Which ASX ETFs holding international shares delivered the best returns in 2024?

Investors who held international shares via ASX ETFs earned exceptional returns last year.

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 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide Aussie investors with an easy way to invest in international shares without having to trade on overseas exchanges.

International ASX ETFs offer investors exposure to US shares, emerging markets, and other markets.

As we've previously reported, Australian investors poured more than twice as much money into ETFs holding international shares than Aussie shares over the first three quarters of 2024.

In this article, we review newly published figures from the ASX revealing which ETFs holding overseas stocks dished up the best total returns in the calendar year 2024.

Total returns incorporate both share price gains and distributions (or dividends).

Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.

Image source: Getty Images

Top 6 international ASX ETFs for total returns in 2024

According to the data, here are the top six ETFs:

Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

The FANG+ ETF delivered an outstanding one-year return of 65.08%. The historical distribution yield is 4.29%.

This ETF has a market cap of $177.02 million and a management expense ratio (MER) of 0.35%.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

The ESPO ETF delivered a similarly stunning annual return of 63.1%. The historical distribution yield is 0.47%.

This ETF has a market cap of $78.95 million and a MER of 0.55%.

BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)

The GAME ETF delivered a 12-month return of 54.38%. The historical distribution yield is 0.26%.

This ASX exchange-traded fund has a market cap of $4.49 million and a MER of 0.57%.

BetaShares Geared US Equity Fund Currency Hedged (Hedge Fund) (ASX: GGUS)

The GGUS ETF delivered a total annual return of 45.19%. There is no historical distribution yield.

This exchange-traded fund has a market cap of $277.59 million and a MER of 0.8%.

iShares China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ)

The IZZ ETF delivered a total annual return of 44.03%. The historical distribution yield is 3.19%.

This ETF has a market cap of $299.81 million and a MER of 0.6%.

Global X US 100 ETF (ASX: U100)

The U100 ETF delivered a one-year return of 43.23%. The historical distribution yield is 0.24%.

This ASX ETF has a market cap of $55.49 million and a MER of 0.24%.

More about the No. 1 international shares ETF

The FANG+ ETF provides concentrated exposure to 10 companies.

They include six of the US Magnificent Seven. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) is excluded.

According to ETF provider, Global X:

The Global X FANG+ ETF (FANG) seeks to invest in companies at the leading edge of next-generation technology …

Next-gen technology spans multiple segments, and its most innovative companies include both household names and newcomers from around the world.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Woman working at office.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why I think this Vanguard ETF could be one of the best to buy and hold forever

Sometimes simpler can be better for long-term investing.

Read more »

Statue of Liberty with the American flag in the background.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Is the Vanguard US Total Market ETF (VTS) the best buy for investing in America?

Is this a case of 'some shares good, more shares better'?

Read more »

Businessman working on street in New York.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why I think the IVV ETF is a strong buy for ASX investors

I think this ETF makes long-term investing remarkably simple.

Read more »

ETF in yellow with chart bars and piles of coins.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 amazing ASX ETFs for Aussie investors in September

These funds could be worth a closer look. Let's see what they offer.

Read more »

Person working on a computer with a hologram of the word ETF along with finance-related images.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

VGS vs VHY: Which Vanguard ETF comes out on top?

For long-term growth and diversification, there's only one clear winner.

Read more »

ETF on wooden blocks, with finance images on top.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why every Aussie investor should own one of these ASX ETFs

These international ASX ETFs are great options.

Read more »

An ASX dividend investor lies back in a deck chair with his hands behind his head on a quiet and beautiful beach with blue sky and water in the background.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

How many Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) units do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?

This ASX ETF is a popular option for passive income.

Read more »

Two kids are selling big ideas from a lemonade stand on the side of the road for cheap!
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

15% for 10 years: Is this ASX ETF a no-brainer buy?

Are these numbers too good to be true?

Read more »