Aug 2 Reuters Global investors remained net buyers of equity funds for a sixth successive week through July 31, driven by expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would signal a rate cut as early as September, which could reduce corporate borrowing costs.

According to LSEG data, investors acquired global equity funds worth a net 5.19 billion during the week, after buying a net 11.55 billion in the prior seven days.

The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates on Wednesday but Chair Jerome Powell said a cut could indeed come as soon as September if the U.S. economy follows its expected path.

Meanwhile, global stocks were poised to close a volatile week in the red on Friday, as concerns over U.S. economic growth and disappointing tech earnings weighed on sentiment.

By region, Asian funds led with a net 4.05 billion of inflows, marking a ninth consecutive weekly gain, while U.S. funds drew 2.14 billion. European funds, however, experienced net outflows of 240 million.

Investors sold 395 million worth of sectoral equity funds, extending net disposals into a second week. They offloaded communication services, consumer staples and consumer discretionary sector funds worth 681 million, 489 million and 405 million, respectively.

In fixed income, global bond funds remained popular for the 32nd week in a row with net purchases of 12.13 billion.

Global government bond funds gained a net 2.66 billion for a 13th straight weekly inflow. Investors also bought shortterm, and…