Equity ETFs Lead Inflows, but Investors Still Seek Safety

U.S.-listed ETFs saw $8.2 billion in net inflows on Thursday, April 17, as investors selectively put money back to work following a turbulent week in the markets. U.S. markets were closed Friday for Good Friday.

U.S. equity ETFs led the charge, pulling in $3.8 billion, followed by U.S. fixed-income ETFs, which attracted $2.3 billion. International equity ETFs also contributed $2.3 billion, continuing a trend of global diversification amid trade policy uncertainty.

The most popular fund of the day was the Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV), with over $2.1 billion in creations. Investors also piled into the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), which added $1.4 billion, suggesting a renewed appetite for risk in select areas of the market.

The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) each saw more than $1.1 billion in inflows, while tech-focused vehicles like the Invesco QQQ Trust Series I (QQQ) and the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) also posted strong gains.

On the redemptions side, the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) led outflows with a decline of $1.2 billion, followed by the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND), which shed $1.1 billion. The SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) saw $521 million in outflows, suggesting some investors stepped back from defensive trades.

Sector ETFs like the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) also experienced modest outflows.

By asset class, inverse ETFs saw decent inflows of $443 million, while leveraged and currency funds posted redemptions. Commodities ETFs also had a down day, losing $154 million.

Disclaimer: All data as of 6 a.m. Eastern time the date the article is published. Data are believed to be accurate; however, transient market data are often subject to subsequent revision and correction by the exchanges.