Thematic investing is a strategy that involves targeting companies in an emerging or specific sector. These are often grouped together in ASX ETFs.
This allows investors to gain exposure to new technologies and trends like sustainability, artificial intelligence, etc.
These sectors can see sharp growth over a short span that can outpace established indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
So far in 2025, the ASX 200 has risen approximately 5.64%.
Lets look at 3 thematic ASX ETFs that have significantly outperformed this mark.
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Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)
This ASX ETF has been one of the real winners so far in 2025.
This thematic fund provides exposure to a portfolio of leading global video gaming and esports companies.
These 40 companies are largely based in the United States, Japan and China.
This fund could be ideal for investors who believe this market will continue to rise.
According to Betashares, industry revenue, profit margins and the number of global players are all forecast to increase in the coming years.
So far this year, the fund has risen more than 30%.
Vaneck Global Defence Etf (ASX: DFND)
With so much global conflict in 2025, it's no surprise this ASX ETF has outperformed the Australian market.
The fund offers exposure to the largest global companies involved in aerospace & defence, research & consulting, application software and electronic equipment & instruments, that are typically under-represented in benchmarks.
At the time of writing the fund includes 31 holdings, with the largest geographical weighting being the United States (50.8%).
It has risen an impressive 51.46% since the start of 2025.
Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)
It is often discussed that the Australian market is dominated by financial stocks like the big four banks, as well as energy and mining giants.
While this is true, there is also opportunity in the technology sector.
The ATEC ETF provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies in a range of tech-related market segments such as information technology, consumer electronics, online retail and medical technology.
At the time of writing it is made up of 42 holdings, with its largest exposure (roughly 10% each) being to WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).
So far in 2025, the fund has risen more than 7%.
