Global active ETF assets hit a record US$2.49 trillion, surpassing the previous high of $2.33 trillion, and record net inflows of US$412 Bn YTD at the end of May.
During May the actively-managed ETFs industry globally gathered net inflows of US$100.08 billion, bringing year-to-date net inflows to US$411.75 billion, according to ETFGI’s May 2026 Active ETF industry landscape insights report.
The report also found that:
Assets have increased 28.8% year-to-date, rising from $1.93 trillion at the end of 2025, reflecting strong and accelerating adoption of active ETF strategies.
Actively-managed ETFs gathered net inflows of $100.08 billion during May, highlighting continued investor demand.
Year-to-date net inflows of $411.75 billion are the highest on record, significantly exceeding the $220.53 billion recorded in 2025, with $124.35 billion in 2024 representing the third-highest level.
The industry has now recorded its 74th consecutive month of net inflows, underscoring the sustained structural shift toward actively managed ETF solutions globally.
Said Deborah Fuhr, managing partner and founder of the ETFGI consultancy: “The S&P 500 rose 5.26% in May and is up 11.27% year‑to‑date in 2026.
“Developed markets excluding the U.S. gained 5.20% during May and are up 15.33% year‑to‑date, with Korea (+28.71%) and Luxembourg (+20.50%) delivering the strongest returns among developed markets for the month.
“Emerging markets increased by 3.77% in May and are up 11.44% year‑to‑date, led by Taiwan (+16.95%) and Peru (+11.75%), which recorded the highest gains among emerging markets in May.”
