AI-fueled optimism drives record weekly inflows into global equity funds
The LSEG Lipper data showed that the $44.1 billion net purchase was the largest weekly inflow since early July, led by strong demand for technology funds after Meta topped U.S. app downloads. South Korea’s surge in semiconductor exports also boosted confidence in chip-related stocks. Meanwhile, a sell-off in government bonds pushed the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield to a 22-year high of 5.5016 %. U.S., European and Asian equity funds all recorded net inflows, while government bond funds saw outflows for the first time in two weeks.
Global equity funds attracted a net $44.1 billion of new money in the week ending Sep 25, the biggest weekly inflow since July 8, according to LSEG Lipper. The surge was driven by renewed enthusiasm for artificial-intelligence themes and a decline in oil prices, which offset a sharp rise in government-bond yields. Technology-sector funds benefited from strong consumer uptake of Meta’s apps and record South Korean semiconductor exports that reinforced chip demand optimism.
Goldman Sachs strategists noted that AI investments now account for almost half of S&P 500 earnings-per-share growth this year. Despite the equity rally, the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to a 22-year peak of 5.5016 % as stronger economic data revived expectations of further Federal Reserve tightening. U.S., European and Asian equity funds all posted net purchases, while government bond funds registered outflows, ending a two-week inflow streak.
How this story developed
- Sep 11 US 10-year Treasury yield nears 5% as oil prices surge and rate-hike bets rise
- Sep 17 The Federal Reserve lifted its policy rate by a quarter point, its first increase in three years.
- Sep 18 Asian equities rose on Friday while the yen slipped, as oil prices fell and investors eyed the Bank of Japan’s upcoming rate hike.
- Sep 22 Oil prices fell and AI data demand boosted semiconductor stocks, reversing earlier concerns about oil‑driven market pressure.
- Sep 22 AMD’s market value reached $1 trillion.
- Sep 25 Bond yields climbed back above 5% and oil prices rebounded, pushing Wall Street lower.
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