There are plenty of ASX ETFs to choose from, and ETF provider Global X has approximately 15 thematic funds.
Thematic investing involves targeting a specific theme or sector, e.g. tech, AI, or ESG.
Basically, this allows investors to directly target specific themes. This is an alternative to broadly tracking indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) or the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX).
Here are three of the best-performing thematic funds from Global X in 2025.
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Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)
This year, global defence spending is soaring, with the DTEC ASX ETF rising 65.32% year to date.
The fund provides investors with access to companies at the forefront of defence innovation.
As global security concerns shift towards more technology-driven solutions, DTEC captures the sectors driving the future of defence. For example, AI, drones, and cybersecurity.
These are all crucial components in today's modern defence landscape.
At the time of writing, DTEC includes 37 underlying holdings, with 82% of the fund being focused on aerospace and defence.
Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)
The Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ACDC) provides investors with exposure to global companies developing electrochemical storage technology and mining companies producing battery-grade lithium.
This ASX ETF is made up of 38 holdings. Impressively, it has already risen 50.58% so far this year.
By geography, it has a relatively balanced exposure to:
- Japan (17.63%)
- United States (15.70%)
- South Korea (11.59%)
- Australia (11.46%)
- China (8.17%)
These companies focused on battery technology, and lithium is essential to the rise of many booming industries. For example: electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and mobile devices.
ETFs Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN)
The fund seeks to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the advancement of the global hydrogen industry.
This includes companies involved in hydrogen production; the integration of hydrogen into energy systems; and the development/manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and other technologies related to the utilisation of hydrogen as an energy source.
This ASX ETF has flown 86.07% higher since the start of the year, and at the time of writing, it is made up of 30 holdings.
Approximately half of the fund is made up of US-listed companies. Furthermore, its largest individual exposure is to Bloom Energy Corp, with a 31.92% weighting.
