Singapore-listed exchange-traded fund assets under management reached an all-time high of S$13.3 billion (US$9.82 billion) at the end of January, led by sustainability-linked funds and real estate investment trust ETFs.
Total ETF assets were up 25% from February 1 last year, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced in a news release on February 12.
Assets of sustainability-linked ETFs totalled S$2 billion and REIT fund assets were S$1 billion, a spokesperson for the bourse tells Asia Asset Management.
Three ETFs attracted the highest net inflows last month. The SPDR Gold Shares drew S$28 million, CSOP iEdge SEA+ TECH ETF, S$26 million, and NikkoAM Singapore STI ETF, S$21 million.
Meanwhile, assets of cross-border ETFs listed under Singapore’s ETF links with Shanghai and Shenzhen in China crossed S$639 million in January, up from S$252 million a year ago.
“China-Singapore ETF links were established with the aim to promote cross-border flows into Singapore and China capital markets and expand investment choices for investors in both markets,” the spokesperson says. “With the AUM now at S$639 million, it has achieved initial success in meeting its objectives.”
“Beyond ETF market, ETF links with China also bring about capital flows to the companies listed in Singapore and regional markets. The largest south-bound ETF -CSOP iEdge SEA+ TECH ETF is a good example as the index focuses on the largest 30 technology companies domiciled in Southeast Asia and Emerging Asia markets. SGX is also now home to 10 China-focused ETFs including 5 A-Shares focused equities ETF that helps broaden A-Shares market access to global investors and promote the opening of China capital markets,” the spokesperson adds.
