Investing.com -- Equity funds saw an inflow of $4 billion in the week ending October 23, 2024, while bond funds attracted $13.5 billion, according to Citi.
The bank’s recent report shows that US and global exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were the largest beneficiaries, pulling in $11.2 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively.
Moreover, Japan funds reversed a recent trend, recording $1.5 billion in inflows after two weeks of outflows.
Emerging markets, however, faced less positive flows. Specifically, China-focused ETFs posted a second consecutive week of outflows, losing $6.4 billion despite a nearly 4% increase in net asset value.
Emerging market equity funds still outperformed developed markets by 1.7%, and global emerging market ETFs saw a modest inflow of $0.7 billion.
Regionally, Taiwan experienced $2.3 billion in net foreign inflows, while India continued to struggle with $1.0 billion in foreign institutional investor outflows. South Korea also saw $0.7 billion in outflows. Southbound flows into Hong Kong remained stable, totaling $1.4 billion.
Meanwhile, gold funds experienced a notable surge, Citi reveals, drawing in $2.7 billion this week. Since May, cumulative inflows into gold funds have reached $13.6 billion.
The recent rally in US equities is wobbling as the market approaches a set of potentially disruptive events. This week, major tech companies are scheduled to release earnings, and the highly anticipated employment report is due, with the US election looming as well.
While the S&P 500 has gained roughly 22% this year, it has recently pulled back from its record highs.
Stocks are still trading at high valuations, leaving the market exposed to potential downside if upcoming events do not meet investor expectations.
The S&P 500's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, based on projected earnings for the next 12 months, stands at 21.8, its highest point in more than three years, according to LSEG data.