Monthly money market fund sales in the UK 2020-2023

The net value of retail sales of money market funds in the United Kingdom (UK) fluctuated considerably between January 2020 and October 2023. The net value of retail sales of money market funds reached 938 million British pounds as of October 2023.

What are money market funds? 

Money market funds are a category of mutual funds that invest in liquid and short-term assets. The composition of money market assets is designed to provide investors with a predictable and relatively secure return on their investment while simultaneously preserving liquidity. In addition, the increasing inflow of money market funds signifies heightened investor demand for safety and liquidity, often triggered by rising risk aversion in the face of economic uncertainty or market volatility. In March 2020, the fund flow of money market funds in the United States jumped by over 18 percent, surging from 4,030 to 4,758 billion U.S. dollars. This significant rise in money market fund flows could be attributed to the elevated economic uncertainty and market turmoil resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What do money market fund values indicate? 

The trajectory of the value of money market funds in a country reveals the sentiments of investors, the economic performance, and the evolution of the market. The ascending trend in these funds often indicates a flight to safety by those looking for security and liquidity, especially during times of increased market volatility or economic uncertainty. The value of money market funds in the United Kingdom remained quite stable, with a few exceptions. This indicates a general sense of security, low volatility, and a cautious approach to investing in the marketplace.