Why are ETFs having a record year?

What lured a trillion dollars into ETFs in the US alone during the first half of 2026? Thom Bentley of Smart talks us through the wave of capital moving into ETFs, an asset class now worth $23 trillion. Find out which exchange-traded fund just passed $1 trillion, and how a memory-chip ETF pulled in $10 billion in 50 days. We cover the acceleration effect of investment platforms and the COVID years, and how AI is reshaping thematic investing even while the biggest AI companies are private. Tom also breaks down the generational divide in ETF awareness, with under-35s far more fluent than their parents. Plus, learn why ETFs, rather than individual shares, are becoming a way for investors to reach alternative markets like Asia-Pacific and emerging economies. For more places to follow Shared Lunch—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.