The rise of exchange traded funds has been one of the key developments in the investment world during the past 10 years. It is a popularity that has gained further impetus since the collapse of Lehman Brothers as ETFs are seen as safer and more cost efficient than their actively managed rivals.

ETFs have grown dramatically since 1999 from assets totalling $39bn to $593.3bn in February this year – a 15-fold increase, according to Barclays Global Investors (BGI).