ETF roundup: $178B April inflows and industry deals

State Street Investment Management reported on May 5 that US-listed exchange-traded funds attracted $178 billion in net inflows in April, the second-largest monthly total on record for U.S.-listed ETFs.

On May 5, State Street Investment Management signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Japan’s SBI Holdings, establishing a framework for further discussions. The announcement did not include financial terms or a timetable for any joint activities.

On May 7, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) disclosed it supported the launch of a new ETF on the Waystone ETF ICAV platform. The firm did not identify the fund or its investment strategy. The Waystone ETF ICAV is a vehicle used by issuers to list ETFs; Northern Trust typically provides custody, fund administration or related services.

WisdomTree, Inc. completed its previously announced acquisition of Atlantic House Holdings Limited on May 5. Atlantic House is a London-based active asset manager. WisdomTree confirmed the closing of the transaction and did not provide further operational details in its brief notice.

ETF products cover passive and active strategies across equities, fixed income, factor and thematic exposures. Monthly inflows vary; the $178 billion reported for April ranks near the top of monthly totals in recent years.