ASX ETFs holding up amidst global volatility 

Why are these funds rising?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

With conflict in the Middle East rattling global markets, there have been pockets of resilience. 

For example, here in Australia, energy shares have provided relief for many investors. 

In the month of March, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), Australia's benchmark index, is down roughly 9%. 

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), one of the key benchmarks in the US, is down more than 4%. 

In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy (ASX: XEJ) is up 11%. 

ASX energy stocks are climbing largely due to a spike in oil and gas prices, fueled by geopolitical tensions tightening global supply.

However it isn't only ASX energy shares offering relief for investors. 

Here are three ASX ETFs that have managed to weather the storm this month. 

Smiling attractive caucasian supervisor in grey suit and with white helmet on head holding tablet while standing in a power plant.

Image source: Getty Images

Global X Bloomberg Commodity ETF (Synthetic) (ASX: BCOM)

This ASX ETF invests in a highly liquid, broad-based basket of commodities, including energy, grains, precious metals, industrial metals, softs and livestock.

I covered earlier this week why Global X believes commodities could outperform other asset classes over the next 12-24 months.

Regardless of future growth, this ASX ETF has already proven resilient in the current environment. 

It has risen almost 5% in the last month. 

The fund tracks the Bloomberg Commodity Excess Return 3 Month Forward Index.

According to Global X, the fund aims to maintain exposure to contracts which expire ~3 months in the future, helping minimise negative roll yield by investing further up the curve.

BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: FUEL)

Another ASX ETF that has outperformed in the last month is this fund from Betashares. 

It aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that comprises the largest global energy companies (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars.

According to Betashares, it offers exposure to approximately 32 energy companies that are larger, more geographically diversified, and more vertically integrated than Australian-listed energy companies.

The fund is up nearly 9% in the last month. 

It has provided annual returns of roughly 17% in the last 5 years. 

BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF – Currency Hedged (Synthetic) (ASX: OOO)

This ASX ETF aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to crude oil futures, hedged for currency movements in the AUD/USD exchange rate.

Unsurprisingly, it has exploded this year with conflict putting heavy pressure on global oil supply. 

In the last month, this fund has risen 41%. 

For investors considering this ASX ETF, The Motley Fool's Sebastian Bowen covered earlier this week whether this ASX ETF or individual oil stocks could continue to rise in the near term. 

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

ETF in blue with person's hand in the direction of green and red bars on graph.
ETFs

$10k invested in the ASX via this ETF before the war is currently worth…

Here’s what a $10k ASX ETF investment looks like now.

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
ETFs

Is this outperforming ETF from Macquarie a strong buy?

Not all ETFs are passive. This Macquarie fund uses a data-driven approach to try and outperform global markets.

Read more »

A woman stands in a field and raises her arms to welcome a golden sunset.
ETFs

What is HALO investing and how do investors gain exposure to it?

Here's what investors need to know about the HALO framework.

Read more »

Woman smiling with her hands behind her back on her couch, symbolising passive income.
ETFs

3 of the best ASX ETFs for income investors

Blend them wisely to build resilient, lower-risk income.

Read more »

Smiling man sits in front of a graph on computer while using his mobile phone.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs I'd buy for when the market rebounds

If markets recover from here, growth-focused ETFs could lead the way. These are 3 I’d be watching closely.

Read more »

ETF with different images around it on top of a tablet.
ETFs

Where to invest $50,000 in ASX ETFs for the next 10 years

Let's see why these funds could be worth holding tight to for the long term.

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
ETFs

Should investors be targeting growth or value ASX ETFs right now?

With markets reacting with volatility, where should investors turn?

Read more »

Smiling woman with her head and arm on a desk holding $100 notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

How much passive income could $100,000 in ETFs generate?

Income-focused ETFs offer different yields and structures. Here’s how much $100,000 could generate in annual passive income.

Read more »