ASX ETFs are a great investment tool for instant diversification.
Many investors see ETFs as a way to reduce risk/overexposure.
However many investors also assume this limits upside.
It's true that an ASX ETF isn't going to double in a day of trading like a speculative penny stock.
But thematic funds can still post market beating gains.
As a benchmark, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2.45% year to date.
The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) is up 1.72%.
Here are three ASX ETFs that are off to a red hot start to the year – bringing investors big returns compared to these benchmark indexes.
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BetaShares Global Gold Miners ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS)
Gold shares and gold mining companies were one of the headline stories of 2025 as investors looked towards the safe-haven asset.
This investment trend has continued into 2026.
The Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF has already risen 22.92% since the start of the year.
According to Betashares, the fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that comprises the largest global gold mining companies (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars.
The fund is up 191% over the last 12 months.
At the time of writing, it is made up of 49 holdings, with its largest geographical exposure being to:
- Canada (44.0%)
- United States (14.3%)
- South Africa (13.4%)
Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)
This ASX ETF soared more than 7% higher yesterday.
After yesterday's surge, the fund is now up approximately 19% year to date and 112% over the last 12 months.
According to Global X, it provides access to a global basket of copper miners which stand to benefit from being a key part of the value chain facilitating growth in major areas of innovation such as technology, infrastructure and clean energy.
It is currently made up of 39 Australian and international holdings all operating in the metals and mining sector.
Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)
Another fund off to a hot start in 2026 is the Global X Semiconductor ETF.
It has risen by more than 11% year to date and 54% over the last 12 months.
According to Global X, it 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.
These companies are primarily located in United States (62.25%), Taiwan (11.85%) and Netherlands (11.75%).
