Active ETFs Preferred for International and Emerging Markets Exposure
Key Insights
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Growing Importance of International Exposure: A survey conducted by William Blair Investment Management indicates that U.S. registered investment advisors (RIAs) see international and emerging markets as vital for client portfolios, with many planning to enhance these allocations.
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Shift Towards Active ETFs: Over half (56%) of surveyed RIAs intend to increase their use of active ETFs to gain exposure to international and emerging markets, positioning them as the preferred investment vehicle over passive ETFs and mutual funds.
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Market Sentiment: A significant 73% of advisors feel that portfolios are overly concentrated in U.S. equities. Furthermore, 90% believe that global diversification is more crucial today than it was a year ago.
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Investment Opportunities Identified: The UK, China, and Canada are seen as leading investment opportunities outside the U.S., with interest particularly strong in the Asia-Pacific and European regions.
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Advisors Addressing Barriers: Geopolitical uncertainty (84%) and a preference for U.S. investments among clients (74%) are identified as barriers to diversifying portfolios internationally.
Survey Details
- Conducted: August 5–18, 2026
- Respondents: 200 U.S.-based RIAs managing at least $100 million in assets
- Margin of Error: ±6.9% at a 95% confidence level
About William Blair Investment Management
William Blair focuses on active management strategies, catering to a diverse range of investors including pension funds and financial advisors. The firm emphasizes the importance of leveraging opportunities in international markets while maintaining a solid core in U.S. assets.
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