Global equity funds extend inflow streak as earnings optimism and reduced rate-hike bets lift sentiment

By region, European equity funds attracted $13.52 billion, their largest weekly net inflow since July 8. U.S. and Asian equity funds also recorded inflows of $2.58 billion and $4.13 billion, respectively.

Investors, meanwhile, withdrew about $1.7 billion from technology-sector funds, ending a six-week run of net purchases. They, however, bought $1.6 billion in gold and precious metals equity funds and $609 million in consumer staples sector funds.

Aug. 14 (Reuters) - Global equity funds attracted inflows for a 12th consecutive week through August 12, buoyed by optimism over a strong earnings season and data showing weaker-than-expected U.S. payroll growth and easing inflation, which tempered expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike.

Investors bought a net $18.62 billion in global equity funds during the week, slightly more than the previous week's $17.27 billion in net purchases, LSEG Lipper data showed.

Weekly net investment in bond funds jumped to a four-week high of $18.01 billion during the week.

Short-term bond funds, euro-denominated bond funds, government bond funds and loan participation funds saw significant buying interest, attracting inflows of , , and , respectively.