The best-performing ASX ETFs over the past year all have one thing in common — commodities.
While technology and healthcare shares have struggled through bouts of volatility, commodity-linked investments have surged as investors pile into gold, critical minerals, and resource producers benefiting from inflation pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and booming AI-driven energy demand.
That momentum has translated into massive gains for several ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Here are three commodity-focused ASX ETFs that have exploded between 85% and 135% over the past 12 months.
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BetaShares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: MNRS)
One of the standout performers has been the BetaShares Global Uranium ETF, which has surged an astonishing 112% over the past year.
The ASX ETF provides investors exposure to global uranium miners and companies tied to the nuclear energy supply chain.
Its biggest strength is clear: uranium demand is booming again. Governments around the world are increasingly embracing nuclear power as a low-emissions energy source capable of supporting AI data centres and energy-intensive infrastructure.
That has reignited investor enthusiasm for uranium producers after years of underinvestment across the sector.
The ETF's largest holdings currently include Cameco Corporation (TSX: CCO) and NexGen Energy Ltd (ASX: NXG).
However, the risks are equally significant. Uranium remains a highly volatile commodity, heavily influenced by political decisions, energy policy shifts, and investor sentiment. If uranium prices retreat sharply, the ETF could also experience large pullbacks.
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)
Another huge winner has been this VanEck gold ETF, which has climbed roughly 85% over the past 12 months.
As global uncertainty has intensified, investors have flooded into gold as a traditional safe-haven asset. That has delivered massive gains for gold mining companies, particularly as rising gold prices can significantly boost mining margins and profitability.
The ASX ETF provides diversified exposure to some of the world's largest gold producers, including major holdings like Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM).
One major strength of the ASX ETF is diversification. Rather than relying on a single miner, investors gain exposure across multiple producers and jurisdictions.
But risks remain. Gold miners can still be highly cyclical, while operational costs, geopolitical risks, and fluctuations in gold prices can all impact earnings.
Global X Physical Platinum ETF (ASX: ETPMAG)
Finally, the Global X Physical Platinum ETF has skyrocketed around 132% over the past year.
Unlike traditional mining ASX ETFs, this fund provides direct exposure to physical platinum bullion. Its main strength lies in its pure commodity exposure.
Platinum demand has surged amid tightening global supply conditions, industrial demand recovery, and growing interest in precious metals as inflation hedges.
Because the ETF directly tracks physical platinum, investors avoid many of the operational risks associated with mining companies. The primary holding is allocated physical platinum stored in secure vaults.
However, commodity prices can swing wildly, and platinum remains particularly sensitive to industrial demand cycles and global economic conditions.
