U.S. ETF market smashes record, topping $12.7 trillion as Crypto funds attract millions

The U.S. ETF industry reached a record $12.7 trillion in assets, according to data from ETFGI, fueled by massive investor inflows this year.

In September alone, U.S. ETFs attracted $152.5 billion, making it the second-best month on record. This surge has pushed year-to-date inflows to $951 billion, already shattering last year’s full-year record.

Crypto and hedging in focus

Investors showed strong interest in crypto and volatility funds. The Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF and a similar Ethereum fund pulled in nearly $220 million combined, cementing crypto’s place in mainstream portfolios.

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At the same time, a key volatility-tracking ETN saw the largest single inflow, suggesting investors are seeking protection against market swings. Commodity funds tied to gold and copper also saw significant demand.

New leveraged ETFs on the horizon

The boom is also sparking a wave of new, riskier products. Volatility Shares has filed plans with the SEC for 27 new leveraged ETFs. These funds would offer 3x and 5x exposure to tech stocks like Nvidia and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Solana, indicating a push to meet demand for high-octane bets.