ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm covering trends in the global ETF/ETP ecosystem, reported today that ETFs and ETPs listed in the US reached a new high of US$3.73 Tn in assets, following net inflows of US$36.2 Bn in September, according to ETFGI's September 2018 Global ETF and ETP industry landscape insights report, an annual paid-for research subscription service.

BNP Paribas Asset Management (‘BNPP AM') announces the appointment of Adam Kanzer as Head of Stewardship, Americas, within its Sustainability Centre. Based in New York, Adam joined on 19 October and reports to Helena Viñes Fiestas, BNPP AM's Global Head of Sustainability Research and Policy.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“GSAM”) has announced the launch of the Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Equity ESG Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). The Portfolio seeks to provide investors exposure to emerging market companies which GSAM believes demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials.

Groupama AM and Tikehau Capital are jointly launching Groupama Tikehau Diversified Debt Fund (GTDDF), an investment vehicle designed for the direct financing of the economy. This new fund, in which the European Investment Fund (EIF) is the anchor investor, is dedicated to financing European and mainly French SMEs.

Average cash balance holds steady at 5.1%, well above the 10-year average of 4.5%, as investors stay bearish. A record 85% of survey respondents think the global economy is in the late cycle, 11ppt above prior highs in Dec. ‘07