Both the stock and bond categories of mutual funds and ETFs set all-time quarterly flows records in the first quarter of 2013 of $246 billion, according to fund industry researcher Strategic Insight.
That handily beats the previous quarterly flows record set during the first quarter of 2012, which was $173 billion. Stock and bond funds are projected to accumulate an all-time record of more than $500 billion of net inflows for all of 2013, driven by renewed demand for equities and sustained demand for bond and income funds, according to the research firm.
“As investors move from the side line, we observe two Great Rotations in parallel and both should persist. One prominent rotation is along the traditional risk curve with money flowing to stock investments. The other is from un-invested cash and into income vehicles, anchored by a semi-permanent state of investment anxiety by many, as well as by the demographic of wealth. Both such foundations of the insatiable search for income will continue to drive demand for conservative investment among the population nearing retirement,” stated Avi Nachmany, SI’s director of research.
Year-to-date through March, stock and bond mutual fund and ETF assets have expanded by nearly $0.8 trillion, benefitting from record net inflows and strong market appreciation.
Here is the press release:
Company Press Release
Stock and Bond Funds Set Quarterly Net Inflows Record at $246 Billion
March Net Inflows Exceed $60 Billion with Strong Demand to US Stock, International Stock, and Bond Funds
NEW YORK, NY – April 10, 2013 – Stock and bond mutual funds and ETFs set an all-time quarterly flows record in the first quarter of 2013 of $246 billion, according to Strategic Insight, a mutual fund industry research and business intelligence provider. The previous quarterly flows record was set during the first quarter of 2012, in the amount of $173 billion. Stock and bond funds are projected to accumulate an all-time record of more than $500 billion of net inflows for all of 2013, driven by renewed demand for equities and sustained demand for bond and income funds.
Year-to-date through March, stock and bond mutual fund and ETF assets have expanded by nearly $0.8 trillion, benefitting from record net inflows and strong market appreciation. Generally positive economic news on labor and housing markets contributed to double digit returns for major US fund sectors so far in 2013, which should stimulate more demand for such funds in the months ahead.
Mutual Funds
Excluding ETFs, long-term stock and bond funds attracted $49 billion in March and $193 billion for the first quarter. US Equity funds netted $13 billion during March, setting an all-time high for quarterly net inflows at $49 billion.
“As investors move from the side line, we observe two Great Rotations in parallel and both should persist. One prominent rotation is along the traditional risk curve with money flowing to stock investments. The other is from un-invested cash and into income vehicles, anchored by a semi-permanent state of investment anxiety by many, as well as by the demographic of wealth. Both such foundations of the insatiable search for income will continue to drive demand for conservative investment among the population nearing retirement,” commented Avi Nachmany, SI’s Director of Research.
“However, as the economy recovers rising interest rates are inevitable. Investors and their advisors would respond by protecting their portfolios against risks associated with rising interest rates, perhaps through flexibly managed bond and income funds,” said Mr. Nachmany.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Exchange-traded products (including ETNs) attracted $15 billion of net intake in March, bringing quarterly net intake to $53 billion. Stock-oriented products accounted for $10 billion of ETP monthly inflows increasing quarterly intake to $46 billion. Taxable bond ETPs attracted $5 billion of monthly net flows, bringing first quarter flows to $7 billion.
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For more than 20 years, Strategic Insight has been at the forefront of thorough, unbiased mutual fund industry research and business intelligence. We provide our variety of products and services to a range of clients, including executives from more than 200 investment management and insurance companies, distributors, investment banks, hedge funds, consultants and law firms. Strategic Insight’s parent company, Asset International, delivers critical, cutting edge data, research and marketing programs to mutual fund companies, banks, asset managers and insurance companies worldwide. The company has offices in New York, Boston, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Toronto, and Stamford, CT. For additional information, visit
www.SIonline.com.
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