In 2024, stock markets in the United States accounted for roughly 60 percent of world stocks. The next largest country by stock market share was Japan, followed by the United Kingdom. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ are the largest stock exchange operators worldwide. What is a stock exchange? The first modern publicly traded company was the Dutch East Industry Company, which sold shares to the general public to fund expeditions to Asia. Since then, groups of companies have formed exchanges in which brokers and dealers can come together and make transactions in one space. Stock market indices group companies trading on a given exchange, giving an idea of how they evolve in real time. Appeal of stock ownership Over half of adults in the United States are investing money in the stock market. Stocks are an attractive investment because the possible return is higher than offered by other financial instruments.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) index dropped around 8,000 points in the four weeks from February 12 to March 11, 2020, but has since recovered and peaked at 44,910.65 points as of November 24, 2024. In February 2020 - just prior to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DJIA index stood at a little over 29,000 points. U.S. markets suffer as virus spreads The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a turbulent period for stock markets – the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also recorded dramatic drops. At the start of February, some analysts remained optimistic that the outbreak would ease. However, the increased spread of the virus started to hit investor confidence, prompting a record plunge in the stock markets. The Dow dropped by more than 3,500 points in the week from February 21 to February 28, which was a fall of 12.4 percent – its worst percentage loss in a week since October 2008. Stock markets offer valuable economic insights The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a stock market index that monitors the share prices of the 30 largest companies in the United States. By studying the performance of the listed companies, analysts can gauge the strength of the domestic economy. If investors are confident in a company’s future, they will buy its stocks. The uncertainty of the coronavirus sparked fears of an economic crisis, and many traders decided that investment during the pandemic was too risky.

Broad Based Index Fund Market Outlook

The global broad-based index fund market size was valued at USD 5.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 11.2 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. This substantial growth is driven by increasing investor interest in passive investment strategies, along with the rising emphasis on cost-effective and diversified portfolio management.

The surge in demand for broad-based index funds can be attributed to several key growth factors. Firstly, the growing awareness and education about the benefits of passive investing over active management have played a significant role. Investors are increasingly leaning towards index funds due to their lower expense ratios, tax efficiency, and the ability to provide broad market exposure with minimal effort. Secondly, technological advancements and the rise of fintech have made these funds more accessible to a wider audience through online platforms and robo-advisors, democratizing investment opportunities for retail investors globally. Lastly, regulatory changes in many regions are encouraging greater transparency and lower fees in the financial services industry, which further bolsters the attractiveness of index funds as a preferred investment vehicle.

The popularity of broad-based index funds is also bolstered by their performance resilience during market volatility. Historical data indicates that while actively managed funds often struggle to outperform the market consistently, index funds tend to provide more stable returns over the long term. This trend has been particularly noticeable during economic downturns and periods of market uncertainty, where investors seek the relative safety and predictability offered by broad-based diversified portfolios. Additionally, the increased focus on retirement planning and the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution retirement plans have spurred the growth of index funds as they are often the preferred choice in retirement accounts due to their long-term growth potential and lower costs.

The regional outlook for the broad-based index fund market highlights significant growth potential across various geographies. North America, particularly the United States, remains the largest market for index funds, driven by the deep-rooted culture of investing and a well-established financial infrastructure. Europe follows closely, with growth fueled by regulatory support and increasing investor awareness. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, propelled by the burgeoning middle class, rising disposable incomes, and increasing penetration of financial services. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also anticipated to demonstrate steady growth as financial markets in these regions continue to develop and mature.

Mutual Funds Sales have seen a notable uptick as investors increasingly seek diversified investment options that align with their financial goals. This trend is particularly evident in the context of broad-based index funds, where mutual funds offer a structured approach to investing in a wide array of assets. The appeal of mutual funds lies in their ability to pool resources from multiple investors, enabling access to a diversified portfolio that might otherwise be unattainable for individual investors. This collective investment model not only reduces risk but also provides investors with professional management and oversight. As the financial landscape evolves, mutual funds continue to play a crucial role in facilitating access to index funds, thereby driving sales and expanding their market presence.

Fund Type Analysis

Equity index funds represent a significant portion of the broad-based index fund market. These funds track a variety of stock indices, such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and MSCI World Index, providing investors with exposure to a wide array of equity markets. The appeal of equity index funds lies in their ability to offer broad market diversification at a low cost. Investors benefit from the lower fees associated with passive management and the reduced risk of individual stock selection. As a result, equity index funds have become a staple in both retail and institutional portfolios, driving robust demand and growth in this segment.

Bond index funds, though smaller in market share compared to their equity counterparts, are gaining traction as investors seek stable income and risk diversifi

Country-specific stock indices and periods observed for model evaluation.

The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index is an index of 500 leading publicly traded companies in the United States. In 2021, the index value closed at 4,766.18 points, which was the second highest value on record despite the economic effects of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In 2023, the index values closed at 4,769.83, the highest value ever recorded. What is the S&P 500? The S&P 500 was established in 1860 and expanded to its present form of 500 stocks in 1957. It tracks the price of stocks on the major stock exchanges in the United States, distilling their performance down to a single number that investors can use as a snapshot of the economy’s performance at a given moment. This snapshot can be explored further. For example, the index can be examined by industry sector, which gives a more detailed illustration of the economy. Other measures Being a stock market index, the S&P 500 only measures equities performance. In addition to other stock market indices, analysts will look to other indicators such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and projected inflation. Similarly, since these indicators say something about the economic future, stock market investors will use these indicators to speculate on the stocks in the S&P 500.

The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) prepares the Public Investment Community (PIC) index not later than July 15 annually, pursuant to §7-545 of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS). The PIC index measures the relative wealth and need of Connecticut’s towns by ranking them in descending order by their cumulative point allocations for: (1) per capita income; (2) adjusted equalized net grand list per capita; (3) equalized mill rate; (4) per capita aid to children receiving Temporary Family Assistance program benefits; and (5) unemployment rate. Pursuant to CGS §7-545 the PIC index includes each town that has a cumulative point ranking in the top quartile of the PIC Index (i.e. the 42 towns with the highest number of points). When a town’s ranking falls below the top quartile in a given fiscal year, the town's designation as a Public Investment Community continues for that year and the following four fiscal years. As a result, the PIC index includes certain towns carried over from previous fiscal years. The PIC index determines eligibility for several financial assistance programs that various agencies administer, including: -Urban Action Bond Assistance -Small Town Economic Assistance Program -Community Economic Development Program -Residential Mortgage Guarantee Program -Education Cost Sharing -Malpractice Insurance Purchase Program -Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund -Enterprise Corridor Zone Designation Most of the towns included on the PIC index are eligible to elect for assistance under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) in lieu of Urban Action Bond assistance, pursuant to CGS §4-66g(b). An eligible town’s legislative body (or its board of selectmen if the town’s legislative body is the town meeting) must vote to choose STEAP assistance and the town must notify OPM following the vote. STEAP election is valid for four years and the statute allows extensions for additional four-year periods. STEAP election is not available for Ansonia, Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, East Hartford, Enfield, Groton, Hartford, Killingly, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Vernon, Waterbury, West Hartford, West Haven, and Windham. Pursuant to CGS §7-545, the following municipalities are also Public Investment Communities: Groton Montville Preston Scotland Thomaston Thompson Voluntown Wethersfield

The US stock market declined as Nvidia shares dropped, affecting major indices. Investors are cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting.

The value of the DJIA index amounted to 43,191.24 at the end of March 2025, up from 21,917.16 at the end of March 2020. Global panic about the coronavirus epidemic caused the drop in March 2020, which was the worst drop since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. Dow Jones Industrial Average index – additional information The Dow Jones Industrial Average index is a price-weighted average of 30 of the largest American publicly traded companies on New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, and includes companies like Goldman Sachs, IBM and Walt Disney. This index is considered to be a barometer of the state of the American economy. DJIA index was created in 1986 by Charles Dow. Along with the NASDAQ 100 and S&P 500 indices, it is amongst the most well-known and used stock indexes in the world. The year that the 2018 financial crisis unfolded was one of the worst years of the Dow. It was also in 2008 that some of the largest ever recorded losses of the Dow Jones Index based on single-day points were registered. On September 29th of 2008, for instance, the Dow had a loss of 106.85 points, one of the largest single-day losses of all times. The best years in the history of the index still are 1915, when the index value increased by 81.66 percent in one year, and 1933, year when the index registered a growth of 63.74 percent.

Passive ETF Market Outlook

In 2023, the global Passive ETF market size was valued at approximately USD 6.1 trillion and is projected to reach USD 11.4 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period. The primary growth factor for this market is the increasing preference for low-cost investment options among retail and institutional investors alike.

One of the significant growth factors driving the Passive ETF market is the rise in awareness and education about financial markets among retail investors. More individuals are becoming informed about the benefits of diversified, low-cost investment portfolios. Passive ETFs, which typically track a specific index, offer a cost-effective way for investors to gain broad market exposure without the need for intensive management. This factor is particularly appealing to new investors who wish to participate in the stock market with minimal fees and reduced risk.

Another critical driver is the surge in technological advancements and digitalization in financial services. Online trading platforms and robo-advisors are making it easier for investors to access a wide array of ETF products. These platforms often provide tools and resources that help investors make informed decisions, thereby encouraging more people to invest in Passive ETFs. The ease of use, coupled with low transaction costs, has further popularized Passive ETFs among various investor segments.

Institutional investors are also increasingly turning to Passive ETFs to optimize their investment strategies. With market volatility and economic uncertainties, institutional investors seek stable and predictable investment solutions. Passive ETFs offer a reliable way to achieve market returns without the need to actively manage individual securities. This stability is particularly important for pension funds, endowments, and insurance companies, which have long-term investment horizons and fiduciary responsibilities to their beneficiaries.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the Passive ETF market, owing to its mature financial markets and large base of institutional and retail investors. However, other regions like Asia Pacific are catching up rapidly. The growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and increasing financial literacy are significant factors contributing to the market's growth in this region. Additionally, favorable regulatory changes and the introduction of innovative financial products are expected to drive the market further in Asia Pacific.

Type Analysis

In the Passive ETF market, various types, including Equity ETFs, Bond ETFs, Commodity ETFs, Real Estate ETFs, and others, offer diverse investment opportunities. Equity ETFs hold the largest market share, primarily due to their ability to provide broad exposure to stock markets, mirroring the performance of major indices like the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ. As investors seek to capitalize on market growth while minimizing costs, the demand for Equity ETFs continues to rise. They are particularly popular among retail investors looking to gain diversified exposure to the equity market without picking individual stocks.

Bond ETFs are another critical segment within the Passive ETF market, offering investors a way to gain exposure to the fixed income market. These ETFs are essential for those looking to balance their portfolios with more stable, income-generating investments. Bond ETFs can provide access to government, corporate, and municipal bonds. The predictable income stream and lower risk compared to equities make Bond ETFs a favorite among conservative investors and retirees. Additionally, in a low-interest-rate environment, Bond ETFs become even more attractive as they offer better returns compared to traditional savings accounts.

Commodity ETFs cater to investors looking to diversify their portfolios with tangible assets like gold, silver, oil, and other commodities. These ETFs provide a convenient way to invest in commodities without the complexities involved in holding physical assets. Commodity ETFs are particularly popular during times of economic uncertainty and inflation, as they often serve as a hedge against market volatility and currency devaluation. The demand for these ETFs is expected to grow as investors seek more avenues to protect their wealth.

Real Estate ETFs provide exposure to the real estate market by investing in a diversified portfolio of real estate investment trusts (REITs). These ETFs offer a way to participate in the real estate market without th

The ETF index fund market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing investor demand for diversified, low-cost investment vehicles. The market's expansion is fueled by several key factors. First, the rising popularity of passive investment strategies, where investors track market indices rather than actively picking individual stocks, significantly boosts ETF adoption. This is particularly evident among retail investors seeking convenient and cost-effective access to diversified portfolios. Second, technological advancements and increased online brokerage accessibility have lowered the barrier to entry, making ETF investing more accessible to a wider range of demographics. Third, regulatory changes and the introduction of innovative ETF products catering to specific investment goals (e.g., ESG investing) further stimulate market expansion. Competition among major players like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Global Advisors, along with the emergence of regional players in Asia, adds dynamism to the market landscape. While the market demonstrates significant potential, certain challenges exist. Increased market volatility can impact investor sentiment and trading volume. Regulatory scrutiny and evolving compliance requirements pose ongoing challenges for ETF providers. Furthermore, the increasing complexity of ETF products, coupled with the need for greater financial literacy among investors, necessitates effective investor education initiatives. Despite these hurdles, the long-term outlook for the ETF index fund market remains positive, projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) throughout the forecast period. This sustained growth is predicated on the enduring appeal of passive investment strategies, technological advancements, and the continued innovation within the ETF product landscape. Geographic expansion, particularly within emerging markets, presents substantial growth opportunities for existing and new market entrants.

The forecasting performance of different models on 10 stock indices.

China's main stock market index, the SHANGHAI, rose to 3385 points on June 6, 2025, gaining 0.04% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 1.28% and is up 10.95% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from China. China Shanghai Composite Stock Market Index - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on June of 2025.

The global ETF Index Fund market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing investor preference for diversified, low-cost investment vehicles. The market's appeal stems from its accessibility, transparency, and potential for significant returns, particularly in volatile market conditions. While precise market sizing requires specific data, considering a conservative CAGR of 10% (a common rate for established investment products) and a 2025 market value of $5 trillion (a reasonable estimate based on the significant presence of major players like BlackRock and Vanguard and the overall size of the investment management industry), we can project substantial expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). Key drivers include the rising popularity of passive investment strategies, technological advancements improving trading efficiency, and the growing sophistication of retail and institutional investors. The segmentation by application (Investment & Financial Management, Risk Hedging, Others) and fund type (S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Others) reflects the market’s diverse offerings and caters to a broad spectrum of investor needs and risk tolerances. Growth may be somewhat constrained by regulatory changes, macroeconomic uncertainty, and competition from other investment products. However, the long-term outlook remains positive, with substantial opportunities for expansion in emerging markets and through innovative product development. Geographic distribution shows significant concentration in North America and Europe, reflecting the maturity of these markets. However, rapid growth is expected in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, as these regions experience increasing wealth creation and investor participation in the financial markets. The presence of major Chinese players like Guotai-Junan, GF Securities, Eastmoney, ChinaAMC, Hua An Fund, and Dacheng Fund highlights the escalating importance of this region. Competitive intensity is high, with established global giants like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Global Advisors vying for market share alongside regional players. Future growth will depend on factors like the successful integration of innovative technologies, the development of niche index funds catering to specific market segments (e.g., sustainable investing, thematic ETFs), and the ability of companies to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes.

Commodity Index Funds Market Outlook

The global commodity index funds market size was valued at approximately $200 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $400 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The significant growth in this market can be attributed to the increasing demand for diversification in investment portfolios and the inherent benefits of hedging against inflation that commodity investments provide. Furthermore, the volatility in global stock markets and geopolitical uncertainties have led investors to seek safer, more stable investment avenues, thus driving the growth of commodity index funds.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the commodity index funds market is the rising awareness among investors about the advantages of commodity investments as a hedge against inflation. Commodities, unlike stocks and bonds, often move inversely to the stock market, providing a cushion during market downturns. This characteristic makes commodity index funds an attractive option for risk-averse investors and those looking to balance their portfolios. Additionally, the globalization of trade and the increasing demand for raw materials in emerging markets have further spurred the demand for commodity investments.

Technological advancements in trading platforms have also significantly contributed to the growth of this market. The advent of sophisticated online platforms has made it easier for retail investors to access and invest in commodity index funds. These platforms offer a range of tools and resources that help investors make informed decisions, thereby democratizing access to commodity investments. Moreover, the rise of robo-advisors and algorithm-based trading strategies has further simplified the investment process, attracting a new generation of tech-savvy investors.

The regulatory landscape has also played a crucial role in shaping the commodity index funds market. Governments and financial regulatory bodies across the globe have been working to create a transparent and secure trading environment. Regulatory reforms aimed at reducing market manipulation and increasing transparency have instilled confidence among investors, thereby boosting the market. Additionally, tax incentives and favorable policies for commodity investments in various countries have also contributed to market growth.

In terms of regional outlook, North America holds a significant share of the global commodity index funds market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The presence of well-established financial markets and a high level of investor awareness in North America are key factors driving the market in this region. Europe, with its strong regulatory framework and increasing adoption of alternative investment strategies, is also witnessing substantial growth. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, driven by the rapid economic growth in countries like China and India, and the increasing interest in commodity investments among institutional and retail investors.

Fund Type Analysis

When analyzing the market by fund type, Broad Commodity Index Funds dominate the landscape. These funds invest in a diversified portfolio of commodities, making them a popular choice for investors seeking broad exposure to the commodity markets. The broad commodity index funds are designed to track the performance of a basket of commodities, ranging from energy products to metals and agricultural goods. This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with the volatility of individual commodities, thereby providing a more stable investment option for risk-averse investors.

Single Commodity Index Funds, on the other hand, focus on specific commodities such as gold, oil, or agricultural products. These funds appeal to investors who have a strong conviction about the performance of a particular commodity. For instance, during periods of economic uncertainty, gold-focused funds often see a surge in demand as investors flock to the safe-haven asset. Similarly, energy-focused funds attract investors when there are disruptions in oil supply or significant geopolitical events affecting oil prices. While these funds offer the potential for high returns, they also come with higher risks due to their lack of diversification.

Sector Commodity Index Funds are another important segment within the commodity index funds market. These funds concentrate on commodities within a specific sector, such as energy, agriculture, or metals, allowing investors to target particular segments of the commo

Context

This study is based on the historical data for some of the indicators on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), in order to build a prediction model with high accuracy. Data used in this study are purchased from Egypt for Information Dissemination (EGID) which is a Governmental organization that provides data for EGX. The data contain six stock market indices; for example, EGX-30 index local currency is used for interest estimates and denominated in US dollars. It measures top 30 firms in liquidity and activity. The second index used in this study is EGX-30- Capped which is designed to track performance of the most traded companies in accordance with the rules set for mutual funds. The third index is EGX-70 which aims at providing wider tools for investors to monitor market performance. EGX-100 index as a forth dataset evaluates performance of the 100 active firms, including 30 of EGX-30 index as well as 70 of EGX-70 index. NIlE index avoids concentration on one industry and therefore has a good representation of various industries/sectors in the economy, and the index is weighted by market capitalization and adjusted by free float. The last index is EGX-50-EWI which tracks top 50 companies in terms of liquidity and activity. The index is designed to balance the impact of price changes among the constituents of the index as they will have a fixed weight of 2% at each quarterly review.

Acknowledgements

Houssein, Essam; Dirar, Mahmoud ; Hussain , Kashif ; M. Mohamed, Waleed (2020), “Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX)”, Mendeley Data, V2, doi: 10.17632/7chdr568x7.2

Selected features using the RFS feature selection method for the stock indices investigated.

The heteroscedastic and volatile characteristics of stock price data have attracted the interest of researchers from various disciplines, particularly in the realm of price forecasting. The stock market’s non-stationary and volatile nature, driven by complex interrelationships among financial assets, economic developments, and market participants, poses significant challenges for accurate forecasting. This research aims to develop a robust forecasting model to improve the accuracy and reliability of stock price predictions using machine learning. A two-stage forecasting model is introduced. First, a random forest subset-based (RFS) feature selection with repeated -fold cross-validation selects the best subset of features from eight predictors: highest price, lowest price, closing price, volume, change, price change ratio, and amplitude. These features are then used as input in a bidirectional gated recurrent unit with an attention mechanism (BiGRU-AM) model to forecast daily opening prices of ten stock indices. The proposed model exhibits superior forecasting performance across ten stock indices when compared to twelve benchmarks, evaluated using root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination, . The improved prediction accuracy enables financial professionals to make more reliable investment decisions, reducing risks and increasing profits.

The North American mutual fund industry, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5%, presents a robust investment landscape. Driven by increasing household savings, favorable regulatory environments, and the growing adoption of digital investment platforms, the market is poised for significant expansion throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). The industry is segmented by fund type (equity, bond, hybrid, money market) and investor type (households, institutional investors), with the United States dominating the market share within North America, followed by Canada and Mexico. Major players like Vanguard, Fidelity Investments, BlackRock, and others compete fiercely, offering diversified product portfolios to cater to various investor risk appetites and financial goals. The increasing demand for passive investment strategies, including index funds and ETFs, alongside the growing adoption of robo-advisors, are shaping the industry's future. While regulatory changes and market volatility pose potential restraints, the overall outlook remains positive, fueled by long-term growth prospects and a rising investor base seeking professional asset management solutions. The substantial market size, estimated at several trillion dollars in 2025, reflects the maturity and significance of this sector. Growth is expected to be particularly strong in the equity and hybrid fund categories, driven by investor confidence and a desire for higher returns. The institutional investor segment is likely to maintain a significant share of the market, with continued institutional allocations to mutual funds for diversification and long-term investment strategies. Geographical diversification within North America will continue, with potential for higher growth rates in Canada and Mexico compared to the already large US market. Competition among leading firms will remain intense, prompting innovation in product offerings, investment strategies, and customer service to maintain market share and attract new investors. The industry's ongoing adaptation to technological advancements and evolving investor preferences will be crucial for sustained success in the coming years. This report provides a detailed analysis of the North America mutual fund industry, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It offers in-depth insights into market size, growth drivers, challenges, and future trends, incorporating data from the historical period (2019-2024), base year (2025), and forecast period (2025-2033). The report is crucial for investors, fund managers, and industry stakeholders seeking a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic market. Key search terms included: North America mutual funds, mutual fund industry trends, US mutual fund market, Canadian mutual funds, mutual fund investments, equity funds, bond funds, investment management, financial services. Recent developments include: In 2021, Fidelity Investements along with Visa backed Jumo, an emerging fintech startup which offers savings and credit products to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, as well as financial services infrastructure to partners such as eMoney operators, mobile fintech platforms and banks. it raised atotal of USD 120 million., In Dec 2021, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. announced its acquisition of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. (OHA), a leading alternative credit manager. The acquisition accelerates T. Rowe Price's expansion into alternative credit markets, complementing its existing global platform and ongoing strategic investments in its core investments and distribution capabilities.. Notable trends are: Market Securities Held By Mutual Funds in United States.

The heteroscedastic and volatile characteristics of stock price data have attracted the interest of researchers from various disciplines, particularly in the realm of price forecasting. The stock market’s non-stationary and volatile nature, driven by complex interrelationships among financial assets, economic developments, and market participants, poses significant challenges for accurate forecasting. This research aims to develop a robust forecasting model to improve the accuracy and reliability of stock price predictions using machine learning. A two-stage forecasting model is introduced. First, a random forest subset-based (RFS) feature selection with repeated -fold cross-validation selects the best subset of features from eight predictors: highest price, lowest price, closing price, volume, change, price change ratio, and amplitude. These features are then used as input in a bidirectional gated recurrent unit with an attention mechanism (BiGRU-AM) model to forecast daily opening prices of ten stock indices. The proposed model exhibits superior forecasting performance across ten stock indices when compared to twelve benchmarks, evaluated using root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination, . The improved prediction accuracy enables financial professionals to make more reliable investment decisions, reducing risks and increasing profits.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global index fund market size will be USD XX million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% from 2024 to 2031. North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2024 to 2031. Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million. Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2024 to 2031. Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2031. Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2024 to 2031. The insurance fund held the highest index fund market revenue share in 2024. Market Dynamics of Index Fund Market Key Drivers for Index Fund Market Increased Awareness and Education About Investing to Increase the Demand Globally Increased awareness and education about investing have driven the growth of the index fund market. As people become more informed about financial principles, they realize the advantages of index funds, including low expenses, diversification, and transparency. Understanding the advantages of passive investing over operational management fosters confidence in index funds as dedicated vehicles for long-term wealth accumulation. This heightened attention drives greater participation in the market, shaping it into a key element of many investors' portfolios and contributing to its ongoing expansion. Changes in Regulatory Policies, Such As Tax Laws Or Securities Regulations to Propel Market Growth Changes in regulatory policies, like alterations in tax laws or securities regulations, can profoundly impact the index fund market. Shifts in tax codes may affect investors' after-tax returns, influencing their investment decisions. Similarly, changes in securities regulations can influence the structure and function of index funds, potentially limiting their attractiveness or compliance needs. Such changes can lead to changes in investor behavior, fund implementation, and market dynamics, highlighting the interconnectedness between regulatory conditions and the index fund market's strength and development trajectory?. Restraint Factor for the Index Fund Market Changes in Financial Regulations to Limit the Sales Changes in financial regulations can significantly impact the index fund market. Stricter regulatory requirements may improve compliance expenses for fund managers, potentially directing investors to higher fees. Additionally, regulations that restrict certain types of investments or mandate more comprehensive reporting can decrease the flexibility and attractiveness of index funds. Conversely, regulations encouraging transparency and investor protection can increase confidence and participation in the market. Impact of Covid-19 on the Index Fund Market The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the index fund market, initially causing volatility and sharp drops. However, it also revved a shift towards passive investing due to market anticipation and the search for stability. Investors flocked to index funds for their low expenses, diversification, and constant performance. The subsequent market recovery, fueled by monetary and fiscal stimulation, further expanded index fund assets. Overall, the pandemic highlighted the resilience of index funds and solidified their attraction as a core investment strategy during times of economic uncertainty. Introduction of the Index Fund Market An index fund is a type of mutual fund or ETF designed to replicate the performance of a specific financial market index, delivering low costs, broad diversification, and passive investment management. Growing disposable incomes in developing regions significantly boost the index fund market. As individuals in these areas gain more financial stability, they seek investment opportunities to increase their wealth. Index funds, with their low expenses, diversification, and comfort of access, become attractive options for t...