More than a fifth (22 per cent) of retail ETF investors have cashed in mutual funds to switch investments to ETFs in the past year, according to new research by European white labeller HANetf.
Its study among retail investors that use ETFs showed that nearly half (46 per cent) were funding investments from their salary. Most investors are using ETFs as a long-term investment – it was the most popular use of ETFs chosen by 58 per cent. However, 37 per cent say they use ETFs on a very tactical basis to enable them to quickly gain access to investment themes they believe are attractive.
Around two out of five (38 per cent) say part of the way they use ETFs is to trade them on a regular basis like individual shares.
The research also revealed that 38 per cent of ETF investors hold ETFs in ISAs while 30 per cent hold them in personal pensions or SIPPs.
HANetf offers the most extensive range of thematic ETFs in Europe, with themes including solar, clean energy, uranium miners, and midstream energy.
A current successful theme is its Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity UCITS ETF (DIGI) which follows an index of companies involved in data centres, data networks, digital connectivity, digital transmission, digital processing and digital solutions and IP.
Hector McNeil, co-CEO and co-Founder of HANetf comments: “The growth in interest in ETFs from retail investors is underlined by how people have been funding their investments in the past year with many moving away from mutual funds and investment trusts.
“It is interesting to see that while most retail investors use ETFs as part of their long-term financial planning there are substantial numbers trading ETFs and making use of them to access investment themes which highlights the variety of investment needs ETFs can be used for.”
