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)

A businessman in a suit wears a medal around his neck and raises a fist in victory surrounded by two other businessmen in suits facing the other direction to him.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Which is the best Vanguard ETF? VAS, VGS and VDHG compared

VGS wins on returns, but the best ETF depends on you.

Read more »

A laughing man standing next to a woman holds out his arm to a payments machine to pay with his smartwatch
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 strong ASX ETFs for smart investors to buy and hold

Looking to invest for the long-term? Here are three funds worth a closer look.

Read more »

ETF written in white on a multi coloured background.
Dividend Investing

Why I'd buy these 2 ASX ETFs for $10,000 a year in passive income

These two ASX ETFs provide a diversified means to earning a $10,000 yearly passive income.

Read more »

a man holds his hand to his chin with a furrowed brow, making an expression of puzzlement or confusion.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Too many ASX ETFs? You could be paying twice for the same shares

ETF overlap can mean higher fees and a false diversification illusion.

Read more »

A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Down 21% in six weeks, what's happened to SEMI ETF?

SEMI invests in high-tech businesses, including semiconductor developers and manufacturers.

Read more »

Happy voter holding the US flag and a badge.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why this NASDAQ-focused ASX ETF keeps outperforming

This fund provides simple high growth US diversification.

Read more »

ETF written in light blue on a chart.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 strong Vanguard ETFs to buy with $3,000

One offers broad global exposure, another focuses on the US, and the third gives investors a way into Asia.

Read more »

two computer geeks sit across from each other with their laptop computers touching as they look confused and confounded by what they are seeing on their screens.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Australia finally has a quantum computing ETF. Should you invest?

A brand new theme, and a not-so-new set of risks.

Read more »