The U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) industry has experienced rapid growth, with total assets reaching approximately $13.5 trillion at the end of 2025, marking a 30% year-over-year increase according to the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF) [1]. In comparison, mutual funds, which have been in existence for over a century, reported $31.4 trillion in net U.S. assets at the end of last year, reflecting an annual increase of about 10% [1]. This data highlights that ETFs are growing faster than mutual funds in terms of total U.S. assets [1].
Kathy Kellert, head of index equity product at Vanguard, explained that both ETFs and mutual funds allow investors to pool their money for diversified investments managed by professionals, with many funds tracking specific benchmarks [1]. However, ETFs and mutual funds differ in trading mechanisms: ETFs trade on exchanges throughout the day with real-time pricing, similar to stocks, while mutual funds are priced once daily after market close, with all investors receiving the same end-of-day price [1]. Rizwan Hussain, senior investment portfolio strategist at Schwab Asset Management, noted that ETF prices reflect the underlying portfolio holdings and provide intraday liquidity, though the price may sometimes differ from the net asset value (NAV) due to the bid/ask spread, especially in less actively traded ETFs [1]. Mutual fund orders, by contrast, are executed at the NAV at market close [1].
Tax efficiency is another differentiator, with Kellert stating that ETFs are generally more tax efficient than mutual funds due to their trading structure and the mechanisms used by fund managers to rebalance holdings [1]. Both experts emphasized that the choice between ETFs and mutual funds depends on investor preferences regarding trading flexibility, tax considerations, and overall financial goals [1].
While the article does not discuss specific market reactions, the rapid growth in ETF assets suggests increasing investor preference for the flexibility and tax advantages offered by ETFs compared to mutual funds [1].
CONCLUSION
ETF assets have surged 30% year-over-year to $13.5 trillion, outpacing the 10% growth in mutual funds, which now total $31.4 trillion in U.S. assets. The data underscores a shift toward ETFs, driven by their trading flexibility and tax efficiency. Investors are advised to consider their individual goals and preferences when choosing between these investment vehicles.