ETF Daily Fund Inflow Report

August 20, 2025

Headline: Broad Equity Appeal Drives Inflows as Crypto and International Plays Gain Momentum

Market Overview
Today’s fund flows reflect a risk-on tilt, with investors prioritizing broad equity exposure, global growth themes, and alternative assets. The top 10 list features a mix of large-cap U.S. equity benchmarks, international equities, and a crypto-linked offering, suggesting comfort with market risk and a potential appetite for diversification beyond domestic stocks. While macroeconomic signals remain unremarkable in the provided data, the inflows into both growth-oriented and defensive corners of the market—such as short-term Treasuries—could indicate positioning ahead of earnings season or anticipation of central bank policy clarity.

ETF Highlights
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) led inflows with $1.09 billion, underscoring its role as a core proxy for U.S. large-cap equities. With $651.44 billion in assets under management (AUM), its scale alone makes it a barometer for market sentiment. Its 8.88% year-to-date (YTD) gain aligns with broader equity optimism, potentially reinforcing its appeal as a low-cost, liquid benchmark play. Similarly, the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) attracted $290.92 million, reflecting parallel demand for S&P 500 exposure, though its slightly lower YTD return of 8.93% suggests investors may be rotating between similarly positioned funds.

The Capital Group Global Growth Equity ETF (CGGO) saw $573.13 million in inflows, highlighting interest in global growth equities. Its 11.50% YTD performance and $7.34 billion AUM position it as a mid-sized alternative to broader benchmarks, possibly attracting investors seeking growth at a discount to mega-cap leaders. Meanwhile, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) drew $338.09 million, a striking figure for a crypto-linked product. Its 30.13% YTD surge likely reflects speculative momentum, though its $14.70 billion AUM indicates growing institutional acceptance of digital assets.

International equities also featured prominently. The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) garnered $257.72 million and $205.11 million, respectively, pointing to renewed appetite for developed markets. Both funds posted robust YTD gains (22.81% and 23.15%), outpacing U.S. benchmarks, which may have spurred inflows as investors rebalance global allocations. The Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM)’s $213.81 million inflow further emphasizes growth equity demand, particularly in tech-heavy sectors, with its 10.70% YTD return reinforcing its allure.

Defensive flows were evident in the iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV), which took in $206.14 million. While its 0.28% YTD gain lags equities, its focus on ultra-short-duration debt may have attracted risk-off capital amid volatility. International bonds also saw traction, with the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) adding $231.01 million, albeit with a modest 0.51% YTD rise, suggesting a tactical rather than thematic bet.

Notable Trends
The dominance of S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 vehicles signals enduring confidence in U.S. large-cap growth, while inflows into global equity and crypto products highlight a willingness to extend duration and risk. The contrast between ETHA’s high YTD return and its relatively modest AUM suggests niche but intensifying interest in crypto as an alternative asset. Meanwhile, the absence of sector-specific ETFs in the top 10 points to a broad-market, rather than thematic, rally.

Conclusion
Today’s flows signal a market leaning into established equity benchmarks while cautiously exploring global and alternative opportunities. The strong performance of international equities and crypto ETFs, coupled with continued support for U.S. large-cap funds, suggests a balanced approach to risk—prioritizing growth where momentum is strong but retaining liquidity through short-term Treasuries. As YTD returns for growth assets outpace defensive plays, the data may hint at a phase of market expansion, though the scale of bond ETF inflows cautions against overexposure to risk.