ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide a simple and cheap way to invest in international shares via our local exchange.
Access to global markets is one of the reasons Australians sank a net $53 billion into ETFs last year, up 75% on 2024.
There is now $331 billion invested across 423 ETFs on the market, according to Betashares data.
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 international shares that delivered the best total returns last year.
Top 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares
The green energy transition and strongly rising commodity prices were the key themes across the top six ETFs for 2025.
1. Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF — Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS)
MNRS ETF was the best-performing ETF holding international shares last year.
The Global Gold Miners ETF delivered an astounding total return of 155.87%. The historical distribution yield is 0.2%.
MNRS was pushed higher by the surging gold price, which propelled gold mining stocks worldwide.
The gold price rose 65% in 2025, its greatest annual rise in more than four decades, after a 27% gain in 2024.
This ETF's currency hedging proved very valuable in 2025 as the USD weakened against the AUD. We explain the impact here.
MNRS ETF is $18.04 per unit on Thursday, down 4.25%.
2. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)
The VanEck Gold Miners ETF delivered a similarly stunning return of 143.76%. The historical distribution yield is 0.48%.
GDX ETF is $150.60 per unit, down 5.9% at the time of writing.
3. Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG)
The ETPMAG ETF delivered a remarkable return of 132.84% with no dividends paid.
The silver price skyrocketed in 2025 by a staggering 147% due to tighter supply and demand.
Silver is a key input in solar panels, electric vehicles, and AI infrastructure like data centres due to its superior conductivity to copper.
Technology manufacturers also use silver to build circuits, connectors, and to solder metals in smartphones and laptops.
The commodity was added to the US Critical Minerals list in November.
ETPMAG ETF is $123.67 per unit, down 4% at the time of writing.
4. Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT)
The ETPMPT ETF more than doubled in value with a total return of 109.49%. No dividends were paid.
Platinum is one of six metals in the Platinum Group Elements (PMEs).
PMEs are on the critical minerals lists of many countries, including the US, Australia, Europe, the UK, India, and Japan.
Platinum is used in catalytic converters in low-emissions cars, aerospace alloys, chemical refining, and petroleum processing .
ETPMPT ETF is $323 per unit, down 3.6% today.
5. Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)
The XMET ETF delivered a fantastic one-year return of 100.47%. The historical distribution yield is 0.19%.
XMET ETF is $17.49 per unit, down 2.4%.
6. Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL)
The GMTL ETF produced an impressive total return of 81.01%. The historical distribution yield is 0.19%.
GMTL ETF is $15.23 per unit, up 0.2%.
Further reading
Check out the six best-performing ETFs holding ASX shares for 2025.
