Yesterday I discussed the common misconception that ASX ETFs come with a capped upside.
I also pointed out three domestically focussed ASX ETFs. These have all raced ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in 2025.
This proves while it's true your ETF won't triple in a day, ETFs can still bring strong returns that far outpace indexes like the ASX 200.
Looking overseas, there are internationally focussed ETFs that have risen by even more.
Let's look at three examples.
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BetaShares Global Gold Miners ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS)
MNRS aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that comprises the largest global gold mining companies. It actively excludes Australian companies.
The fund offers defensive benefits, as gold miners' fortunes are closely tied to the price of gold. This has traditionally tended to perform well during times of market volatility and uncertainty.
Unsurprisingly, the fund has skyrocketed this year along with the global gold price.
It has risen 100.48% year to date, reinforcing the upside that still exists with targeted ASX ETFs.
Its largest exposure geographically is to Canada (47.7%), USA (14.5%) and South Africa (10.8%).
At the time of writing it is made up of 46 holdings. No single holding represents more than 8.4% of the fund.
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM)
This globally focussed fund provides exposure to large and mid-sized companies with representation across 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries.
This includes more than 1,000 underlying holdings from countries such as China, Taiwan, India, South Korea, South Africa, Brazil and more.
The fund has risen by an impressive 17.60% in 2025 so far on the back of strong tailwinds for semiconductor and technology companies in Asia.
It offers exposure to sectors such as information technology (25%), financials (22.49%) and consumer discretionary (12.84%).
Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)
The Global X Semiconductor ETF seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors. This includes the development and manufacturing of semiconductors.
The fund is made up of 30 holdings, with the largest geographical allocation being to the USA (64.8%) followed by Taiwan (13.0%).
It has risen almost 12% year to date.
