Due to their increasing popularity with investors, there are more and more ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) popping up on the ASX boards.
But which ones delivered the goods for investors in 2024? Let's see which five ASX ETFs (with funds under management of approximately $100 million+) delivered the best returns over the period. They are as follows:
Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)
The best-performing ASX ETF in 2024 was the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF with a stunning 79% gain.
This ASX ETF allows investors to invest in the crypto ecosystem by providing easy access to cryptocurrency exchanges, crypto mining companies, and mining equipment firms. It also includes companies with balance sheets that are held at least 75% in crypto assets and diversified companies with crypto-focused business lines.
These companies were given a major boost late in the year when Donald Trump won the race to the White House.
VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF (ASX: ESPO)
Some distance behind was the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports AUD ETF which recorded an impressive 55% gain in 2024.
This fund gives investors access to the leading players in a global video game market estimated to comprise almost 3 billion active gamers and growing. Among its largest holdings are game developers such as Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), and Take-Two (NASDAQ: TTWO).
BetaShares Geared U.S. Equity Fund – Currency Hedged (ASX: GGUS)
The BetaShares Geared U.S. Equity Fund was on form and delivered a return of 54.8% in 2024.
GGUS is a bit different to other ETFs. That's because its leverage (gearing) gives investors the opportunity to make magnified gains when the US share market rises. This means that when the S&P 500 index rises, this ETF rises even more thanks to its gearing. But conversely, if the share market were to fall, this ETF would post an even larger decline. Fortunately for owners of this fund, 2024 was a great year for the S&P 500 index.
Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)
Another ASX ETF that delivered a strong return in 2024 was the Global X Fang+ ETF, which rose 49% over the 12 months.
FANG delivers investors access to multiple disruptive macro-trends arising from technological advancements, changing demographics, and consumer preferences. This includes through all the FANG stocks plus the likes of Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Crowdstrike (NASDAQ: CRWD).
BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)
Finally, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF was a very strong performer and raced 48% higher during the year.
This ETF gives investors access to the leading companies in the Australian technology sector. Its holdings include Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME), TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).
