Global ETF News for the Past 2 Months
you are currently viewing::OECD- Global Debt Report 2026 Sustaining Debt Market Resilience Under Growing PressureMarch 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. The cost of long-term borrowing has risen, and the resulting shift in issuance towards shorter maturities increases refinancing risks. The growing role of more price-sensitive investors may also make debt markets more vulnerable to shocks. Their future resilience is therefore not guaranteed. This is particularly important as the scaling of AI and growing defence spending are expected to further increase borrowing from the markets. These challenges must be carefully managed to ensure that sovereign and corporate bond markets, with a combined size of USD 109 trillion, continue to provide stable financing to governments and corporations. The 2026 Global Debt Report aims to support efforts to sustain the resilience of debt markets. Source: oecd.org |
Middle East conflict weighs further on slowing trade outlook
March 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.
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.
New WFE Data: public markets post strong growth for 2025 despite geopolitical instability
February 27, 2026--New data published by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the global industry group for exchanges and CCPs, shows markets rebounded in the second half of 2025. IPO activity remained robust over the year, pointing to sustained demand for public listings against a challenging global backdrop.
Global equity market capitalisation increased 18.5% compared to the end of 2024, amounting to USD 151.94 trillion, with double-digit growth in every region.
Global debt hits $348 trillion in 2025 driven by government spending, says IIF
February 26, 2026--Global debt climbed to $348 trillion by the end of 2025, the highest on record, per the Institute of International Finance.
Government borrowing accounted for over $10 trillion of the increase, led by the United States, China, and the euro area.
Emerging markets saw debt ratios rise above 235% of GDP, while advanced economies saw a slight decline in debt-to-GDP ratios.
ETFGI reports Active ETFs Smash Records: Assets Top US$2 Trillion on Highest‑Ever Monthly Inflows
February 26, 2026--ETFGI reported today that assets invested in the actively managed ETFs industry globally reached a new record of US$2.04 trillion at the end of January. During January the actively managed ETFs industry globally gathered record monthly net inflows of US$76.43 billion, according to ETFGI's January 2026 Active ETF industry landscape insights report, an annual paid-for research subscription service.
ETFGI reports Global ETF Assets Hit New Record US$20.64 Trillion as January Net Inflows Hit Second Highest Level on Record
February 26, 2026--Assets invested in the ETFs industry globally reached a new record of US$20.64 trillion at the end of January. During January, the ETFs industry globally gathered net inflows of US$150.41 billion, according to ETFGI's January 2026 Global ETFs and ETPs industry landscape insights report, the monthly report which is part of ETFGI's an annual paid-for research subscription service.
Air Travel Forecast to 2040
February 26, 2026-Three charts mapping our projections for passenger aviation demand as of the end of 2025.
Here is the outlook as of the end of 2025:
Annual air travel demand returned to pre-pandemic levels last year, with revenue passenger kilometers (RPK)-the number of paying passengers multiplied by the total distance traveled-reaching nearly 107% of 2019 volume. The 2040 outlook remains relatively unchanged at a global level compared with previous forecasts.
