How are these newly listed ASX ETFs performing?

There has been a significant rise in ASX ETF investing in the last few years. 

In fact, the Australian ETF market grew 34.1% in 2025.

This growth was driven by over $53 billion in net inflows over the past year. This shattered the prior record of $31 billion set in 2024.

With so much money being pushed into this asset class, ETF providers are developing and offering new funds almost every month. 

Due to the steep competition, these funds often aim to target a sector that is not yet offered in an ASX ETF. 

What does this look like?

This means these thematic funds often target a specific sector, country, or utilise a unique methodology. 

It can be hard for investors to keep up not only with how many funds are now available (roughly 390), but also with how these funds are actually performing. 

Here is how four of the newest funds have performed since inception. 

Winners: Gold and AI 

Two of the biggest headlines in the last year have been the growth of AI and the rise in ASX gold shares.

ETF providers have been all over these trends with plenty of ETFs now targeting these specific markets. 

One of the most successful, relatively new ASX ETFs has been the Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: GHLD). 

It was first listed in March 2025. 

In less than 12 months on the ASX, it has risen almost 60%. 

This fund is very simple. Rather than offering a combination of gold mining companies, it seeks to provide investment results that generally correspond to the spot price of gold bullion. 

Switching focus to another sector that has drawn plenty of investor attention, the Global X AI Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF) has also been a winner since inception. 

It has been available since just May of last year and is already up 58% in that span. 

The fund tracks the performance of companies involved in supporting the data centre infrastructure requirements arising from artificial intelligence operations.

This includes companies involved in electric utilities and infrastructure, energy management and optimisation, data centre equipment manufacturing, and more. 

Geographic focus 

There have also been several new ASX ETFs listed recently that target a specific country or geographic region. 

One example is the Global X China Tech ETF (ASX: DRGN)

It offers access to 20 leading Chinese technology companies listed in Hong Kong and Mainland.

Since inception in May last year, it has risen 16%. 

Even newer is the Global X Japan TOPIX 100 ETF (ASX: J100), focusing on Japan's largest and most liquid companies. 

It has risen 5.4% since November 2025. 

Foolish Takeaway 

It is exciting that almost every sector, theme, and strategy has a corresponding ASX ETF. 

But it is also important for investors to weigh up whether they are investing in a short-term trend or a sector with real long-term upside. 

ASX ETFs also come with fees, which can eat into potential gains more than many investors realise, particularly if the funds require significant ongoing management.