Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?

Aussies have $333 billion invested in ASX ETFs. Here's how their trading patterns have changed this month.

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.5% lower at 8,485.3 points on Friday as the conflict in Iran drags on.

Since the war began, ASX 200 shares have fallen 7.8%.

Most sectors, particularly mining, have been negatively impacted, while energy shares have soared due to higher oil, gas, and coal prices.

Earlier this week, we looked at the 5 most traded ASX 200 shares since the war began.

The trading data came from online investment platform Stake and covered the period from 2 March to 18 March.

Only one of the top 5 most traded shares was an energy company.

That alone was interesting, given energy shares are clearly the momentum trade of the moment, with the sector up 16% since 2 March.

The data also indicated another interesting and surprising trend — investors' desire to buy the dip.

Several of the most traded ASX 200 shares had experienced major annual declines, and the war had dragged them even lower.

Examples include CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares.

This is a trend we've seen before among Aussie investors.

Last year, Stake trading data showed Aussies bought the dip during the April 2025 rout after the US announced its reciprocal tariffs.

A couple sit in front of a laptop reading ASX shares news articles and learning about ASX 200 bargain buys

Image source: Getty Images

10 most traded ETFs since the war began

In this article, we take a look at the 10 most traded ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Stake platform since the war began.

This data is highly relevant given that so many Aussie investors are choosing ETFs over individual shares in today's market.

According to the latest market data, Aussies have a record $333 billion invested across 426 ETFs on the market today.

Here is the data from Stake. Remember, this data only shows volume of activity, so we don't know the split between purchases and sales.

However, we can assume that the fifth-ranked Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO) is buy-tilted.

ASX OOO has surged 47% in 30 days, and provides exposure to US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures (not the spot price).

We can also assume some profit-taking with ASX gold and silver ETFs, given the drop in gold and silver prices this month.

The gold price has fallen 18%, and silver has dropped 24% since the war in Iran began.

However, gold and silver remain 42% and 98% higher, respectively, over 12 months.

RankASX ETF
1iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
2Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
3Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
4Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
5Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO
6Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD)
7Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)
8Perth Mint Gold (ASX: PMGOLD)
9Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
10Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG)

Source: Stake

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Global X Physical Precious Metals Basket - Global X Physical Silver, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Zip Co. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, WiseTech Global, Xero, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
ETFs

3 BetaShares ETFs I think can beat the market over 5 years

For me, outperforming starts with looking beyond Australia and leaning into structural global themes.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

3 top ASX ETFs to buy with $30,000 this month

These funds offer investors easy access to many of the best stocks in the world.

Read more »

ETF written on wooden blocks with a magnifying glass.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that could be set to jump – Expert

If conflict is resolved, these funds could rise.

Read more »

ETF on white blocks with a rising arrow on top of coin piles.
ETFs

Which ASX ETFs I'd buy for retirement investing

Australians focused on retirement could do well with these funds.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years

Looking for long-term options? Here are five quality picks.

Read more »

ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.
ETFs

Where to invest $1,000 in ASX ETFs for beginners in April

New to investing? These funds could be excellent starting points.

Read more »

A young bank customer wearing a yellow jumper smiles as she checks her bank balance on her phone.
ETFs

Why I'd buy these excellent Vanguard ETFs in April

Rather than trying to predict the next move, I’m focusing on building a portfolio I’d be comfortable holding for years.

Read more »

three children wearing superhero costumes, complete with masks, pose with hands on hips wearing capes and sneakers on a running track.
ETFs

New to investing? 3 ASX ETFs to set and forget for 10 years

They offer global growth, Australian income and stability.

Read more »