From “Lion City” to the World: What's Happening in Singapore's ETF Market?

While global investors remain focused on the fluctuations of New York and London, Singapore's ETF market is quietly but rapidly maturing. NewTimeSpace Research observes that the ecosystem on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has evolved from a niche option into a configuration tool worth noting in Asia.

1. Market Scale: From Quantity to Quality

As of early 2026, total assets under management of SGX-listed ETFs surpassed S$18 billion, up 37% year-on-year. Net inflows for the whole of 2025 reached S$2.4 billion, while average daily turnover surged 69% to S$29 million. NewTimeSpace Research believes this reflects not only capital inflows but also improvements in liquidity, product diversity, and investor structure.

2. Major Asset Classes: A Broad Underlying Base

Singapore's ETF market can be roughly divided into the following categories:

• Local Equities–ETFs tracking the Straits Times Index (STI), covering blue-chip companies such as Singapore's three major banks. This is one of the longest-standing and largest categories.
• Commodities (mostly gold)–Global gold ETFs are also listed on SGX and saw significant net inflows in 2025, reflecting rising safe-haven demand.
• Fixed Income–ETFs backed by Singapore government bonds and investment-grade corporate bonds offer a transparent channel for bond exposure.
• REITs–ETFs focusing on Singapore's industrial, retail, and healthcare REITs, known for regular dividend distributions.

3. Thematic Products: Focusing on Long-Term Trends

Compared with traditional markets, Singapore's ETFs have developed distinctive thematic features. NewTimeSpace Research highlights three frequently discussed directions:

• AI & Semiconductors–Some ETFs track global AI and chip supply-chain companies, allowing investors indirect exposure to long-term trends.
• Fintech–Leveraging Singapore's position as a fintech hub in ASEAN, related ETFs cover digital payments, blockchain, and alternative lending.
• Southeast Asian Infrastructure & Consumption–Through ETFs tracking regional REITs or infrastructure indices, investors can access logistics, data centres, and consumption upgrades in Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond.

4. Market Observation: A Transparent Gateway

A notable feature of Singapore's ETF market is its“local + global”structure–products range from those linked to local blue chips to ETFs investing in the US, China, Europe, and ASEAN. Moreover, SGX allows trading in multiple currencies (SGD, USD, RMB, etc.), lowering FX barriers for cross-border investors.

For those looking to understand how overseas ETFs operate, Singapore offers a well-regulated, transparent, and increasingly diverse window. NewTimeSpace Research will continue to track product innovation and capital flows in this market.

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