ASX ETFs or exchange-traded funds that hold global shares provide an easy way for Aussie investors to get their hands on some international stocks without having to trade via overseas exchanges.
The ASX has just released data documenting the full-year performance of all ETFs.
So, let's take a look at which ETFs investing in global shares delivered the best returns for Aussie investors in 2023. Total returns incorporate both share price gains and distributions (or dividends).
For the purposes of this article, we're focusing on ETFs that invest in global shares with a defined strategy.
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The top 8 global ASX ETFs for total returns in 2023
According to the data, here are the top eight global strategy ETFs:
VanEck Global Listed Private Equity ETF (ASX: GPEQ) returned 42.59% in share price growth and distributions over the 12 months of 2023.
VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) returned 30.61% in 2023.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) returned 30.58% in 2023.
Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) returned 29.71% in 2023.
VanEck MSCI World Ex-Australia Quality (Hedged) ETF (ASX: QHAL) returned 28.67% in 2023.
Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF — Currency Hedged (ASX: HQLT) also returned 28.67% in 2023.
VanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF (ASX: QSML) returned 27.06% in 2023.
Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF (ASX: VESG) returned 26.11% in 2023.
If you're interested in finding out the top performers among ETFs holding Aussie shares, click here.
More about the No. 1 global ETF
According to ASX ETF provider VanEck, the Global Listed Private Equity ETF is "a global diversified portfolio that provides targeted exposure to venture capital, growth and buy-out opportunities".
The portfolio comprises 50 of the largest and most liquid listed private equity companies in the world.
VanEck says private equity "has proven to be an attractive alternative source of growth historically commensurate with risk".
The management fee for the GPEQ ETF is 0.65%.
The top five holdings of the GPEQ ETF are KKR & Co Inc (NYSE: KKR), Partners Group Holding AG (SWX: PGHN), Blackstone Inc (NYSE: BX), Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), and 3i Group PLC (LON: III).
