Record $13.8B ETF Inflow in Canada; AiF Warns: Avoid the Crowd

The massive inflow surpasses all previous monthly records. AiF’s advice: When the crowds rush in, it’s the most dangerous time for investors.

More money flowed into Canadian Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in November than in any month before. A report from National Bank Capital Markets released Wednesday detailed that $13.8 billion poured into the products, surpassing the previous monthly inflow record set in March.

This record inflow pushed year-to-date totals past the $100-billion mark for the first time, reaching a “whopping” $108.7 billion by the end of November.

Flow Dynamics: Equities and Canada Lead

In November, substantial inflows were seen across all ETF asset classes:

• Equity Funds: Attracted the bulk of the money at $7.4 billion.

• Fixed-Income Funds: Took in $4.1 billion.

On a regional basis, Canadian equity ETFs attracted the most investor dollars at $3.6 billion, equivalent to the combined inflows into U.S. and international equity ETFs.

Sector Reversals and Real Estate Bleed

The report highlighted a significant reversal in sector flows: “Several Canadian sectors, particularly financials… and energy reversed their months-long outflow streaks.”

• Inflows: Financials ETFs pulled in $444 million, followed by utilities ($102 million) and technology ($101 million).

• Outflows Alert: In stark contrast, real-estate sector ETFs “have been bleeding assets,” recording $36 million in net outflows.

In fixed income, Canadian aggregate bond ETFs gathered $1.3 billion, but long-term bond ETFs saw outflows totaling $740 million, and Canadian government bond ETFs suffered $618 million in redemptions.

Commodities and Leveraged Products Shine

• Commodities ETFs had the largest percentage flow among all asset classes in November, raking in $492 million (driven by gold bullion and broad commodity future ETFs).

• Leveraged and Inverse-Leveraged ETFs had the second-largest percentage flow among all asset classes, with $615 million flowing into the category, suggesting heightened risk appetite.

• ESG ETFs were in negative territory with outflows of $161 million, largely due to institutional redemptions.

【AiF Investment Golden Rule and Analysis】

“Don’t go where the masses go. Wealthy people are always the minority. 93% of retail investors never make money in the market. When the crowds rush in, that is the most dangerous time.”

AiF’s View Emphasizes: The record inflow figures, while impressive, should serve as an alarm bell for prudent investors. Market fervor often peaks at the “most dangerous time” when retail investors rush in. The data shows strong flows into traditional Canadian equities and a significant appetite for high-risk assets like commodities and leveraged products. Investors must maintain a counter-cyclical mindset, as true wealth creation is often achieved by remaining disciplined and avoiding the crowded trade.