As we pass the halfway mark of the calendar year, exploring the top-performing ASX ETFs can be a great way to assess which sectors and markets are performing well in 2026.
Global conflict, inflation and high interest rates have dominated headlines this year.
These have weighed on markets here in Australia.
As a result, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen just 0.4% year to date.
However, there have been several ASX ETFs that have shaken headwinds and raced ahead of Australia's benchmark index.
Here are three in particular that have performed well this year.
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Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)
An emerging theme this year has been the surge in semiconductor-related companies.
A semiconductor is a material like silicon that can be precisely controlled to conduct or block electricity. This lets engineers build the tiny transistor switches that make up computer chips.
It's critical to the AI buildout because every bit of AI training and inference runs on these chips.
This ASX ETF has harnessed this momentum and enjoyed a rise of 66% year to date.
The fund from Global X seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors.
Investors have been using a "picks and shovels" approach to AI, which has benefited this fund.
During a gold rush, the safer bet isn't panning for gold yourself, it's selling the pickaxes to everyone who is.
Investors are applying the same logic to AI. They are essentially moving money into companies that supply the AI buildout rather than betting on which AI application or model wins.
Global X Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: BUGG)
Another strong-performing fund this year has been this cybersecurity-focused ETF.
It seeks to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the increased adoption of cybersecurity technology, particularly those whose principal business is in the development and management of security protocols preventing intrusion and attacks on systems, networks, applications, computers, and mobile devices.
Increasing reliance on digital ecosystems has left individuals, businesses, and governments vulnerable to the exponential rise of cyber threats, and this has led to increased investment in the sector.
This growth has led to a 21% rise for this fund year to date.
Betashares Global Momentum ETF (ASX: GTUM)
This ASX ETF is one of the newest funds on the ASX – listing in February this year.
In just a short span, it has made a big impact, rising 18% in that period.
GTUM aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) comprising a portfolio of global developed markets companies (excluding Australia) with above average momentum scores, as measured by risk-adjusted returns.
The Index ranks stocks within the eligible universe based on 6 and 12-month risk adjusted returns to target more sustainable positive momentum over sharp, highly volatile run-ups.
Stocks displaying consistently strong positive momentum over recent history are rewarded with higher weights in the index.
