What are the best ETFs in Australia?

ETFs (exchange-traded funds) are a low-cost, convenient way to invest in the stock market and have offered impressive returns for decades.

Here you can find the best-performing ETFs over the 1, 3 and 5 years based on the latest Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) data.

The 10 Best ETFs in Australia over the last...

Jump straight down to our comparison tables of the top ETFs in Australia over the last 1 to 5 years and compare performance, fees and strategies.

Australia's 10 best ETFs

The following ETFs are the best performing over the last 5 years in Australia. All performance figures are net of fees. To see how they compare over different time frames, scroll down to our 5-year performance comparison table.

Summary: Best Australian ETFs over the last 5 years

This list was updated on 14 April 2025 with the latest performance data:

1. Global X FANG+ ETF (FANG)
2. Betashares Geared US Equities Currency Hedged Complex ETF (GGUS)
3. Betashares Geared Australian Equities Complex ETF (GEAR)
4. VanEck Australian Banks ETF (MVB)
5. SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Financials ex AREIT ETF (OZF)
6. Betashares Financials Sector ETF (QFN)
7. Betashares Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF (FUEL)
8. Vanguard Global Value Equity Active ETF (VVLU)
9. Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF (NDQ)
10. Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (HACK)

1. Global X FANG+ ETF (FANG)

• 5-year return: 29.85% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.35% p.a.

The Global X FANG+ ETF offers exposure to the famous FAANG stocks and other notable tech stocks by tracking the performance of the NYSE FANG+ index. It is an equally-weighted ETF, meaning it offers equal exposure to the 10 stocks that make up the ETF, which include FAANG stocks like Meta and Apple as well as others like Broadcom and Crowdstrike.

2. Betashares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) (GGUS)

• 5-year return: 27.98% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.80% p.a.

The Betashares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) is a managed fund that gives Australian investors exposure to US equities. At the same time, it manages currency risk through hedging.The fund is internally geared, meaning it uses borrowing to boost the returns of its underlying assets. The share portfolio is largely diversified and consists of the largest 500 shares listed in the US by market capitalisation as measured by the S&P 500 Index.

3. Betashares Geared Australian Equities Complex ETF (GEAR)

• 5-year return: 27.60% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.80% p.a.

4. VanEck Australian Banks ETF (MVB)

• 5-year return: 21.67% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.28% p.a.

5. SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Financials ex AREIT ETF (OZF)

• 5-year return: 20.45% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.34% p.a.

6. Betashares Financials Sector ETF (QFN)

• 5-year return: 20.35% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.34% p.a.

7. Betashares Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF (FUEL)

• 5-year return: 20.14% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.57% p.a.

8. Vanguard Global Value Equity Active ETF (VVLU)

• 5-year return: 19.97% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.28% p.a.

9. Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF (NDQ)

• 5-year return: 19.30% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.48% p.a.

The Betashares NDQ ETF is the top performing listed fund in Australia over the last 5 years. It focuses on technology, tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, comprising 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

It's known for its significant exposure to big tech firms like Apple, Amazon, and Google. Its performance over the past five years has been bolstered by the robust growth of the tech sector, especially in areas like cloud computing, e-commerce, and digital services.

10. Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (HACK)

• 5-year return: 19.04% p.a.
• Annual management fees: 0.67% p.a.

This ETF provides exposure to global companies in the cybersecurity sector, tracking an index of firms involved in cybersecurity hardware and software. The rising demand for cybersecurity solutions, driven by increasing digitalisation and cyber threats, has bolstered its strong performance over the past five years.

What's our methodology for these best ETFs?

We show the 10 highest-returning exchange-traded products on the ASX (updated monthly) over the last 1-, 3- and 5-year periods. Our list includes all standard, synthetic and actively managed ETFs, which means some of them will be riskier than others. To understand more about what these terms mean, head to our guide to ETFs.

The returns shown are net, meaning the management fees have already been deducted to offer a clearer view of performance. Returns are also annualised, so for instance, a 5-year return of 2% equates to an average return of 2% every year over that period.

Remember past performance is no guarantee of future success. The best-performing ETF of the last year might decline in value in the future. The lesson here is that performance is one consideration, but you should also look at fees, how risky the product is, your investment goals and how long you can afford to invest.

Best-performing ETF in Australia over the last year

The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (CRYP) is the best-performing over the last 12 months due mostly to the strong performance of the cryptocurrency market in 2024. It offers Australian investors convenient exposure to a variety of "pick and shovel" crypto stocks including Coinbase and Microstrategy that benefit from surging interest in crypto.

ASX Code	Type	Fund Name	Fund Name	Fee	1-Year Return	3-Year Return	5-Year Return
GAME	Global equity	Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF	Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF	0.57%	57.63%	13.39%	n/a	Compare Brokers
MNRS	Global equity	Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF - Currency Hedged	Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF - Currency Hedged	0.57%	56.95%	9.01%	14.59%	Compare Brokers
GDX	Global equity	VanEck Gold Miners ETF	VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.53%	55.96%	14.61%	15.04%	Compare Brokers
IZZ	Asia equity	iShares China Large-Cap ETF	iShares China Large-Cap ETF	0.60%	55.17%	11.24%	0.78%	Compare Brokers
NUGG	Commodity	VanEck Gold Bullion ETF	VanEck Gold Bullion ETF	0.25%	47.49%	n/a	n/a	Compare Brokers
PMGOLD	Commodity	Perth Mint Gold	Perth Mint Gold	0.15%	47.00%	24.32%	13.54%	Compare Brokers
GLDN	Commodity	iShares Physical Gold ETF	iShares Physical Gold ETF	0.18%	46.78%	n/a	n/a	Compare Brokers
GOLD	Commodity	Global X Physical Gold	Global X Physical Gold	0.40%	46.53%	23.92%	13.13%	Compare Brokers
ESPO	Global equity	VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF	VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF	0.55%	44.19%	20.99%	n/a	Compare Brokers
ETPMAG	Commodity	Global X Physical Silver	Global X Physical Silver	0.49%	43.90%	18.01%	17.08%	Compare Brokers

Source: ASX | Period ending: 31 March 2025 | SP = Structured Product, MF = Managed Fund, Fees = %p.a.

Best ETF in Australia based on performance over the last 3 years

The Global X FANG+ ETF is the best-performing ETF in the last 36 months, offering focused exposure to the famous FAANG tech stocks - Facebook (Meta), Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google (Alphabet) - plus another 5 bluechip tech stocks like NVIDIA and Microsoft. It aims to track the performance of the NYSE FANG+ index, before fees and expenses.

ASX Code	Type	Fund Name	Fund Name	Fee	3-Year Return	5-Year Return	1-Year Return
FANG	Global equity	Global X FANG+ ETF	Global X FANG+ ETF	0.35%	25.55%	29.85%	17.22%	Compare Brokers
PMGOLD	Commodity	Perth Mint Gold	Perth Mint Gold	0.15%	24.32%	13.54%	47.00%	Compare Brokers
GOLD	Commodity	Global X Physical Gold	Global X Physical Gold	0.40%	23.92%	13.13%	46.53%	Compare Brokers
ESPO	Global equity	VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF	VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF	0.55%	20.99%	n/a	44.19%	Compare Brokers
MCCL	Global equity	Munro Climate Change Leaders Fund Active ETF	Munro Climate Change Leaders Fund Active ETF	0.90%	18.33%	n/a	14.05%	Compare Brokers
ETPMAG	Commodity	Global X Physical Silver	Global X Physical Silver	0.49%	18.01%	17.08%	43.90%	Compare Brokers
ESTX	Global equity	Global X EURO STOXX 50 ETF	Global X EURO STOXX 50 ETF	0.35%	17.99%	15.42%	9.75%	Compare Brokers
YANK	Currency	Betashares Strong Us Dollar Complex ETF	Betashares Strong Us Dollar Complex ETF	1.38%	17.47%	-0.50%	14.26%	Compare Brokers
LPGD	Global equity	Loftus Peak Global Disruption Active ETF	Loftus Peak Global Disruption Active ETF	1.20%	17.30%	n/a	8.10%	Compare Brokers
MCGG	Global equity	Munro Concentrated Global Growth Active ETF	Munro Concentrated Global Growth Active ETF	0.70%	16.54%	n/a	12.76%	Compare Brokers

Source: ASX | Period ending: 31 March 2025 | SP = Structured Product, MF = Managed Fund, Fees = %p.a.

Best ETF in Australia based on performance over the last 5 years

The Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF is the best-performing ETF over the last 5 years due to the strong performance of the US stock market, especially the tech-focused stocks that dominate the Nasdaq-100 index.

ASX Code	Type	Fund Name	Fund Name	Fee	5-Year Return	3-Year Return	1-Year Return
FANG	Global equity	Global X FANG+ ETF	Global X FANG+ ETF	0.35%	29.85%	25.55%	17.22%	Compare Brokers
GGUS	Global equity	Betashares Geared US Equities Currency Hedged Complex ETF	Betashares Geared US Equities Currency Hedged Complex ETF	0.80%	27.98%	2.86%	2.02%	Compare Brokers
GEAR	Australia equity	Betashares Geared Australian Equities Complex ETF	Betashares Geared Australian Equities Complex ETF	0.80%	27.60%	8.85%	-1.18%	Compare Brokers
MVB	Australia equity	VanEck Australian Banks ETF	VanEck Australian Banks ETF	0.28%	21.67%	11.49%	14.68%	Compare Brokers
OZF	Australia equity	SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Financials ex AREIT ETF	SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Financials ex AREIT ETF	0.34%	20.45%	13.30%	18.06%	Compare Brokers
QFN	Australia equity	Betashares Financials Sector ETF	Betashares Financials Sector ETF	0.34%	20.35%	13.05%	17.43%	Compare Brokers
FUEL	Global equity	Betashares Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF	Betashares Global Energy Companies Currency Hedged ETF	0.57%	20.14%	6.90%	1.81%	Compare Brokers
VVLU	Global equity	Vanguard Global Value Equity Active ETF	Vanguard Global Value Equity Active ETF	0.28%	19.97%	12.20%	5.94%	Compare Brokers
NDQ	Global equity	Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF	Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.48%	19.30%	14.69%	8.42%	Compare Brokers
HACK	Global equity	Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF	Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF	0.67%	19.04%	11.88%	16.05%	Compare Brokers

Source: ASX | Period ending: 31 March 2025 | SP = Structured Product, MF = Managed Fund, Fees = %p.a.

---

Why are these the best-performing ETFs?

As 2024 ends, the stock market has enjoyed another impressive year thanks to the surging performance of leading tech stocks, highlighting the sector's capacity to adapt and grow despite economic challenges. The emergence of AI has also excited markets and investors.

Leading market indices like the ASX 200, S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 have all recorded strong growth amidst an uncertain economic backdrop globally.

The intensification of the conflict in Ukraine, and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East through 2024, have also had a significant impact on international markets, including Australia's. These geopolitical events have led to notable fluctuations in the prices of key commodities like oil, gas, and wheat, contributing to market volatility.

These dynamics, driven by the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, have been central to the changes observed in both global and Australian markets. The volatility in commodity prices underscores this period of adjustment. Moreover, the ongoing effects of previous government stimulus packages, deployed to navigate through a global health crisis, continue to play a critical role. Inflation remains a key concern, influencing investment decisions and shaping the economic outlook.

In contrast to the downturn experienced by stock markets in 2023, prompted by rising interest rates, 2024 has seen a marked recovery. This rebound is especially evident in the technology sector,

The top ETFs of the last 12 months have performed well thanks to the combination of these specific economic conditions. The best-performing ETFs of FY2023/2024 include:

• US dollar ETFs: Due to rising interest rates in the US, the US dollar has been a top performer.
• Energy and resources ETFs: Oil and commodity prices have been driven up because of the supply chain disruptions.
• US tech ETFs: US technology stocks have rallied as investors view an end to rising interest rates and thanks to interest around artificial intelligence.

How to pick the best ETF for you

• Consider a time frame. Think about how long you can invest your money and when you may need to access it. Some ETFs rise quickly over the short term but pose the risk of falling over several years. Others rise slowly over the long term but may dip over the short term.
• Have a strategy. What do you want to get from this ETF? Can you afford to take on a riskier short-term investment or would you prefer to be more sure of your returns over a longer period? If you'd prefer to avoid risk, you might want to consider index funds.
• Understand the product. It's always important to thoroughly research the listed fund you wish to invest in, whether that's an index ETF, an active ETF or a structured product. Download the fund's product disclosure statement (PDS) and read through the details.
• Check the returns. Look at the returns (including all fees) over different periods. How has it performed over 1 or several years?
• Understand the fees. Fees strongly influence return on investment. Make sure the returns outshine the ETF's management fees and pick a broker with fees that match your trading habits.
• Fully understand the product. Make sure you understand the nature of the product and the risks involved before you invest in an ETF. Some very complex products may appear to be simple on the outside. If you don't fully know how the investment is managed or how the fund manager aims to achieve returns, talk to a licensed financial adviser or don't invest in the product.

What are the cheapest ETFs?

The cheapest ETFs on the ASX are the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF and Macquarie Core Australian Equity Active ETF, which both have a management fee of 0.03%.

Close behind are the Russell Sust Global Opportunities Complex ETF, iShares S&P 500 ETF, Betashares Australia 200 ETF, which each have a management fee of 0.04%.

By comparison, the average ETF management fee in Australia is 0.55% p.a.

You can head to our guide for a full list of the cheapest ETFs in Australia.

What are the best US ETFs?

At the time of writing, the 5 best-performing US-themed ETFs of the last 5 years are:

• BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (19.97% return p.a.)
• Betashares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (15.81% p.a)
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (15.22% p.a.)

These ETFs are listed in Australia but track US stock markets. In most cases, US-themed ETFs try to mimic the S&P 500 index (the biggest 500 companies in the US) or the Nasdaq 100 index.

What are the best index funds?

At the time of writing, the best-performing broad-based index fund ETFs over the last 5 years are:

• BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (19.97% return p.a.)
• BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (17.29% p.a)
• iShares Global 100 ETF (15.92% p.a.)

Broad-based index funds aim to capture groups of stocks that represent a specific stock market, such as the ASX or New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Over the last 5 years, the US markets have outperformed the Australian market, which is why the best performing index fund ETFs are all US-themed.

How do ETF fees work?

As is the case with super funds and savings accounts, there is a direct correlation between high fees and an ETF's overall performance. When fees are higher, returns tend to be lower and vice versa. There are 3 main costs involved when investing in listed funds:

• Brokerage fees. As with shares, you're charged a transaction fee by your broker every time you invest money into an ETF. For example, CommSec charges $5 for every transaction of $1,000 or less while CMC Invest charges $11 or 0.1%, whichever is higher. This fee will come down to which trading platform or brokerage you choose to use.
• Management fees. This is often displayed as the management expense ratio (MER), which is the percentage of your return charged as fees by the ETF's fund managers. Normally, the more work a fund manager has to do to keep the ETF profitable, the higher the fee – though this won't always be the case. This is why many active ETFs charge higher fees than index ETFs, which passively track an index. Examples of these passive ETFs include Vanguard, Blackrock's iShare products and BetaShares' market tracking ETFs. To see our full list of the cheapest ETFs in Australia, click here.
• Performance fees. Some ETFs charge a performance fee taken as a percentage of your overall returns. This means if your fund is not performing above a certain level, you won't get charged the fee. Typically only actively managed hedge fund ETFs charge this fee.

What are the risks of investing in ETFs?

• You could lose money. The value of ETFs and other types of listed funds rise and fall like any listed stock, which means there are similar risks involved.
• Single-asset ETFs. Some ETFs bundle a diverse range of securities that protect the investor from market falls; others hone in on 1 asset class. For example, a commodity ETF that invests in a particular metal will do well when that metal's price goes up, but it will also fall quickly if prices don't have the protection of other asset classes.
• Currency risks. If you invest in a global ETF, changes in the value of the Australian dollar will have a direct impact on the value of your investment.
• International taxes. If you buy units in an ETF listed overseas, you may need to pay foreign taxes. Make sure you're aware of all tax implications of an ETF before you commit any funds.
• Synthetic ETFs. These have all the same risks as physical ETFs, but they also expose you to other potential risks such as counterparty risks. There's also the possibility that the price of futures will differ from the price of an underlying asset.

Before deciding whether ETFs are the best investment solution for you, make sure you're fully aware of how they work and have an in-depth understanding of all the risks involved. Read the PDS closely, ask questions of the ETF issuer if you're unsure about anything and consider seeking help from a qualified financial adviser.

You can read more in our comprehensive ETF guide.

VIDEO: The best ETFs

Where to buy ETFs

Important: The standard brokerage fee displayed is the trade cost for new customers to purchase $1,000 of either Australian or US shares. Where a platform charges different fees for both US and Australian shares we show the lower of the two. Where both CHESS sponsored and custodian shares are offered, we display the cheapest option.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I invest in ETFs?

  You can buy and sell units in an ETF like any share on the stock market through a fund manager or an online trading platform.

  For more information on ETF investing and how ETFs work, check out our guide to ETFs.

• What's the best Vanguard ETF?

  The best-performing Vanguard ETF in Australia over the last 5 years is the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (VTS), with an average annual return of 15.78% after fees (as of Jan 2024).

  If you only look at the last 12 months, the Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (VEQ) is the top-performer by Vanguard.

• What is the best S&P 500 ETF in Australia?

  The best S&P 500 ETFs in Australia are the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and iShares S&P 500 AUD Hedged ETF (IHVV) based on overall performance and management fees.

• Which ETF has the best 10 year return?

  The Hyperion Global Growth Companies ETF (HYGG) is the best-performing ASX ETF over the last decade, with an average annualised return of 19.70% over that time.

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.