The New York Stock Exchange is grabbing a large chunk of Barclays Global Investors’ ETF business from the American Stock Exchange, making the NYSE the largest market for listing iShares ETFs.

The NYSE said that the planned transfer of 61 iShares ETFs to the NYSE from the Amex underscores its strategy of expanding its position in the trading of ETFs, structured products and other derivative securities.

“We are delighted that BGI has chosen the New York Stock Exchange as the largest market for listing iShares funds, and we are extremely proud of our growing partnership with BGI,” said NYSE CEO John Thain. “The New York Stock Exchange is committed to offering investors the highest level of market quality as well as the broadest array of investment offerings, and BGI’s decision is an affirmation of that commitment.”

The 61 ETFs will list on the NYSE in three tranches, beginning in 2005 and continuing through 2007. They will build on an already-growing current base of 19 listed ETFs at the NYSE.

Just two days ago, the Amex was touting its dominance in the ETF business, noting that 20 new ETFs were launched on the market in the first half of 2005. With the 20 new listings, Amex ETF listings rose to 164, and total assets increased to $210 billion, up 16% over the same period a year ago. During the first half, BGI added a new fund that tracks gold bullion, raising the total number of iShares listed on the Amex to 82.

“iShares has been a pioneer in the ETF market. In concert with the NYSE, we have successfully offered investors a number of diverse products that are some of the fastest growing ETFs in the U.S.,” said Lee Kranefuss, CEO of Barclays Global Investors’ Intermediary Business. “We’re pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Big Board, which has demonstrated its continued leadership in the securities markets and strong commitment to supporting the growing iShares Fund family and its investors.”