What's really fueling the ETF boom? Asset management experts point to three solid reasons that explain why these investment vehicles keep gaining traction.

First up: accessibility. ETFs have knocked down traditional barriers that once kept retail investors on the sidelines. You don't need massive capital or complicated account setups anymore—just a brokerage account and you're in.

Second: the cost factor. Compared to actively managed funds, ETF expense ratios are genuinely competitive. Lower fees mean more of your money actually works for you instead of going into fund management overhead.

Third: market education. As financial literacy spreads—especially online—more people actually understand how these tools work. They're not mysterious black boxes anymore; the mechanics are transparent and accessible.

Here's the interesting part: millennials are leading the charge. This generation is adopting ETFs at significantly higher rates than older cohorts, reshaping how capital flows through markets. They grew up digital, they're comfortable with self-directed investing, and they're comfortable questioning legacy financial structures.

The combination of ease, affordability, and knowledge is a powerful driver. It's reshaping retail investment behavior across the board.