When it comes to inflows this year, Vanguard continues to prove it’s in a league of its own. The ETF juggernaut has amassed $315.9 billion in inflows as of November 11, which is 30% higher compared to the same time a year ago. Year-to-date inflows have already eclipsed the full year’s inflows the previous year, and there’s still a month and a half left to go.
As noted by Morningstar, the heavy hitters for Vanguard this year were unsurprisingly the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO ), followed by the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI ). Both funds are prime examples of Vanguard’s long-standing strategy of offering low-cost passive funds.
The Hunt for Green October
Morningstar data also showed that October was a record month for Vanguard, with over $50 billion inflows. However, the full ETF marketplace also saw $166 billion in net new assets, which is a record number for ETFs as a whole.
Categorically, U.S. equity ETFs took in the lion’s share of flows while taxable bond funds came in second place. International ETFs also saw a strong month, proving that more investors continue to look overseas for opportunities.
Adding to the green October was also a record month for new launches as noted by Nate Geraci during an episode of ETF Prime. TMX Vettafi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth also joined Geraci to discuss the record October as well as other trends happening in the ETF market.
Still a Passive Power Player (for Now)
Additional data from Morningstar earlier this year showed that Vanguard has been staying true to form with its commanding market presence in passive funds. However, the ETF provider is starting to make a marked shift into the active space as of late.
In the fixed income arena, Vanguard has already bolstered their active ETF offerings in 2025. It rolled out the Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF (VSDB ), the Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS ), and the Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT ) earlier this year. The newest addition to the active ETF roster is the Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY).
Vanguard’s active fixed income funds give advisors and investors the full backing of the vaunted Fixed Income Group. The fixed income market carries its own idiosyncrasies and complexities, making active management almost imperative in today’s marketplace. Whether it’s getting core bond exposure, maximizing yield, or other reasons, there’s an active Vanguard fixed income ETF that can suit a portfolio.
For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Fixed Income Content Hub.
