ETFs gain further ground



iShares, BetaShares and Vanguard have emerged as the top three product issuers in what was a strong year for exchange-traded funds (EFTs) in 2012, according to new analysis released by BetaShares.
The analysis, released today, revealed the Australian ETF market grew by around 31 per cent last year to a record high of $6.4 billion.
The analysis said 25 new products had been launched during the year, bringing total products available on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to 84.
The BetaShares Australian Exchange Traded Fund Review for 2012 said inflows into ETFs were up approximately 60 per cent over 2011 and reached $850 million for the year.
BetaShares head of investment strategy Drew Corbett said the performance of the local ETF market had mirrored global growth.
Recommended for you
The “experiment” away from vertical integration has been a mistake, according to Clime’s Michael Baragwanath, and Clime is positioning to benefit via advice and fund manager acquisitions.
JP Morgan Asset Management has identified Australia as an “emerging growth market” as it seeks to double its assets under management in the Asia-Pacific region in the next five years.
Australian Ethical funds under management were $14.3 billion at the end of September, with its investment division seeing inflows return after outflows in the previous quarter.
Record flows into iShares ETFs helped BlackRock’s assets under management reach US$13.5 trillion in the third quarter, but it reported outflows from the APAC region.