US-listed ETFs attracted more than $1 trillion in inflows during the first half of 2026, including $560 billion in the second quarter, according to a new report by State Street Investment Management. Full-year ETF inflows are expected to exceed $2 trillion and potentially reach $2.3 trillion, surpassing last year's record of $1.5 trillion. Strong demand, including for active and fixed-income ETFs, along with market gains has lifted total US-listed ETF assets to a record $15.8 trillion. "If the year ended today, the first six months of 2026 would rank as the third-largest full calendar year total on record," wrote Matthew Bartolini, global head of research strategists at State Street Investment Management.

Investors are looking ahead to second-quarter earnings as Treasury yields remain elevated and scrutiny of AI-related valuations intensifies. Samsung's quarterly results weighed on semiconductor shares despite record profits, while investors await major technology earnings and minutes from the Federal Reserve's June meeting. LSEG expects S&P 500 earnings to rise 24.4% from a year earlier, led by technology and financial companies.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued no-action relief exempting certain post-trade risk reduction transactions from clearing and some reporting requirements. Supporters say the move will reduce margin and liquidity pressures while improving portfolio efficiency, but some clearinghouses warn it could encourage a shift away from central clearing and weaken existing clearing mandates.