THE VIEW
Money is moving back toward risk while the product landscape keeps churning: global equity funds took in their largest weekly inflows since early July in the week to September 25, even as ETF closures accelerate toward the fourth quarter. For asset gatherers, the window and the competition are both widening.
Active ETFs hit record $2.72 trillion in assets
ETFGI reports global actively managed ETF assets reached a record $2.72 trillion, with year-to-date net inflows at an all-time high of $663.6 billion as of September 25. The active format is where new distribution dollars are landing, which raises the bar for standing out on an increasingly crowded shelf.
1,023 ETF launches in eight months, and closures accelerating
Wall Street Horizon data through September 21 shows 1,023 new ETFs launched in the first eight months of 2026, up 52% year over year, while 169 funds have already delisted this year and the fourth quarter is historically the most active period for liquidations. Record launch volume plus an accelerating closure pace means distribution, not product creation, is the binding constraint on asset growth.
Global equity funds snap two-week outflow streak
Reuters reports global equity funds attracted their largest weekly inflows since early July in the week to September 25, snapping a two-week selling streak. When risk appetite returns, advisor attention and new capital follow, which makes the next several weeks a productive window for distribution campaigns.