ETFs Become Core Allocation for Most Professional Investors

Trackinsight’s annual ETF survey found that ETFs have become a core portfolio allocation for most professional respondents. The survey was produced with Calamos Investments and S&P Dow Jones Indices.

The findings come as global exchange-traded product assets reached $21.66 trillion. A total of 1,790 new products launched in the first seven months of 2026.

The survey found that 69.5% of professional respondents were reviewing their existing ETF positions. Of those respondents, 25.3% were actively upgrading their holdings and 44.2% were selectively assessing new opportunities.

Portfolio fit was the most frequently cited selection factor, named by 61% of professional respondents. Strategy design followed at 50%, while 45.1% cited cost.

Active ETFs were also drawing interest. Some 43.6% of professional respondents were using or expanding active ETF strategies. In addition, 75.5% reported stronger demand for thematic ETFs over the previous year.

Professional investors were more cautious about crypto ETFs. Half of respondents were not at all supportive of assigning crypto ETFs a strategic role in portfolios.

The survey also found that 49.5% of self-directed investors had invested in an ETF without fully assessing the product or its risks.