Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen tremendous growth since State Street Global Advisors first launched the first ETF in 1993. Today, ETFs managed by SSGA Funds Management and BlackRock Inc. are among the most popular and have seen significant growth in assets under management. The ETF market has grown exponentially over the past few decades and currently boasts over 3,300 ETFs globally with assets totaling more than $2 trillion.
This number is expected to continue to rise rapidly in the coming years as more investors turn to ETFs as a cost-effective and efficient way to gain exposure to a wide range of assets. In fact, it is projected that assets held by US-listed ETFs alone will soon exceed $3 trillion, highlighting the significant growth and increasing popularity of ETFs as a key component of investment portfolios.
Furthermore, this tremendous growth in ETF market has made it more accessible for investors to diversify their portfolio by investing in various sectors, markets and asset classes. The ETFs managed by SSGA Funds Management and BlackRock Inc, are also known for their low-cost, high-liquidity, and diversified features.
These features make ETFs an attractive investment option for both retail and institutional investors. Overall, ETFs have become an integral part of the investment landscape, and their continued growth is expected to drive innovation and further democratize access to a wide range of investment opportunities.

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The U.S. has the largest ETF market in the world
The US ETF market is set to experience tremendous growth in the coming years, with total assets under management (AUM) projected to reach $5 trillion by December 2022. The growing popularity of ETFs among investors can be attributed to the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and tax-efficiency they offer. ETFs are a type of investment fund that trade on an exchange just like stocks, allowing investors to buy and sell at their convenience. They are often preferred over mutual funds as they are usually cheaper, offer more transparency and liquidity, and require less paperwork.
ETFs also provide investors with a wide range of investment options, giving them access to various global markets and asset classes. For example, an investor can buy a single ETF that covers the entire US stock market or gain international exposure through a number of ETFs. Additionally, ETFs offer diversification benefits by allowing investors to spread their risk across multiple investments.
The growth of ETFs has been particularly pronounced in international markets. In 2003, worldwide ETF AUM was only $490 billion, but by December 2022, it is expected to exceed $5 trillion. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the increasing number of ETFs available in the market as well as the growing list of international markets available to investors.
Investors looking to invest in ETFs in 2022 have a wide range of options to choose from. Some of the best ETFs for 2022 include Vanguard’s International Growth ETF (VIGAX), Morningstar’s Best International ETF (MIDEX), and the Largest ETF Globally by Market Cap (SPY). However, before investing in ETFs, it is crucial for investors to research and assess their own financial situation and understand the associated risks. Diversifying your portfolio with ETFs from different asset classes and sectors can help minimize risk and maximize returns.
One popular way to achieve diversification is through low-cost index funds, which automatically track certain indexes such as the S&P 500 Index. Index funds have the advantage of closely tracking an index, thus providing investors with all the same securities and dividends as they would receive individually. Additionally, index funds charge lower fees than actively managed mutual funds as there is no manager selecting the securities or making decisions about how much to invest in each security within the fund.
U.S. listed ETFs are growing at a rapid pace
Since their introduction in 1993, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen a steady rise in popularity. The number of ETFs listed in the United States has more than tripled in the past decade, and their total assets under management (AUM) have increased by more than eightfold. By the end of 2022, there are estimates that US-listed ETFs will manage nearly half of all global ETF assets. This trend is expected to continue, as more and more investors turn to ETFs as a cost-effective, convenient and tax-efficient way to invest.
One of the key advantages of ETFs over traditional mutual funds is the ability to buy and sell quickly on the open market. This allows investors to take advantage of market fluctuations in real-time, and to make quick decisions based on current market conditions. Additionally, ETFs typically have lower fees and taxes than mutual funds, making them a more cost-effective option for many investors.
Another factor driving the popularity of ETFs is the growing interest in global investing. ETFs allow investors to put their money into foreign markets without having to invest in individual stocks or mutual funds. This provides investors with a way to diversify their portfolio and to gain exposure to a wide range of global markets and asset classes.
The trend towards ESG investing and other socially responsible investment strategies is also helping to fuel the growth of ETFs. ETFs are a more effective way to invest in these strategies than traditional mutual funds, as they provide greater transparency and flexibility.
As U.S.- listed ETFs continue to grow in popularity, it’s important for investors to stay informed about the best ETFs for 2022. For example, the largest ETFs by market cap globally are the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT), and Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ). Additionally, the best international ETFs for 2022 include Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS), iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA), and SPDR MSCI ACWI ex-US ETF (CWIU). For investors looking for ESG or socially responsible investing strategies, some of the best ETFs include iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social Index Fund (DSI), iShares MSCI USA ESG Select ETF (KLD), and SPDR SSGA Gender Diversity Index ETF (SHE).
Overall, U.S. listed exchange-traded funds are quickly becoming one of the most popular investment vehicles available, and it is projected that worldwide ETF assets under management will reach nearly $20 trillion by 2022. With so many options available, it’s important for investors to do their research and select the ETFs that best meet their goals and objectives. It’s also crucial to diversify the portfolio with ETFs from different asset classes and sectors to minimize risk and maximize returns.
ETFs offer many benefits to investors
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a popular choice among investors, and U.S. listed ETFs have been particularly successful. As of December 2022, U.S. listed ETFs held a significant portion of the total assets under management (AUM) worldwide. This is due to the numerous advantages ETFs offer over traditional mutual funds, such as lower fees, greater tax efficiency, and the ability to trade intraday. Additionally, ETFs provide investors with access to international markets, which has become increasingly important as the global economy continues to evolve.
One of the key trends in ETF investing is the growth in AUM. According to recent data, global ETF AUM reached $6.22 trillion in December 2022, representing a 33% increase from the same period in 2003. The number of ETFs available on the market has also grown, with over 8,000 different ETFs now available globally. The largest ETFs by market cap globally in December 2022 include the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), and the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ).
For investors looking to diversify their portfolios by investing in international markets, there are many options available. The best international ETFs for 2022 include the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS), the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG), and the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA). Each of these ETFs tracks a different index, providing investors with a wide range of exposure to international markets.
Morningstar provides comprehensive analysis and ratings on a range of ETFs, including international ones. This can be a valuable resource for investors who are new to ETFs or want to learn more about different options available. Furthermore, some of the most popular ETFs for investors include those that track broad indexes such as the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100, which offer broad exposure to various sectors and industries. There are also sector-specific ETFs, such as those tracking technology or healthcare stocks, which can provide more targeted exposure for investors.
In conclusion, ETFs offer many benefits for investors, including lower fees and more tax efficiency than mutual funds, access to international markets, and a wide range of ETF examples to choose from. As the worldwide ETF asset size continues to grow, it’s clear that U.S. listed ETFs will remain at the forefront of the investment landscape for many years to come.
The future of ETFs looks bright
The Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) industry has seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years, with U.S. listed ETFs being at the forefront of this growth. As of December 2022, U.S. listed ETFs held the lion’s share of total assets under management (AUM), a staggering $1 trillion, which is a significant increase from $400 billion just five years prior in 2017, translating to a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20%.
This upward trend can be attributed to the numerous benefits that ETFs offer investors over traditional mutual funds. ETFs are known to be more cost-effective, transparent, and liquid, making them an attractive option for investors. Additionally, ETFs provide access to a diverse range of markets and asset classes, enabling investors to diversify their portfolios across various sectors.
In December 2022, the largest ETFs by market cap globally were mostly U.S. listed, accounting for around 70% of the worldwide ETF assets under management. This illustrates the tremendous growth of ETFs in the last two decades, as in 2003, U.S. listed ETFs represented only 17% of worldwide ETF assets under management.
As we move into 2022, international ETFs will become increasingly important for investors looking to add international exposure to their portfolios. According to Morningstar, the Vanguard International Equity ETF and the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF are among the best international ETFs. Investors can also consider other international ETFs such as the SPDR S&P International Value ETF and the Schwab International Equity ETF.
Investing in ETFs requires a certain level of knowledge and research, whether you’re a novice or experienced investor. It’s essential to conduct thorough research, compare different ETFs, and stay updated on industry trends and developments to make an informed decision and achieve better returns in 2022 and beyond.
With U.S. listed ETFs leading the way, the ETF industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with increasing growth in ETF assets worldwide and enhanced access to international markets in the coming years.
Conclusion
The growth of exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the United States has been nothing short of astounding, with total assets under management (AUM) skyrocketing from around $100 billion in 2003 to over $6 trillion by the end of 2022. This tremendous increase in popularity can be attributed to the many advantages that ETFs offer over traditional mutual funds, such as increased flexibility, liquidity, and lower management fees and expenses.
One of the key factors driving the growth of ETFs is their adaptability, with over 8,000 ETFs available on global markets catering to a wide range of investment styles and risk tolerances. Additionally, ETFs are becoming increasingly popular outside of the United States, with international ETFs experiencing a surge in recent years. Vanguard, one of the largest providers of international ETFs, currently offers over 1,000 products in 50 nations.
It’s clear that ETFs will continue to be a popular investment option for both individuals and institutions in the coming years. With numerous resources available to help investors learn how to invest in ETFs and find the best ETFs for 2022, it’s easy to understand why so many people are turning to ETFs to effectively diversify their portfolios. With low fees and an extensive product selection, ETFs are a smart choice for investors looking to capitalize on the booming ETF industry.