Global ETF News for the Past 2 Months
you are currently viewing::Middle East conflict weighs further on slowing trade outlookMarch 19, 2026-World trade is set to slow in 2026 following stronger than expected growth in 2025 on the back of surging trade in AI-enabling products. WTO economists warn that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could further reduce trade growth if energy prices remain elevated, noting that it would also put pressure on food supplies and services trade due to travel and transport disruptions. Prospects could still improve if the conflict ends quickly and the boom in AI spending continues. The latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" released on 19 March provides a baseline growth scenario excluding energy price shocks, forecasting that global merchandise trade growth would slow to 1.9% in 2026 from 4.6% in 2025 as trade is expected to normalize following a surge in AI-related products and the frontloading of imports to avoid new tariffs. World merchandise trade volume is then projected to grow by 2.6% in 2027. Commercial services trade growth will ease to 4.8% in 2026 after this year's 5.3% rise, then accelerate again to 5.1% in 2027. Together, goods and services trade will grow 2.7% in 2026 compared with 4.7% in 2025. Global GDP growth is projected to moderate slightly from 2.9% in 2025 to 2.8% in both 2026 and 2027. Source: World Trade Organization (WTO) |
ETFGI Reports Actively Managed ETFs Globally Hit New US$2.15 Trillion Record Amid 71 Straight Months of Net Inflows at the end of February
March 26, 2026- ETFGI reports actively managed ETFs globally hit new US$2.15 Trillion record amid 71 straight months of net inflows at the end of February. During February the actively managed ETFs industry globally gathered net inflows of US$91.15 billion, bringing year-to-date net inflows to a record US$167.58 billion, according to ETFGI's February 2026 Active ETF industry landscape insights report, an annual paid-for research subscription service.
The Debt-Inequality Cycle
March 24, 2026-During the Great Depression, as he saw ordinary people's purchasing power collapse, Federal Reserve Chairman Marriner Eccles warned that excessive saving by the rich was draining demand and deepening the downturn. "To protect them from the results of their own folly," Eccles told the Senate in 1933 testimony, "we should take from them a sufficient amount of their surplus to enable consumers to consume and business to operate at a profit."
Bassanese Bites-RBA to hike
March 15, 2026-Global stocks continued to weaken last week, as the ongoing war in Iran kept oil prices high.
Oil prices have surged as the Iran conflict disrupts global supply, adding to inflation risks. At the same time, recent RBA commentary has sharply shifted market expectations- with investors now bracing for a possible rate hike this week.
Exchange Traded Fund Market Report 2026: $57.92 Bn Trends, Opportunities, Competitive Analysis, and Long-term Forecasts, 2020-2025, 2025-2030F, 2035F
March 6, 2026--Opportunities in the ETF market arise from increasing adoption of digital platforms, demand for ESG and smart beta products, and expanding cross-border investments. Growth is driven by thematic trends like EVs, sustainable investing, and innovative offerings, enhanced by asset management diversification and trading efficiency.
What Does the Iran War Mean for Global Energy Markets?
March 6, 2026-The Iran war has significantly disrupted global energy markets, damaging oil and gas facilities and halting exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint.
Brent oil prices surged over 28% to above $92 per barrel due to supply concerns. The U.S. responded by offering naval escorts and easing Russian oil sanctions on India to stabilize markets.
Wilshire Indexes shutters, transfers operations
March 6, 2026-Investment firm Wilshire has told clients that production and publication of all indexes not already sold or returned to the asset manager's ownership will be discontinued.
Wilshire Indexes, the dedicated index operations arm set up by US asset manager Wilshire to run its growing index portfolio, as well as index operations of its partner parent groups, has closed.
OECD- Global Debt Report 2026 Sustaining Debt Market Resilience Under Growing Pressure
March 5, 2026--Global debt markets are navigating a difficult terrain. Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment are adding pressure to already stretched markets. But debt markets have been resilient so far. This stability, however, masks deeper structural developments.
