Key Takeaways
- Active ETFs again set global AUM record seeing huge jumps
- Active ETFs have produced net inflows for a remarkable 71 consecutive months
- Total active ETF AUM up 11.6% YTD
Active ETFs have taken on a new level of significance in the ETF landscape, once again setting a record. According to ETFGI, active ETFs hit $2.15 trillion in global AUM following 71 straight months of net inflows. These numbers reflect a rapidly evolving landscape where asset manager innovation is meeting intensifying competition.
See more: Holding Cash in Money Market Funds? You May Be Missing Out
According to an ETFGI press release issued March 26, the global active ETF category gathered net inflows of $91.15 billion in February alone, bringing the year-to-date inflow total to more than $167 billion. Furthermore, per the report, total active ETF assets are up 11.6% YTD from $1.9 trillion as of the end of 2025.
“The S&P 500 declined by 0.76% in February and was up 0.68% year‑to‑date in 2026. Developed markets excluding the U.S. rose 6.03% during February and were up 12.55% year‑to‑date, with Korea (up 20.11%) and Luxembourg (up 16.61%) recording the strongest gains among developed markets for the month. Emerging markets increased by 2.47% in February and were up 8.11% year‑to‑date, led by Thailand (up 19.48%) and Taiwan (up 11.63%),” said Deborah Fuhr, managing partner, founder, and owner of ETFGI.
Active ETFs Continue to Draw Huge Flows
One reason that active management is picking up such significant momentum and assets is the flexibility it offers. Active ETFs are known for their ability to invest actively, of course, but perhaps more appealing is their flexibility with holdings. Where passive funds must strictly abide by their index rules and holdings, active ETFs can scrutinize individual issuers and engage in true bottom-up portfolio construction.
What’s more, as active ETF products have proliferated, competition has as well. This has resulted in active ETF fees falling to a lower average and thus becoming more competitive with their passive rivals for key portfolio roles. In addition, investors are swapping out of mutual funds for the more tax efficient ETF wrapper, which is another likely factor driving total AUM up.
Investors seeking a classic active strategy may want to consider active ETFs like those offered by T. Rowe Price. For example, the T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Equity ETF (TCAF ) has picked up significant AUM with an active strategy designed to capture intriguing opportunities and managed by award-winning portfolio manager, David Giroux.
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