When the first Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) launched in the U.S. in 1993, few imagined it would become one of the most transformative innovations in modern finance. Today, ETFs are not just a product—they’re a global phenomenon reshaping how investors allocate capital, manage risk, and access markets.
The numbers speak volumes. Global ETF assets under management (AUM) hit a record $17.34 trillion by July 2025, up from $14.84 trillion at the end of 2024, marking a 16.8% year-to-date growth. Net inflows in 2025 alone have already surpassed $1.09 trillion, the highest on record.
