Which Australian shares ASX ETFs are delivering the best returns for investors?

We reveal the top 5 performing ASX ETFs over the past three financial years.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX ETFs or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are an increasingly popular investment method for Australian shares investors, providing instant diversification in a single trade with loads of options to choose from.

Leading ETF provider BetaShares estimates $4.8 billion of net inflows into ETFs in January to May alone this year. Fixed-income ETFs have received the most inflows at $2.5 billion, with Australian shares ASX ETFs attracting $1.6 billion of net inflows, and cash ETFs bringing in $688 million of net inflows.

BetaShares says ETF investing has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43% since they were first invented and launched in 2001.

New data from the ASX quantifies the returns of ASX ETFs over the past three financial years.

In this article, we take a look at the top five performers for total investor returns.

The top 5 ASX ETFs for total returns

For the purposes of this article, we're going to focus on the ASX ETFs that invest in Australian shares only, based on a certain strategy.

We're excluding the index-based and sector-based ETFs that do not have a manager executing a defined strategy.

This way, we get a peek at which ETF providers are performing best, and also which investing strategies are delivering the top results right now.

According to the data, here are the top five ASX ETFs:

The BetaShares Geared Australian Equity (Hedge Fund) (ASX: GEAR) ETF returned an average of 24.95% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends which have historically averaged a yield of 4.89%.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY) returned an average of 17.13% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends which have historically averaged 5.04%.

The SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield (ASX: SYI) ETF returned an average of 14.62% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends which have historically averaged 5.76%.

Russell Investments High Dividend Australian Shares ETF (ASX: RDV) returned an average of 12.41% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends which have historically averaged 5.36%.

Russell Investments Australian Responsible Investment ETF (ASX: RARI) returned an average of 11.02% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends which have historically averaged 3.94%.

More about the No 1 ETF

ASX ETF BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (Hedge Fund) gives investors a cost-effective way to access geared exposure to the returns of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

So, it's like an index fund for the ASX 200 but with a special strategy.

That strategy is to use leverage — or borrowed funds — to magnify returns.

The GEAR ETF currently has a leverage of 2.3x. That means it seeks a return of 2.3x the ASX 200 on a daily basis. But leverage goes both ways. It also magnifies losses in the same multitude.

The old saying is that leverage can provide 'an elevator to the ceiling — and the basement'.

Here is a chart documenting the performance of this Australian shares ASX ETF against the ASX 200 over the past three years.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Man looking at an ETF diagram.
ETFs

3 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this week

These ETFs give investors exposure to some exciting groups of shares.

Read more »

Cubes placed on a Notebook with the letters "ETF" which stands for "Exchange traded funds".
ETFs

Are these market-beating ASX ETFs top buys in December?

These ETFs have delivered sensational returns for investors.

Read more »

a woman raises her arm in celebration while looking at her mobile phone on her sofa at home feeling excited about the WiseTech share price rise
ETFs

Own the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (VAS)? Here's how it went in November

Own Vanguard's most popular ETF? You did well this month...

Read more »

ETF written on cubes sitting on piles of coins.
ETFs

The rise of dividend ETFs in Australia: A new era of investment

Dividend ETFs can be great, but make sure you watch out for these key indicators.

Read more »

The letters ETF sit in orange on top of a chart with a magnifying glass held over the top of it
ETFs

4 top ASX ETFs to buy in December

These ETFs could give your portfolio a boost next month.

Read more »

Five happy friends on their phones.
ETFs

Buy these exciting ASX tech ETFs in December

These ETF give investors access to some high-quality tech stocks from across the globe.

Read more »

Woman with headphones on relaxing and looking at her phone happily.
Dividend Investing

How I'd aim to build a bulletproof monthly ASX passive income portfolio with just $10,000

If I were building a bulletproof passive income stream today, I wouldn’t invest in just a few high-yielding ASX stocks.

Read more »

Bonds spelt out on block cubes stacked on top of each other in front of a laptop.
ETFs

Are fixed income ASX ETFs a good buy right now?

Why this could be a good time to look at bonds.

Read more »