The definitive, independent ranking of Australia's best ETFs across every major category. Updated monthly with the latest CBOE performance data.
Last updated: 21 April 2026 (performance data to 31 March 2026)
This page ranks every ASX-listed ETF across 10 core categories using 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year total returns. Every ranking is based on actual performance data from CBOE Australia — not paid placements, not affiliate rankings, not issuer marketing.
No fund manager wrote this page. No issuer is paying for placement. Just data, across 476 ASX-listed ETFs.
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# | Category | Top Performer (5yr) |
|---|---|---|
1 | Australian Shares | QOZ — 59.2% |
2 | International Shares (Developed) | IVV — 87.4% |
3 | US Market | FANG — 109.9% |
4 | Technology & Growth | NDQ — 92.3% |
5 | Diversified All-in-One | DHHF — 55.7% |
6 | Gold & Precious Metals | ETPMAG — 227.5% |
7 | Commodities & Resources | FUEL — 132.5% |
8 | Bonds & Fixed Income | FLOT — 16.7% |
9 | Dividend & Income | VHY — 64.6% |
10 | Thematic & Specialty | HACK — 60.4% |
1. Australian Shares
The foundation of most Australian portfolios. Broad exposure to the ASX 200 or ASX 300 with fees as low as 0.04% for index options, or factor tilts (value, equal-weight, small cap) for those seeking differentiation.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BetaShares FTSE RAFI Australia 200 | 21.4% | 42.4% | 59.2% | 0.40% | $1.0B | |
2 | iShares ASX Dividend Opportunities | 23.0% | 43.8% | 53.9% | 0.23% | $369M | |
3 | BetaShares Australia 200 | 11.9% | 30.2% | 45.2% | 0.04% | $9.2B | |
4 | SPDR S&P/ASX 200 | 11.8% | 29.9% | 44.9% | 0.05% | $6.1B | |
5 | iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 | 11.5% | 29.4% | 44.9% | 0.05% | $8.3B | |
6 | Vanguard Australian Shares Index | 11.5% | 29.3% | 43.2% | 0.07% | $23.3B | |
7 | VanEck Australian Equal Weight | 5.1% | 22.0% | 39.3% | 0.35% | $3.1B | |
8 | Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies | 16.7% | 30.0% | 32.7% | 0.30% | $1.1B | |
9 | BetaShares Australian Small Companies | 21.2% | 31.6% | 27.9% | 0.39% | $312M |
Best for most investors: A200 (0.04% MER, $9.2B AUM) — the cheapest broad ASX 200 ETF with strong long-term performance.
Best for value tilt: QOZ — factor-weighted toward value stocks, top 5yr performer.
Read more: VAS vs A200 vs IOZ | Every Australian Shares ETF
2. International Shares (Developed)
Broad exposure to developed-world stocks outside Australia. This is where most Australian investors should sit for international allocation.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | iShares S&P 500 | 6.9% | 58.8% | 87.4% | 0.04% | $11.7B | |
2 | Vanguard US Total Market | 7.1% | 57.6% | 77.9% | 0.03% | $5.9B | |
3 | Vanguard MSCI World ex-AU | 7.8% | 53.5% | 74.7% | 0.18% | $14.3B | |
4 | iShares Core MSCI World ex-AU | 7.4% | 52.7% | 70.0% | 0.09% | $1.4B | |
5 | Vanguard All-World ex-US | 13.3% | 43.6% | 48.9% | 0.07% | $5.2B | |
6 | iShares S&P 500 AUD Hedged | 15.3% | 55.4% | 47.6% | 0.10% | $3.3B | |
— | BetaShares Global Shares | 8.4% | — | — | 0.08% | $3.6B |
Best for most investors: VGS — diversified across 23 developed markets, AUD-domiciled, solid track record.
Cheapest option: BGBL at 0.08% — same MSCI World ex-AU index as VGS at less than half the fee. Too new for a 5yr track record but the fundamentals are strong.
Best for US conviction: IVV or VTS — pure US exposure, lowest fees.
Read more: IVV vs VGS vs VTS | VGS vs BGBL | Australian vs Global Shares
3. US Market
US-specific exposure, including broad market, factor tilts, and global mega-cap options heavily weighted to the US.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Global X FANG+ | 8.2% | 115.5% | 109.9% | 0.35% | $1.2B | |
2 | iShares Global 100 | 14.1% | 70.5% | 106.8% | 0.40% | $4.9B | |
3 | BetaShares Nasdaq 100 | 11.3% | 73.3% | 92.3% | 0.48% | $6.9B | |
4 | iShares S&P 500 | 6.9% | 58.8% | 87.4% | 0.04% | $11.7B | |
5 | VanEck MSCI International Quality | 4.9% | 53.2% | 79.1% | 0.40% | $7.6B | |
6 | Vanguard US Total Market | 7.1% | 57.6% | 77.9% | 0.03% | $5.9B | |
7 | VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat | 1.3% | 30.1% | 57.4% | 0.49% | $902M | |
8 | BetaShares S&P 500 Equal Weight | 2.9% | 33.9% | 53.3% | 0.29% | $971M |
Best for most investors: IVV — 0.04% MER, $11.7B AUM, benchmark exposure to 500 largest US companies.
Best for high growth: FANG or NDQ — concentrated mega-cap tech exposure. Higher reward, higher concentration risk.
Read more: IVV vs VGS vs VTS | Hedged vs Unhedged ETFs
4. Technology & Growth
Higher-risk, higher-reward thematic exposure to specific technology sub-sectors. Best used as satellite positions, not core holdings.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Global X FANG+ | 8.2% | 115.5% | 109.9% | 0.35% | $1.2B | |
2 | BetaShares Nasdaq 100 | 11.3% | 73.3% | 92.3% | 0.48% | $6.9B | |
3 | Global X Battery Tech & Lithium | 75.5% | 61.0% | 80.7% | 0.69% | $689M | |
4 | BetaShares Global Cybersecurity | -9.9% | 44.0% | 60.4% | 0.67% | $1.1B | |
5 | Global X Morningstar Global Tech | -8.9% | 17.8% | 17.6% | 0.45% | $261M | |
6 | BetaShares Global Robotics & AI | 4.1% | 26.5% | 10.4% | 0.57% | $271M | |
7 | BetaShares ASX Technology | -21.8% | 18.5% | 0.7% | 0.48% | $462M | |
— | Global X Semiconductor | 67.2% | 152.3% | — | 0.45% | $508M | |
— | Global X Hydrogen | 100.8% | 15.2% | — | 0.69% | $38M |
Best for most investors: NDQ — the most established US tech option with a 5yr track record and $6.9B in AUM.
Best recent performer: SEMI at 152% over 3 years. The AI boom has driven semiconductor stocks enormously.
Read more: Best High Growth ETFs
5. Diversified All-in-One
One-fund portfolios combining Australian shares, international shares, and bonds in a single ETF. Ideal for beginners, small accounts, or anyone wanting a true set-and-forget solution.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BetaShares Diversified All Growth | 10.1% | 42.6% | 55.7% | 0.19% | $1.2B | ~100% | |
2 | Vanguard Diversified High Growth | 10.4% | 38.0% | 43.2% | 0.27% | $3.5B | ~90% | |
3 | Vanguard Diversified Growth | 8.9% | 31.4% | 32.2% | 0.27% | $1.3B | ~70% | |
4 | Vanguard Diversified Balanced | 7.1% | 24.7% | 21.8% | 0.27% | $860M | ~50% | |
5 | Vanguard Diversified Conservative | 5.2% | 17.8% | 13.2% | 0.27% | $287M | ~30% | |
— | BetaShares Wealthbuilder All Growth Geared | 14.3% | — | — | 0.35% | $246M | ~120% geared |
Best for most investors: DHHF — 100% equities, 0.19% MER, strongest 5-year track record in the category.
Best for growth with some bonds: VDHG — 90/10 growth/defensive split with broader adoption ($3.5B AUM).
Read more: VDHG vs DHHF vs GHHF | 2-ETF vs Core Satellite
6. Gold & Precious Metals
Physical gold bullion ETFs, gold miner ETFs, and silver options. The standout performers across every timeframe, driven by the ongoing commodity supercycle.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Global X Physical Silver | 91.1% | 190.7% | 227.5% | 0.49% | $1.6B | |
2 | VanEck Gold Miners | 77.9% | 170.3% | 221.9% | 0.53% | $1.5B | |
3 | Perth Mint Gold | 34.2% | 124.6% | 199.5% | 0.15% | $2.4B | |
4 | Global X Physical Gold | 33.9% | 123.2% | 195.3% | 0.40% | $6.2B | |
5 | BetaShares Global Gold Miners (Hedged) | 92.5% | 172.9% | 171.3% | 0.57% | $268M | |
6 | BetaShares Gold Bullion (Hedged) | 43.1% | 115.5% | 135.4% | 0.59% | $1.5B | |
— | VanEck Gold Bullion | 33.8% | 123.7% | — | 0.25% | $248M |
Best for most investors: PMGOLD — cheapest gold bullion option at 0.15% MER, backed by Perth Mint.
Best recent performer: MNRS +92.5% over 1 year — hedged gold miners have exploded as the AUD recovered.
Best for silver exposure: ETPMAG — the top-performing ETF in this entire ranking at 227.5% over 5 years.
Read more: Gold ETFs Guide | Hedged vs Unhedged ETFs
7. Commodities & Resources
Resources, energy, and industrial commodity exposure. Essential for portfolios missing hard-asset allocation — especially in the current commodity supercycle.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BetaShares Global Energy (Hedged) | 40.1% | 57.6% | 132.5% | 0.57% | $313M | |
2 | BetaShares Crude Oil (Hedged) | 70.8% | 87.8% | 126.6% | 1.29% | $347M | |
3 | VanEck Australian Resources | 47.0% | 33.0% | 80.7% | 0.35% | $619M | |
4 | Global X Battery Tech & Lithium | 75.5% | 61.0% | 80.7% | 0.69% | $689M | |
5 | BetaShares Australian Resources | 45.4% | 29.3% | 65.7% | 0.34% | $438M | |
6 | BetaShares Global Agriculture | 39.4% | 27.3% | 34.3% | 0.57% | $80M | |
— | BetaShares Global Uranium | 85.9% | 117.8% | — | 0.69% | $311M | |
— | Global X Copper Miners | 70.8% | 89.0% | — | 0.65% | $657M |
Best for most investors: MVR — diversified exposure to Australian miners at 0.35% MER with the strongest long-term performance of the broader options.
Best recent performer: URNM +85.9% over 1 year — uranium has been one of the top commodity themes.
8. Bonds & Fixed Income
Lower-risk fixed income exposure for defensive allocation. Returns have been subdued due to rising rates, but floating-rate options have held up well.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | VanEck Australian Floating Rate | 4.5% | 14.8% | 16.7% | 0.22% | $1.1B | |
2 | Vanguard Australian Corp Fixed Interest | 2.6% | 12.2% | 7.6% | 0.20% | $755M | |
3 | VanEck Australian Corporate Bond Plus | 2.3% | 13.5% | 5.6% | 0.32% | $358M | |
4 | BetaShares Aus Investment Grade Corporate | 2.4% | 14.9% | 4.9% | 0.25% | $1.8B | |
5 | Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index | 1.4% | 5.9% | 0.2% | 0.10% | $3.5B | |
6 | iShares Core Composite Bond | 1.3% | 5.8% | -0.1% | 0.10% | $3.6B | |
7 | SPDR ASX Iboxx Aus Bond | 2.0% | 6.4% | -0.5% | 0.10% | $39M | |
8 | Vanguard Australian Government Bond | 1.1% | 4.3% | -1.6% | 0.16% | $1.3B | |
9 | BetaShares Australian Government Bond | 0.9% | 3.4% | -5.8% | 0.22% | $1.1B |
Best for most investors: FLOT — floating rate structure has protected against rising rates. Top 5-year performer in the category.
Best for broad exposure: VAF or IAF — diversified across government and corporate bonds at 0.10% MER.
Warning: Long-duration government bond ETFs (AGVT, VGB) have lost money over 5 years due to interest rate sensitivity. If rates fall, these benefit the most — but sequencing matters.
9. Dividend & Income
Income-focused ETFs paying higher distributions, often with franking credits. Popular with retirees and income-seeking investors.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield | 21.9% | 42.6% | 64.6% | 0.25% | $7.0B | |
2 | BetaShares FTSE RAFI Australia 200 | 21.4% | 42.4% | 59.2% | 0.40% | $1.0B | |
3 | BetaShares Diversified All Growth | 10.1% | 42.6% | 55.7% | 0.19% | $1.2B | |
4 | iShares ASX Dividend Opportunities | 23.0% | 43.8% | 53.9% | 0.23% | $369M | |
5 | SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend | 18.2% | 29.6% | 49.4% | 0.20% | $614M | |
6 | Russell Investments High Dividend | 13.7% | 34.6% | 45.4% | 0.34% | $319M | |
7 | BetaShares Top 20 Equity Yield Max | 6.7% | 21.5% | 34.4% | 0.76% | $644M | |
8 | BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester | 6.4% | 22.9% | 27.1% | 0.72% | $275M |
Best for most investors: VHY — Australia's largest dividend ETF with strong performance and full franking credits.
Warning: YMAX and HVST are covered-call / dividend rotation strategies that can suffer NAV erosion. High yields come at the cost of total return.
Read more: Dividend ETFs Exposed | High Dividend Income ETFs | Best ETFs for Retirees
10. Thematic & Specialty
Focused exposure to specific trends, sectors, or themes. Use as small satellite positions only — performance varies dramatically and many thematics have significant drawdowns.
Rank (5yr) | Ticker | Fund | 1yr | 3yr | 5yr | MER | AUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | BetaShares Global Cybersecurity | -9.9% | 44.0% | 60.4% | 0.67% | $1.1B | |
2 | VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat | -2.0% | 19.8% | 38.9% | 0.55% | $55M | |
3 | BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers | 32.9% | 88.0% | 25.9% | 0.67% | $938M | |
4 | Global X ROBO Global Robotics | 20.2% | 21.0% | 15.6% | 0.69% | $250M | |
5 | Global X S&P Biotech | 30.6% | 55.2% | 1.1% | 0.45% | $38M | |
6 | BetaShares ASX Technology | -21.8% | 18.5% | 0.7% | 0.48% | $462M | |
7 | VanEck China New Economy | 11.7% | 1.9% | -2.0% | 0.95% | $81M | |
8 | VanEck Global Clean Energy | 59.1% | 0.2% | -13.0% | 0.65% | $78M | |
9 | BetaShares Climate Change Innovation | 13.4% | -2.8% | -20.0% | 0.65% | $77M |
Best for most investors: HACK — cybersecurity is a structural theme with long-term demand drivers and the best 5yr track record in the category.
Warning: Many thematic ETFs have delivered negative 5-year returns (ERTH, CLNE, CNEW). Thematic investing is a high-variance game.
Fees vs Performance: The Big Picture
Higher fees do not guarantee better returns. Some of the best performers on the ASX are among the cheapest:
IVV — 0.04% MER, 87.4% over 5 years
VTS — 0.03% MER, 77.9% over 5 years
PMGOLD — 0.15% MER, 199.5% over 5 years
Meanwhile, some expensive funds have destroyed value (ERTH at 0.65% MER, -20% over 5 years).
Read more: Is the Cheapest ETF the Best? | ETF Fees and Performance
Where the Money Is
Australian Shares and International Shares dominate — together they account for over $98 billion of the ~$200 billion in the Australian ETF market. Thematic and Commodities categories hold less than $7 billion combined, despite their recent outperformance.
This tells you something important: most Australian investors are still concentrated in core equity exposure, with very little in the hard assets that have led the market over the past 12 months.
How We Rank
Every ranking on this page is based on:
Total return data from CBOE Australia — the official ASX-licensed data source
1-year, 3-year, and 5-year cumulative returns to 31 March 2026
MER (management expense ratio) from issuer disclosures
AUM as reported by issuers
We do not accept payment from issuers. We do not use affiliate links for ETF purchases. We do not rank based on brand recognition or marketing spend.
For the full list of every ASX-listed ETF with live data, browse the ReviewETF database.
Related Reading
Portfolio Construction
Beginner Guides
Specific Comparisons
Life Stage
Data sourced from CBOE Australia (performance to 31 March 2026) and issuer websites. All rankings updated monthly.
This page is updated monthly with the latest CBOE performance data.
Browse every ASX-listed ETF at ReviewETF.com.au.
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