While the ASX has had a slow year in 2026, there are several emerging themes that have brought investors strong returns.
Exploring the ASX ETFs that have captured momentum is a great way to identify opportunities.
These opportunities stretch across global markets and sectors underrepresented here in Australia.
ASX ETFs that capture these sectors provide investors with a chance to diversify away from ASX focussed portfolios.
Here are three funds that have raced ahead of the ASX this year.
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Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE)
This ASX ETF invests in companies that may benefit from further advances in genomic science. This includes companies involved in gene editing, genomic sequencing, genetic medicine/therapy, computational genomics, and biotechnology.
The fund provides global exposure to emerging areas within the Health Care sector, at the intersection of science and technology.
Examples of biotechnology companies include those focused on immunotherapy treatments and vaccines to treat human disease.
As many investors are aware, healthcare and technology are heavily underrepresented on the ASX compared with sectors such as resources and financials.
This fund could attract investors looking to allocate funding to these sectors that are more prominent in the US.
The fund has rocketed over the last month, and is subsequently up 25% year to date.
VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE)
This ASX ETF gives investors a diversified portfolio of 30 of the largest and most liquid companies involved in clean energy production and associated technology and clean energy equipment globally.
It targets businesses related to clean energy production and associated technology and equipment globally, from both developed and emerging markets.
Relevant business activities include but are not limited to:
- Biofuel & biomass energy production, technology & equipment
- Ethanol & fuel alcohol production
- Fuel cells technology & equipment
- Geothermal energy production
- Hydro electricity production, turbines & other equipment
- Solar energy production, photo voltaic cells & equipment
- Wind energy production, turbines & other equipment.
Year to date, it has risen an impressive 14%.
BetaShares Japan ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HJPN)
This ASX ETF tracks the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides diversified exposure to the largest globally competitive Japanese companies.
Japan has emerged as one of the most compelling markets for long-term investors after decades of deflation and muted investor interest.
A combination of structural changes is reshaping the investment landscape, while corporate governance reforms are now gaining momentum.
These tailwinds have contributed to this ASX ETF rising 18% year to date and 47% in the last 12 months.
