Australian investors ploughed a net $53 billion of new money into ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) last year.
That was a 75% increase on net inflows in 2024, according to Betashares data.
There is now $331 billion invested across 423 ETFs on the market.
There was a net increase of 56 ETFs launched on the ASX last year, with the three major issuers being Vanguard, Betashares, and iShares.
Aussies have fallen in love with ASX ETFs for their simplicity and low cost.
They provide great diversification, and are an easy vehicle for investing in international shares through the ASX.
The Australian Securities Exchange has just released the full-year performance data for ASX ETFs in 2025.
Here, we look at the six ETFs holding ASX shares that delivered the best total returns (that's capital growth plus dividends) for investors.
6 top ASX ETFs for total returns in 2025
Two key themes are evident in the top six ETFs of 2025.
They are rising commodities and ASX mining shares, and turbocharged growth for small-cap companies.
The ASX 200 materials sector was the top performer of 2025 due to fast-rising mining shares buoyed by stronger commodity values.
S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX: XMJ) returned 36.21% in 2025 compared to 10.32% for the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
ASX small-cap shares also had a fantastic year due to interest rate cuts and staggering share price growth for junior gold miners.
The S&P/ASX Small Ords Index (ASX: XSO), which tracks companies ranked 101 to 300 by market cap, gave a total return of 24.96% last year compared to a 10.56% return for the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO), which tracks the 500 largest companies on the market.
Let's take a look at those ETFs.
1. VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR)
The No. 1 ETF for total returns was the VanEck Australian Resources ETF.
MVR ETF delivered a total one-year return of 40.53%. The historical distribution yield is 2.57%.
The ETF closed at $45.96 per unit on Tuesday.
2. Betashares Australian Small Companies Select ETF (ASX: SMLL)
The SMLL ETF delivered a total one-year return of 36.39%. The historical distribution yield is 2.26%.
SMLL ETF closed at $4.92 per unit yesterday.
3. SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources ETF (ASX: OZR)
The OZR ETF delivered a total one-year return of 35.73%. The historical distribution yield is 2.62%.
The OZR ETF closed at $16.05 per unit yesterday.
4. Betashares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE)
The QRE ETF delivered a total one-year return of 35.42%. The historical distribution yield is 2.36%.
QRE ETF closed at $9.20 per unit yesterday.
Learn more about this ETF here.
5. Firetrail Aust Small Companies Fund — Active ETF (ASX: FSML)
This active ETF delivered a total one-year return of 35.2%. The historical distribution yield is 0.22%.
FSML ETF closed at $2.37 per unit yesterday.
6. Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO)
VSO ETF delivered a total one-year return of 25.11%. The historical distribution yield is 6.75%.
The VSO closed at $80.01 per unit on Tuesday.
