ETFs have surged in popularity over recent years, as investors realise the benefits of diversified, passive investing.
We analysed the returns of the best-performing ETFs in 2024. Listed below are the top five performing ETFs in Australia over the 12 months to 30 September 2024 (in reverse chronological order), and the reasons why they performed so well in the past year.
Before you rush in to buy these ETFs – pause. This year’s best performers can become next year’s worst performers very easily – which is why diversified investing is so important.
The top five Australian ETFs of 2024
5. Global X Semiconductor ETF (SEMI)
One-year total return: 45.9%
The Global X Semiconductor ETF (SEMI), which invests into semiconductor companies that make the computer chips involved in powering AI, features on the top 5 list again this year.
4. Munro Climate Change Leaders Fund (Managed Fund) (MCCL)
One-year total return: 57.8%
MCCL is a fund with a focus on growth equities combatting climate change. MCCL provides investors access to an actively managed portfolio of 15-25 climate focused equities.
3. Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Complex ETF (LNAS)
One-year total return: 68.0%
LNAS is a leveraged and inverse ETF. LNAS is currency hedged, meaning that exposure to currency movements between the U.S dollar and the Australian dollar is reduced. The LNAS ETF buys futures contracts on the Nasdaq-100 index.
2. Betashares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) (GGUS)
One-year total return: 72.8%
GGUS provides investors with cost-effective geared exposure to the returns of the broad US sharemarket, hedged for currency exposure. GGUS is ‘internally geared’, meaning all gearing obligations are met by the Fund.
1. Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (CRYP)
One-year total return: 78.8%
The best performing ETF in 2024 was CRYP which aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to global companies at the forefront of the crypto economy.
The crypto economy has been growing aided by the performance of Bitcoin, Eutherum and other digital assets over the past few years. CRYP is designed to capture the full breadth of the crypto ecosystem by investing in the pure-play crypto companies, companies whose balance sheets are held at least 75% in crypto assets and diversified companies with crypto-focused business lines.
Best Performing ETFs 2024
| ETF CODE | ETF NAME | 1-YEAR RETURN |
| CRYP | Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF | 78.8% |
| GGUS | Betashares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) | 72.8% |
| LNAS | Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Complex ETF | 68.0% |
| MCCL | Munro Climate Change Leaders Fund (Managed Fund) | 57.8% |
| SEMI | Global X Semiconductor ETF | 45.9% |
If you want to find out more about the Australian ETF landscape from previous years, explore our historic ETF reports.
If you’re unsure what ETFs you should be investing in or are worried that this years best performing ETF might be next years loser, Stockspot builds risk managed, balanced portfolios, for investors just like you.
