Top exchange-traded-fund provider iShares is attributing sector growth to market turmoil as investors seek ways to hedge risk. In September, iShares trading volumes reached EUR25 billion for its European listed ETFs, compared with EUR15 billion for September 2007.
September 2008 average global daily trading volumes for all ETF providers were EUR96.1 billion, compared with EUR42 billion in September 2007, a 128.8% increase.
Through September, iShares in Europe raked in EUR11 billion, compared with EUR5.8 billion in 2007.
“Global ETF growth projections currently estimate total assets under management in ETFs will exceed USD1 trillion in 2009 and USD2 trillion in 2012,” said Andrea Morresi, head of sales. “We believe that these estimates are conservative, as recent events underscore the need for investors to seek out transparency and focus on risk management. The continuing outflows of mutual funds, particularly in Europe, and the substantial inflows into ETFs is an indication that the tide may be turning in ETFs favour.”
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