ICI Fact Book Showcases Broad Array of Fund Industry Statistics

Washington, DC; April 27, 2026—Today, the Investment Company Institute (ICI) published the 2026 edition of the Investment Company Fact Book. Since 1960, the Fact Book, a compendium of the research and analysis conducted by the Institute over the previous year, has served as the most comprehensive source of facts and data about the asset management industry in the United States and across the globe.

“ICI’s Fact Book is the number one resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators looking to understand the depth and breadth of the fund industry, said ICI President and CEO Eric J. Pan. “This work reflects the commitment of ICI’s staff to delivering top-quality research and insights that inform and strengthen the industry.”

ICI Chief Economist Shelly Antoniewicz added that “ICI’s latest edition of Fact Book provides readers with an indispensable source of data and analysis from our expert team. It underscores the industry’s continued innovation, including declining expense ratios and expanded access to retirement plans, helping more investors build long-term financial security.”

Key takeaways in the 2026 edition include:

• Worldwide demand for regulated funds remained strong in 2025. Sustained inflows into bond and money market funds—along with strong stock market performance—contributed to a 19% increase in total assets. By year-end 2025, regulated funds managed $88.0 trillion in total net assets worldwide. Net inflows into bond funds remained strong in 2025 at $1.3 trillion.
• Net issuance of ETF shares surged to a record $1.5 trillion in 2025, up from a robust $1.1 trillion in 2024. Total net assets of ETFs surpassed $13 trillion in 2025.
• Mutual funds (and other regulated funds) have introduced millions of US households to investing and have become well established as a reliable investment vehicle for middle-class families. The share of middle-income households owning mutual funds rose from 43% in 2005 to 57% in 2025.
• US households had a record $49.1 trillion earmarked for retirement at year-end 2025—up 11% from year-end 2024. The largest components of retirement assets were IRAs and employer‑sponsored DC plans (including 401(k) plans), which together represented 68% of all retirement market assets at year-end 2025. IRAs and DC plans had 44% of their assets invested in mutual funds at year‑end 2025.