I'm always banging the drum that ASX ETF investing doesn't have to come with minimal upside.
With the rise of thematic funds, investors can now easily target sectors and niche areas of the market.
While investors need to be conscious of overexposure, capturing tailwinds in these sectors can lead to big gains.
Already in 2026 there have been funds that have shot ahead of benchmark indexes.
For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2.29% year to date.
That's nothing to sneeze at.
However these three thematic ASX ETFs have flown significantly higher so far this year.
iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)
As the name suggests, this ASX ETF provides exposure to large and mid-sized companies in South Korea.
According to iShares, The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, before fees and expenses.
The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large and mid-capitalisation companies.
In 2026, this ASX ETF is already up an impressive 21%.
The South Korean equity market is a major Asian economy with companies across technology, manufacturing, consumer and financial sectors.
Technology and manufacturing in particular are underrepresented here in Australia.
Furthermore, South Korea plays an important role in global production of semiconductors, electronics and tech – sectors often tied to innovation and long‑term growth.
This fund's two largest holdings are Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix which make up approximately 44% of the fund.
Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)
This ASX ETF 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.
More specifically, copper is essential for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and electronics. As the world shifts toward clean energy and electrification, demand for copper is expected to grow significantly.
The global copper price has been on a steady incline in the last year thanks to this demand.
This ASX ETF has certainly captured these tailwinds, rising more than 19% year to date and 110.40% over the last 12 months.
Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL)
Another thematic ASX ETF steaming ahead this year is the Global X Green Metals Miners fund.
It has captured the critical minerals rally, rising more than 100% in the last 12 months and already 11.23% in 2026.
It provides exposure to global companies which produce critical metals for clean energy infrastructure and technologies, including lithium, copper, nickel and cobalt.
