ETFs have surged in popularity in 2023, as investors realised the benefits of diversified investing.
We analysed the returns of the best-performing ETFs in 2023. Listed below are the top five ETFs in Australia (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 2023
5. Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (RBTZ)
One-year total return: 45.5%
Technology companies also rallied over the past 12 months driven by the rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (RBTZ), which invests in businesses involved in AI and robotics, gained 45.5%.
4. Global X Semiconductor ETF (SEMI)
One-year total return: 51.8%
The Global X Semiconductor ETF (SEMI), which invests into semiconductor companies that make the computer chips involved in powering AI, rose 51.8%.
3. Global X FANG+ ETF (FANG)
One-year total return: 58.5%
FANG has benefited from having large concentrated positions in leading technology names like Meta, NVIDIA, Amazon and Apple, which have contributed to its 58.5% return over the year.
2. Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (EBTC)
One-year total return: 58.5%
Cryptocurrency ETFs have been the best performers over the past year. EBTC, which holds underlying Bitcoin, was up 58.5%.
1. Global X 21Shares Ethereum ETF (EETH)
One-year total return: 74.6%
The best-performing ETF in 2023 was EETH which holds the Ethereum cryptocurrency. Alongside EBTC, EETH experienced a steep decline of around 50% immediately after they were listed in May 2022, so this rebound brings their prices back near their original listing values.
Best Performing ETFs 2023
| ETF CODE | ETF NAME | 1-YEAR RETURN |
| EETH | Global X 21Shares Ethereum ETF | 74.6% |
| EBTC | Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF | 58.5% |
| FANG | Global X FANG+ ETF | 58.5% |
| SEMI | Global X Semiconductor ETF | 51.8% |
| RBTZ | Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF | 45.5% |
