Latest figures from exchange traded fund (ETF) data provider ETFGI reveal that ETFs globally gathered net inflows of USD68.95 billion in June, bringing year-to-date net inflows to USD209.54 billion, and creating a new record of USD5.64 trillion in assets.

In a recent paper entitled ‘The Smart Beta ETF (r) evolution’, Amundi suggests that origins of smart beta ETFs lies in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. At the time investors were concerned about the inherent volatility of the equity markets, a problem that was amplified by the introduction of ultra-low monetary policies that sent liabilities ballooning.