 2020. That was a new monthly record at the time. We also saw ETFs rise to represent a market capitalisation of $78.7 billion. This was boosted even further to $92.3 billion by the conversion of the sizable Magellan Global Fund (ASX: MGF) to an actively managed 'open class' ETF.

Over that month, ETFs also saw a record monthly inflow of $2.5 billion.

Well, fund-provider BetaShares has just released its July 2021 Australian ETF Review. And it seems that momentum is only increasing for the industry.

BetaShares' report tells us that the month of July 2021 saw ASX ETFs once again break the all-time record for fund inflows. A whopping $2.8 billion made its way into exchange-traded funds over the month. The previous record of $2.7 billion was made in December 2020. Of that $2.8 billion, 90% came from inflows, with only 10% coming from market appreciation.

This also helped push the total market cap for ASX ETFs to a record $118.8 billion. That's pretty substantial growth from November's $92.3 billion.

Which ASX ETFs were the standout performers?

The BetaShares report also gives us some interesting insights into which funds are giving investors the best bang for their buck. It names healthcare, followed by cybersecurity and ASX resources shares, as being some of the best performing sectors over July.

In terms of raw inflows, the report names ETFs covering international shares as being ASX investors' top choice over the month. $1.6 billion found its way into international ETFs. That was around 4 times more than the next category (Australian shares).

BetaSahres also found that 65% of new ETF inflows over the month ended up with just two ETF providers (out of 31). They were BetaShares itself and Vanguard. The top ETF recipient of these inflows was the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). This ETF received ~$228.3 million in funds over the month. This was followed by the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), which received roughly $178 million. Close behind was the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) with $126.8 million. And the BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI) with $115 million.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ETFs

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

5 excellent ASX ETFs for a $500 investment next month

If you have $500 available to invest in the share market, then the exchange traded funds (ETFs) in this article…

Read more »

The letters ETF with a man pointing at it.
ETFs

IOZ vs VAS: Which is the better ASX Australian shares ETF to buy right now?

These funds are both popular options. Which is better?

Read more »

a man wearing casual clothes fans a selection of Australian banknotes over his chin with an excited, widemouthed expression on his face.
ETFs

Buy these ASX ETFs for passive income in 2025

These ETFs could be used to generate passive income next year.

Read more »

a man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years

Looking to make long term investments? Then check out these ETFs.

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a rising green arrow.
ETFs

Invest $5,000 into these ASX ETFs this week

These ETFs could be great options for investors with money to put into the market.

Read more »

A bemused woman holds two presents of different sizes and colours and tries to make a choice.
ETFs

Are Westpac shares or Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY) units a better buy?

Is a major bank or a high yield fund a stronger choice?

Read more »

A happy elderly couple enjoy a cuppa outdoors as the woman looks through binoculars.
ETFs

1 excellent ASX ETF I'd buy for the ultra-long term

Just investing in great shares could lead to strong outcomes.

Read more »

a diverse groups of about twenty people stand together in a crowd staring to the front with angry and annoyed looks on their faces.
ETFs

These are the most popular ASX ETFs that Aussies are buying in 2024

Let's see which ETFs are popular among local investors in 2024.

Read more »