ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide an easy way to invest in international shares via our local exchange.
And Aussie investors love 'em.
There is now a record $372 billion invested across 458 ETFs on the market today, according to Betashares data.
Demonstrating their rising popularity, ASX ETFs attracted a net $30 billion of investment in the second half of FY26.
Back in 2024, $30 billion was the amount invested over the full year.
The industry is responding by introducing new products, with a record 72 new ETFs commencing trading in FY26.
This product expansion is allowing investors to direct more money into thematic trends.
Senior investment strategist, Marc Jocum from Global X commented (courtesy Australian Financial Review):
It's been a record year for thematic ETF investing driven by the energy transition and AI, so the way Aussie investors are allocating is changing.
Historically, investors sought outperformance through active managers, but that is slowly changing as investors are now seeking outperformance through exposure selection instead – the past was 'who' to back, now it's 'what' to back.
The Australian Securities Exchange has just released the full-year performance data for ASX ETFs in FY26.
The data reveals the six ASX ETFs holding international shares that delivered the best total returns last year.
Let's take a look.
Image source: Getty Images
Top 6 international ETFs for total returns in FY26
The popularity of thematic investing is showcased in the top 6 ASX ETFs for total returns last financial year.
Total returns incorporate both share price gains and distributions (dividends).
1. iShares MSCI South Korea AUD ETF (ASX: IKO)
The IKO ETF delivered a spectacular one-year total return of 171%. The historical distribution yield is 4.6%.
This ASX ETF seeks to mirror the tech-heavy MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, providing exposure to Korea's largest companies.
IKO ETF paid the biggest dollar-value dividend among iShares ETFs this season at $13.98 per unit.
IKO ETF is $246.58 per unit, up 2.7% on Thursday.
2. Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)
The SEMI ETF produced a ripping one-year return of 161%. The historical distribution yield is 6.2%.
SEMI is linked to the massive artificial intelligence (AI) investment thematic.
Semiconductors control electrical currents in computer chips and everyday devices like smartphones.
SEMI ETF is $38.01 per unit, up 2.1% today.
3. Global X Hydrogen AUD ETF (ASX: HGEN)
The HGEN ETF returned 135% in FY26. The historical distribution yield is 0.7%.
HGEN invests in companies within the global hydrogen industry. Hydrogen is considered a powerful green energy source.
HGEN ETF is $9.89 per unit, up 0.5% today.
4. Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
The ASIA ETF delivered a one-year return of 96%. The historical distribution yield is 1.7%.
ASIA ETF invests in 50 of the largest technology and online retail shares in Asia (ex-Japan).
ASIA ETF is $20.39 per unit, up 1.7% today.
5. Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)
The XMET ETF delivered a one-year return of 83%. The historical distribution yield is 3.6%.
This ASX ETF invests in global metals producers specifically involved in the green energy transition.
The metals in demand include copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, silver, and rare earths.
XMET ETF is $14.03 per unit, up 1.6%.
6. Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE)
The CURE ETF delivered a total annual return of 81%. This ETF does not pay distributions.
CURE ETF invests in genomic science companies.
They include businesses involved in gene editing, genomic sequencing, and genetic medicine and therapy.
CURE ETF is $73.83 per unit, down 1% today.
