It's a lacklustre day for the Aussie share market with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down 0.4%.
But among a sea of red, scores of ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are hitting 52-week highs.
How can that be?
Probably because all of them are predominantly based on US and international shares. So, their new peak prices have little to do with what the ASX 200 is doing today.
In fact, US shares have been outperforming ASX 200 stocks for a while now. Over the past 12 months, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) has risen at triple the pace of the ASX 200, up 33.1% compared to 0.5%, respectively.
Let's check out a dozen of the most popular ASX ETFs hitting 52-week highs today.
ASX ETFs hitting new 52-week highs on Friday
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is up 1.03% to $124.99 at the time of writing. This ETF has bounced 28.7% higher over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $125.
This popular ETF provides access to 1,500 of the world's largest listed companies from 23 countries, excluding Australia.
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
The iShares S&P 500 ETF is up 1.19% to $53.51. This index ETF has risen 33.6% over the past year.
Its 52-week high today was $53.54.
VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)
The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is up 0.92% to $55.09. This ETF has risen 40.5% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $55.14.
QUAL was among the top-performing ETFs of 2023. It invests in the world's highest-quality companies based on key metrics such as high return on equity (ROE) and low debt.
Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS)
The Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF is up 1.28% to $398.15. This ETF represents 3,747 American companies and has risen 33.4% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $398.26.
iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)
The iShares Global 100 ETF is up 0.58% to $135.11. This ETF has risen 33.6% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $135.15.
BetaShares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI)
The Global Sustainability Leaders ETF is up 1.27% to $15.17. ETHI holds shares in 300 global companies considered climate leaders, and excludes tobacco and weapons. It's risen 30% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $15.18.
Vanguard All-World Ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)
The Vanguard All-World Ex-US Shares Index ETF is up 0.25% to $89.52. This index ETF has risen 15.5% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $89.84.
Vanguard Diversified High Growth INDEX ETF (ASX: VDHG)
The Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF is up 0.25% to $64.46. This ETF has risen 16.6% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $64.58.
This ETF offers extreme diversification with 16,000 Aussie shares and international shares in its basket. The VDHG holds seven Vanguard index funds comprising 90% global and ASX shares, and 10% bonds.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)
The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is up 1.35% to $129.33. This ETF has risen 19.2% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $129.42.
The unique ETF gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of well-priced US companies with sustainable competitive advantages (i.e., moats).
Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF (ASX: VESG)
The Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index ETF is up 1% to $89 at the time of writing — its new 52-week high. This ASX index ETF has risen 31.25% over the past 12 months.
Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)
The BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF is up 0.98% to $29.94. This ETF has risen 36.3% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $29.95.
This ASX ETF invests in companies with strong return on equity (ROE), debt to capital, cash flow generation, and earnings stability.
Global X Robo Global Robotics & Automation ETF (ASX: ROBO)
The Global X Robo Global Robotics & Automation ETF is up 1.64% to $78.32. This ETF has risen 13.3% over the past 12 months.
Its 52-week high today was $78.38.
In other news…
Several individual shares are also hitting 52-week highs today.
They include Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) at $32.03 and Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) at $3.41.
Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) shares also hit a new 52-week high of $16.32.
