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The Best ETFs on the ASX in 2026: Top Performers by 1-Year Returns (March Update)

Review ETF Team·23 March 2026
The Best ETFs on the ASX in 2026: Top Performers by 1-Year Returns (March Update)

In March 2026, the “best” ETFs aren’t always the cheapest or biggest—they’re often the ones delivering the strongest returns in the current market environment. With commodities, precious metals, energy transition, and defence themes leading the charge amid geopolitical tensions, supply constraints, and structural demand shifts, many ASX-listed ETFs have posted exceptional 1-year gains.

Our Best ETFs page ranks all 464 ASX ETFs by 1-year performance (as of end of February 2026 data, refreshed regularly), while highlighting key metrics like MER (average 0.53% across the market), AUM (total ~$262.5 billion), and asset class. This isn’t about predicting the future—past performance isn’t a guarantee—but a snapshot of what’s been working best recently, helping you analyse fees, size, and holdings to find fits for your portfolio.

Why These ETFs Rank as “Best” Right Now (Top Performers)

The current leaders are dominated by commodities & resources, precious metals, energy transition, and defence/tech themes—reflecting 2025–2026 trends in inflation hedging, green energy, nuclear revival, and geopolitical spending.

Here are standout examples from the top of the rankings (MER and mandate + reasons they’ve excelled):

  • ETPMAG (Global X Physical Silver) — MER 0.49% Mandate: Tracks physical silver bullion. Reasons to invest: Massive industrial + safe-haven demand (solar, electronics, inflation hedge) has driven outsized returns; low-fee direct exposure to silver's dual role.

  • MNRS (BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Resources Sector ETF) — MER 0.57% Mandate: Tracks Australian resources sector (broad miners/energy). Reasons to invest: Strong commodity rebound, especially in Aussie miners (iron ore, base metals); captures domestic strength and global demand.

  • GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) — MER 0.53% Mandate: Tracks global gold mining companies. Reasons to invest: Leveraged upside to rising gold prices; miners amplify gains during bull runs in precious metals.

  • ETPMPT (Global X Physical Platinum) — MER 0.49% Mandate: Tracks physical platinum. Reasons to invest: Supply constraints + industrial/auto demand; platinum's rebound has been notable.

  • XMET (BetaShares Energy Transition Metals ETF) — MER 0.69% Mandate: Tracks metals critical for energy transition (lithium, cobalt, copper, etc.). Reasons to invest: Structural growth from electrification, renewables, and AI/data center needs; chronic shortages support prices.

  • WIRE (Global X Copper Miners ETF) — MER 0.65% Mandate: Tracks copper mining companies. Reasons to invest: Copper's "new oil" status in green energy/infrastructure; deficits drive strong performance.

  • URNM / ATOM (BetaShares / Global X Uranium ETFs) — MER 0.69% Mandate: Global uranium mining/exposure. Reasons to invest: Nuclear renaissance and energy security themes; supply tightness fuels gains.

  • DTEC / DFND / ARMR (Defence Tech / Global Defence ETFs) — MER 0.50–0.65% Mandate: Global defence technology and companies. Reasons to invest: Geopolitical spending surge (new listings in late 2024 performing strongly).

  • QAU (BetaShares Gold Bullion Currency Hedged) — MER 0.59% Mandate: Currency-hedged physical gold. Reasons to invest: Pure gold exposure without AUD/USD volatility; strong in hedging scenarios.

  • GOLD / GXLD / GLDN / NUGG / PMGOLD (Physical Gold ETFs) — MER 0.15–0.40% Mandate: Direct physical gold bullion tracking. Reasons to invest: Safe-haven demand amid uncertainty; lowest-fee options like GXLD (0.15%) offer exceptional efficiency.

How to Compare These Top Performers Using Our Tool

Head to reviewetf.com.au/compare-etfs to analyse up to 3 ETFs side-by-side. It displays:

  • Costs

  • Performance

  • Asset Allocation

Add tickers (e.g., ETPMAG vs. GDX vs. XMET) to evaluate commodity vs. miners vs. transition plays quickly.

Bottom Line for Aussie Investors

The “best” ETFs in early 2026 are those riding powerful macro trends: precious metals/commodities for hedging, transition metals for growth, and defence for geopolitical plays. For broad, reliable exposure, low-fee physical gold (GXLD, PMGOLD) or broad resources (like MVR/QRE from related pages) often complement these high-flyers.

These rankings highlight momentum—use them to inform, not chase. Always verify with the PDS and consider your risk tolerance.

Browse the full ranked list on Best ETFs and run comparisons today.

Which top performer are you watching?


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