FRANKFURT (DEUTSCHE-BOERSE AG) - New record highs across numerous equity markets are driving brisk ETF turnover. While global index funds remain in high demand, profit-taking is increasingly observed in technology ETFs. Meanwhile, bond ETFs continue to record substantial inflows.

June 3, 2026. FRANKFURT (Deutsche Börse). Equity prices have surged in several segments over the past two months, with U.S. markets emerging as the primary beneficiaries. The string of new all-time highs across multiple indices appears to be incentivizing investors to initiate new positions. 'Amid elevated turnover, we have seen approximately 60 percent more buy orders than sell orders,' reports Holger Heinrich, an ETF trader at Baader Bank AG.

Global ETFs remain the preferred choice

Global index funds currently top investor shopping lists. Heinrich highlights the HSBC Developed World Screened Equity (IE00BKY59K37) and the WisdomTree Global Value (IE000D1017N2) in this category. Peter Bösenberg of Société Générale has noted increased buying activity in the iShares Core MSCI World (IE00B4L5Y983) and the Vanguard FTSE All-World (IE00BK5BQT80). All four ETFs are trading at record highs following a period of robust performance. This also applies to the UBS MSCI World Socially Responsible UCITS ETF (IE00BK72HM96), though Heinrich notes that positions in this fund have recently been trimmed.

In the U.S., blue-chip indices that have performed exceptionally well are being sold more frequently, according to Heinrich, citing the iShares MSCI USA Screened (IE00BFNM3H51). Instead, demand has shifted toward specialized investment strategies, such as the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income Active (IE000N6I8IU2) and the Amundi MSCI USA SRI Climate Paris Aligned (IE000R85HL30).

Focus on the UK and Japan

In Europe, British blue chips are the primary focus for buyers, according to the trader. Specifically, the Xtrackers FTSE 100 (LU0838780707) is seeing inflows. Conversely, the Xtrackers FTSE 100 Short Daily Swap (LU0328473581), which bets on falling prices, is being sold off. Regarding Asia, Bösenberg reports increased investment in the Xtrackers MSCI Japan (LU0274209740). In contrast, the more broadly diversified HSBC MSCI Emerging Markets (IE000KCS7J59) is being offloaded, as explained by Ivo Orlemann of ICF Bank.

Profit-taking in technology stocks

In sector ETF trading, profit-taking is mounting, particularly in the high-flying technology space. Bösenberg has observed selling pressure in the Xtrackers MSCI World Information Technology (IE00BM67HT60) and the Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence & Big Data (IE00BGV5VN51). Both index funds have been major investor favorites for many months. This loyalty has paid off: since the end of March alone, these ETFs have posted price gains of approximately 50 percent.

Currently, there is stronger demand for luxury goods via the Amundi Global Luxury (LU1681048630) and the Consumer Staples sector, where Bösenberg mentions the Xtrackers MSCI World Consumer Staples (IE00BM67HN09). Orlemann reports sustained buying in the VanEck Space Innovators (IE000YU9K6K2).

Bond ETFs remain in high demand

The remarkably resilient demand for bond ETFs remains a key trend, with sustained global inflows recorded in recent weeks. Many investors likely used the temporary spike in capital market yields as an entry point. Although yields have recently retreated, Bösenberg continues to see strong demand for fixed-income products. Orders are primarily concentrated in the Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond EUR Hedged Accumulating (IE00BG47KH54) and the iShares Global Aggregate Bond ESG EUR Hedged (IE000APK27S2). Both ETFs invest globally in corporate and government bonds.

By Thomas Koch, June 3, 2026, © Deutsche Börse AG

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