Yesterday, we took a look at the ASX's worst-performing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over the quarter just ended. The three months to 31 March was a relatively volatile period for ASX shares, even though the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) ended up recording a gain of 0.7% for the quarter.
But now it's time to check out the ASX ETFs that shone during the three months just gone. So here are the ASX's best ETFs of the March quarter. See if you can spot a theme.
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The 5 best-performing ASX ETFs of the March quarter
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)
This ETF from VanEck does exactly what it says on the tin. GDX invests in a portfolio of global gold miners. The ASX's Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) is there, but so are internationally-based companies like Newmont Corp and Barrick Gold. GDX gave investors a healthy 17.25% return over the March quarter.
BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE)
BetaShares runs this resources ETF. QRE invests in ASX's metals, mining and energy shares. You'll find everything from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) to Newcrest Mining and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) here. As well as some smaller miners like Nickel Mines Ltd (ASX: NIC) and Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR). QRE returned 17.77% over the quarter just passed.
SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources Fund (ASX: OZR)
This ETF from State Street Global Advisors is a very similar ETF in scope and composition to QRE, which explains its near-identical return. It also invests in the ASX's metals, mining and energy shares. You'll find virtually the same companies in this ETF as the BetaShares fund. OZR had a corker of a quarter, rising 17.82% over the three months to 31 March.
BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF (ASX: FUEL)
Here we have yet another resources-based ETF. But this one is a little different to the previous two funds. FUEL only invests in energy shares, or oil and gas companies. But this ETF is globally-based, and not just confined to the ASX. You'll find energy giants like Chevron, Exxon Mobil, BP and Royal Dutch Shell here. This fund returned a pleasing 24.04% over the March quarter.
BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF (ASX: OOO)
Our final and best performing ASX exchange-traded fund of the March quarter is this fund from BetaShares. OOO is an ETF that tracks the price of oil futures, and not individual companies. As such, its investors have benefitted enormously from the rise in oil prices that we've seen in recent months. OOO returned a whopping 39.26% over the three months to 31 March.
