Global Equity Funds Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Large Cap Funds, Mid Cap Funds, Small Cap Funds, and Others.By End User;
Individuals, Corporate Institutions, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Equity Funds Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Equity Funds Market was valued at USD 32400073.25 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 55528031.84 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.0%.
The global equity funds market represents a vital segment within the broader financial industry, characterized by its role in facilitating investment in stocks and equities across various sectors and regions worldwide. Equity funds, also known as stock funds or equity mutual funds, pool investors' capital to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, offering individuals and institutions access to a broad spectrum of equity investments. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who make strategic decisions based on market trends, economic conditions, and specific investment objectives.
Investors choose equity funds for their potential to generate long-term capital appreciation and dividends, driven by the performance of the underlying stocks held within the fund's portfolio. Equity funds cater to a range of risk appetites, from conservative investors seeking stable returns to aggressive investors pursuing higher growth opportunities. The diversity of equity funds includes large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, sector-specific, and global equity funds, allowing investors to align their investment strategies with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
The global equity funds market is influenced by factors such as economic growth prospects, corporate earnings, interest rates, and geopolitical developments. Investors diversify their portfolios with equity funds to mitigate risk and capitalize on market opportunities across different sectors and geographical regions. Equity funds play a crucial role in wealth creation and portfolio diversification, offering investors exposure to both domestic and international markets. As financial markets evolve and investor preferences shift, the global equity funds market continues to adapt with innovative fund offerings and investment strategies aimed at maximizing returns while managing risk effectively.
Global Equity Funds Market Recent Developments
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In November 2022, BlackRock expanded its equity fund offerings to include a range of diversified portfolios aimed at emerging market equities, targeting global investors.
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In January 2024, Vanguard launched a new suite of equity funds targeting sustainable investments, catering to socially conscious investors seeking long-term growth with an ESG focus.
Segment Analysis
The Global Equity Funds Market has been segmented by Type, End User and Geography, reflecting the diverse preferences and objectives of investors worldwide. One of the primary segments is based on investment style, which includes growth funds, value funds, and blend funds. Growth equity funds focus on investing in companies with high potential for earnings growth, typically in emerging industries or sectors experiencing rapid expansion. Value equity funds, on the other hand, seek undervalued stocks with the potential for price appreciation as market conditions improve. Blend funds combine both growth and value strategies to create diversified portfolios that balance growth opportunities with stable, established companies.
Segmentation is another key aspect of the equity funds market, encompassing funds focused on specific regions or global markets. Investors can choose from domestic equity funds that invest primarily in stocks within their home country's stock market. International equity funds allocate investments across multiple countries or regions, offering exposure to global markets and diversification benefits. Emerging market equity funds specifically target stocks in developing economies with high growth potential but also higher risk, providing opportunities for investors to capitalize on economic growth in emerging regions.
Sector-specific equity funds represent a significant segment within the market, catering to investors interested in specific industries or sectors. These funds concentrate their investments in sectors such as technology, healthcare, energy, consumer goods, and financial services, among others. Sector funds allow investors to capitalize on sector-specific trends, innovations, and market opportunities while managing exposure to industry-specific risks. The segmentation of the global equity funds market provides investors with a range of options to diversify their portfolios, align investments with their financial goals, and capitalize on specific market trends and opportunities across different investment styles, geographies, and sectors.
Global Equity Funds Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Equity Funds Market has been segmented by Type, End User and Geography.
Global Equity Funds Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Equity Funds Market has been segmented by Type into Large Cap Funds, Mid Cap Funds, Small Cap Funds and Others.
The large cap funds, which invest in stocks of large-cap companies with substantial market capitalization. These funds typically focus on established companies with stable earnings and a strong market presence. Large cap equity funds are favored by conservative investors seeking stability and dividends, as these companies are often considered less volatile compared to smaller cap stocks. They provide exposure to blue-chip companies across various industries, offering potential for steady growth and income through dividends.
Mid cap equity funds target companies with moderate market capitalization, falling between large caps and small caps. These funds invest in firms that are typically in the growth phase and have the potential to expand their market share and profitability. Mid cap stocks are often perceived as having higher growth potential than large caps while carrying less risk than small caps. Mid cap equity funds appeal to investors seeking a balance between growth opportunities and risk mitigation, as these companies may offer greater growth prospects compared to large caps without the volatility associated with smaller cap stocks.
Small cap equity funds focus on investing in stocks of small-cap companies, which are typically defined as having a lower market capitalization compared to large and mid caps. These funds target emerging companies with the potential for rapid growth and capital appreciation. Small cap stocks are known for their higher volatility and greater potential for price fluctuations, making small cap equity funds suitable for investors with a higher risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon. These funds provide exposure to innovative and entrepreneurial firms that may become future industry leaders, offering the possibility of significant returns but with heightened market volatility.
Global Equity Funds Market, Segmentation by End User
The Global Equity Funds Market has been segmented by End User into Individuals, Corporate Institutions and Others.
Individual investors constitute a significant portion of the equity funds market, encompassing retail investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking to grow their wealth through diversified investment portfolios. Equity funds offer individual investors access to a range of stocks and securities across different sectors and geographic regions, allowing them to benefit from professional fund management and diversification benefits. These investors often choose equity funds based on their risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon, whether it's for retirement planning, wealth accumulation, or income generation through dividends and capital gains.
Corporate institutions, including pension funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors, play a pivotal role in the equity funds market. These entities invest sizable capital into equity funds to achieve long-term growth objectives, manage liabilities, and diversify investment portfolios. Pension funds, for instance, allocate funds to equity funds to generate returns that support future pension obligations, while insurance companies seek to optimize investment returns to meet policyholder commitments. Institutional investors leverage their financial expertise and risk management strategies to navigate market volatility and capitalize on growth opportunities in the equity markets.
The "others" category in the equity funds market includes entities such as charitable organizations, educational endowments, and sovereign wealth funds. These investors deploy capital into equity funds with specific mandates aligned with their organizational missions or strategic objectives. Charitable organizations may invest to generate sustainable income for charitable activities, while sovereign wealth funds diversify national reserves and generate returns for future generations. Each segment within the equity funds market contributes to liquidity, market efficiency, and wealth creation, driven by diverse investment needs and objectives across global financial markets.
Global Equity Funds Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Equity Funds Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Equity Funds Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America stands as a mature and dominant region in the global equity funds market, driven by a strong tradition of equity investing and robust financial markets. The United States, in particular, hosts a diverse array of equity funds catering to institutional and retail investors alike. North American equity funds span various investment styles and sectors, reflecting the region's dynamic economy and innovation-driven industries. Institutional investors, pension funds, and individual investors in North America actively participate in equity funds to capitalize on market opportunities and diversify their investment portfolios.
Europe follows closely, characterized by established financial centers in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. European equity funds offer investors exposure to diverse markets within the Eurozone and beyond, emphasizing stability and long-term growth prospects. European investors favor equity funds that align with sustainable investing principles and corporate governance standards, contributing to the region's leadership in responsible investing practices. The presence of leading global asset management firms and regulatory frameworks promoting investor protection further solidify Europe's role in the global equity funds landscape.
In the Asia Pacific region, countries like Japan, China, India, and Australia drive significant growth in equity fund investments. Asia Pacific is recognized for its rapid economic expansion, burgeoning middle class, and increasing investor sophistication. Equity funds in this region cater to diverse investment preferences, ranging from high-growth emerging markets to established industries. Asia Pacific investors seek opportunities in technology, consumer goods, and healthcare sectors, leveraging equity funds to capitalize on regional economic growth and market dynamics. The region's evolving regulatory landscape and growing wealth accumulation contribute to the expansion of equity fund offerings and investment opportunities.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Equity Funds Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Diversification benefits
- Long-term growth
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Portfolio management : Portfolio management in the global equity funds market is a critical aspect of maximizing returns while managing risk effectively across diverse investment strategies and market conditions. Fund managers employ various techniques to construct and manage equity fund portfolios that align with investors' objectives, risk tolerance, and market expectations. One fundamental approach is asset allocation, where managers strategically distribute investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions to achieve diversification and optimize risk-adjusted returns. This helps mitigate the impact of market volatility and sector-specific risks on portfolio performance.
Active portfolio management is another key strategy employed by equity fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate changing economic environments. Active managers conduct in-depth research and analysis to identify undervalued stocks, growth opportunities, and emerging trends within specific industries or regions. By actively monitoring market developments and adjusting portfolio holdings accordingly, managers aim to outperform benchmark indices and deliver superior returns to investors over the long term. This approach requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, company fundamentals, and macroeconomic factors influencing equity markets globally.
Risk management plays a pivotal role in portfolio management within the equity funds market. Fund managers utilize risk assessment tools and techniques to quantify and mitigate various types of risks, including market risk, sector risk, liquidity risk, and geopolitical risk. Diversification across asset classes and regions helps spread risk exposure, reducing the impact of adverse market movements on portfolio performance. Hedging strategies such as options, futures, and derivatives may be employed to protect against downside risks and enhance portfolio stability during periods of market volatility. Effective risk management practices are essential for preserving capital, achieving consistent returns, and maintaining investor confidence in equity fund investments.
Restraints
- Market volatility
- Investor sentiment
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Regulatory changes : Regulatory changes significantly impact the global equity funds market, influencing how funds are managed, marketed, and invested. Regulatory bodies worldwide, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in the European Union, establish rules and guidelines to safeguard investor interests, ensure market transparency, and maintain financial stability.
One prominent area of regulatory focus is investor protection. Regulations often mandate that equity funds disclose comprehensive information about investment strategies, risks, fees, and performance metrics to potential investors. This transparency aims to empower investors with the knowledge needed to make informed investment decisions and mitigate the risk of mis-selling or fraudulent activities within the equity funds market. Regulatory changes periodically introduce enhancements to disclosure requirements, ensuring that fund managers uphold high standards of accountability and integrity.
Regulatory frameworks govern the operations and governance of equity funds, setting standards for fund management practices, fiduciary responsibilities, and risk management. For instance, regulations may stipulate diversification requirements, liquidity management guidelines, and stress testing protocols to enhance the resilience of equity funds against market volatility and systemic risks. Compliance with these regulations requires fund managers to adopt robust internal controls, conduct regular audits, and adhere to ethical standards to maintain investor trust and confidence.
Opportunities
- Emerging markets
- Technology sector
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ESG investing : ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing has emerged as a significant trend influencing the global equity funds market, reflecting investors' growing emphasis on sustainability and responsible investing practices. ESG criteria are integrated into equity fund strategies to evaluate companies based on their performance in areas such as climate change mitigation, social responsibility, ethical business practices, and corporate governance. This approach aims to align investment decisions with broader societal and environmental goals while seeking financial returns.
In recent years, ESG considerations have become a critical factor in investment decision-making across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and other regions. Institutional investors, pension funds, and individual investors are increasingly prioritizing ESG factors when selecting equity funds, influencing fund managers to incorporate ESG principles into their investment processes. ESG-focused equity funds seek to invest in companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices and sustainability initiatives, potentially mitigating risks related to environmental liabilities, regulatory compliance, and reputational damage.
The integration of ESG criteria in equity funds not only addresses investor preferences for ethical and sustainable investments but also drives corporate behavior towards greater transparency and accountability. Companies that perform well on ESG metrics may attract capital from ESG-focused equity funds, leading to improved long-term performance and market competitiveness. As ESG considerations continue to gain prominence in global equity markets, fund managers are expanding their ESG investment offerings and engaging with companies to enhance ESG disclosures and practices. This trend underscores the evolving role of ESG investing in shaping the future trajectory of the global equity funds market, promoting sustainable growth and responsible investment practices worldwide.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Equity Funds Market include:
- Horiba
- Bio-Rad
- Takara Bio
- Johnson & Johnson
- Siemens
- Abbott
- BioMeriux
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Equity Funds Market
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Diversification benefits
- Long-term growth
- Portfolio management
- Restraints
- Market volatility
- Investor sentiment
- Regulatory changes
- Opportunities
- Emerging markets
- Technology sector
- ESG investing
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Equity Funds Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Large Cap Funds
- Mid Cap Funds
- Small Cap Funds
- Others
- Global Equity Funds Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Individuals
- Corporate Institutions
- Others
- Global Equity Funds Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia/New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Equity Funds Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Horiba
- Bio-Rad
- Takara Bio
- Johnson & Johnson
- Siemens
- Abbott
- BioMeriux
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market