I am a self-confessed ASX ETF "nuffy".
I believe it's extremely difficult for individuals (especially new investors) to outperform indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) or the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) over a long period of time.
Historically, these indexes have roughly provided annualised returns of 10-12%, depending on which period you look at.
I believe ASX ETFs give you a simple and cost effective way to buy into these indexes.
On top of that, sprinkling in a thematic fund or two tailored to a sector you believe can grow and you have a pretty well diversified portfolio.
However there are plenty of ETF providers and funds to choose from.
An ETF provider (also known as an ETF issuer) is a financial company that creates, manages, and markets exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
These providers design the ETF, determine its investment strategy, and are responsible for ensuring it operates according to its objectives.
One of the most common providers is Betashares.
BetaShares is currently the largest Australian-owned ETF provider on the ASX – in terms of the number of ETFs offered.
With that in mind, let's look at the best performing Betashares ASX ETFs over the past year.
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Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)
The recent success of the Aussie tech sector has been well-documented.
In fact, it even outperformed the US tech sector in FY25.
It's no surprise that this Betashares tracking Australian technology was the provider's best performing ASX ETF.
It has risen almost 30% in the last year.
At the time of writing it provides exposure to 42 leading ASX-listed companies in a range of tech-related market segments such as information technology, consumer electronics, online retail and medical technology.
Its largest holdings include Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).
This fund could be ideal for an investor optimistic about the continued growth of the Australian tech sector.
BetaShares S&P/ASX 200 Financials Sector ETF (ASX: QFN)
The ASX 200 financials sector was the top-performing market sector of FY25.
This Betashares ASX ETF was right behind ATEC ETF, rising 23.84% in the past 12 months.
The success of the fund was driven by its exposure to the largest ASX-listed companies in the financial sector, including the 'Big 4' banks and insurance companies.
It's worth noting the fund actively excludes Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
Roughly 60% of the fund is made up of the big four banks.
BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)
AQLT's ETF selects roughly 40 Australian companies based on 'quality' metrics of high return on equity, low leverage and relative earnings stability.
It has tended to have different sector weightings to benchmark Australian equities indices, with higher exposure to sectors such as consumer discretionary and lower exposure to the materials (mining) sector, offering potential portfolio diversification benefits.
The fund is made up of a fairly evenly distributed portfolio. Currently no holding represents more than 6.1% of the fund out of the 39 total.
It rose almost 16% in the last year.
