ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide an easy way for Aussie investors to gain exposure to global shares without the hassle of having to trade on several different international exchanges.
There are hundreds of global shares ETFs to choose from on the ASX. Some track indexes like the MSCI World Index, the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) and the CRSP US Total Market Index. Some are sector-based. But most ETFs have specific strategies designed by the providers, who seek to beat the market's benchmark returns.
Some global shares did better than ASX shares in FY24.
In the United States, the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) rose by 28.61%, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) ascended by 22.7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) lifted by 13.69%. The MSCI World Index rose by 18.37%.
By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rose by 7.83% (or 12.1% with dividends included).
Global shares ETFs give Aussie investors immediate diversification in terms of stocks and geography in a single trade. The disparities in the performances of ASX shares and US shares outlined above demonstrate how useful geographical diversification can be, with or without hedging to the Australian dollar.
So, which ASX global shares ETFs delivered the best total returns in FY24?
New figures just released by the ASX reveal the top performers of the year. Let's take a look.
Top 6 ASX global shares ETFs for total returns
This article focuses on ETFs that invest in global shares. They include index-based and sector-based ETFs, as well as those operating under a specific strategy designed by their ETF provider.
We've included each ETF's management expense ratio (MER), which is the fee you pay every year. Fees can vary widely between providers, so this is always useful research information.
According to the data, here are the top six global shares ETFs for FY24.
Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)
The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF returned 68.49% in FY24. The historical distribution yield is 0%, and the MER is 0.67%.
Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Complex ETF (ASX: LNAS)
The Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Complex ETF returned 65.59% in FY24. The historical distribution yield is 24.44%. The MER is 1%.
Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)
The Global X Semiconductor ETF returned 58.86% in FY24. The historical distribution yield is 3.39%, and the MER is 0.57%.
Betashares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM)
The Betashares Global Uranium ETF returned 57.34% in FY24. The historical distribution yield is 2.04%, and the MER is 0.69%.
Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)
The Global X Fang+ ETF returned 51.02% in FY24. The historical distribution yield is 5.27%, and the MER is 0.35%.
Geared US Equity Fund – Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) (ASX: GGUS)
The Geared US Equity Fund – Currency Hedged ETF returned 49.03% in FY24. The historical distribution yield is 0%, and the MER is 0.80%.
