U.S. ETF inflows exceed $700B through May 13, 2026

U.S. exchange-traded funds logged over $700 billion in net inflows through May 13, 2026, based on industry figures. Large allocations went to S&P 500 index funds, the newly launched Roundhill DRAM memory ETF and energy sector funds such as the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE).

The year-to-date total ranks 2026 as the fourth-largest year for U.S. ETF flows through mid-May, behind 2021, 2024 and 2025. U.S. ETFs attracted about $1.49 trillion in net inflows in 2025.

Broad-market S&P 500 funds were major recipients. Between April 12 and May 12, 2026, the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) recorded $16.76 billion in net inflows and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) received $16.86 billion over the same period.

Roundhill’s DRAM memory ETF, which launched in early April with exposure to companies tied to computer memory and storage chips, reached about $7.5 billion in assets within its first two months on the market.

Energy-focused funds also drew significant capital. From January 1 through May 12, 2026, XLE logged approximately $6.15 billion in net inflows.

Market participants cited diversification, the tradability of ETF shares and potential tax efficiency as reasons for choosing ETFs for portfolio use.

Todd Rosenbluth, head of research at VettaFi, commented, “ETF adoption has never been stronger, as advisors and investors embrace the diversification, liquidity and tax benefits.”

ETF issuers have broadened offerings to include niche subsectors and thematic strategies, and asset managers have continued to introduce new products targeting specific market-cap, sector and technology exposures.