The biggest dollar-value dividend on its schedule is $16.34 per unit for Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC).

The gigantic ACDC ETF dividend is primarily due to the massive rebound in lithium commodity prices over FY26.

Australia is in the midst of a new mining boom driven by the green energy transition and the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out.

This is creating much higher demand for critical minerals, such as lithium, and base metals, such as copper. 

Lithium prices crashed in 2023-2025 due to global oversupply, but supply/demand finally rebalanced at the start of FY26.  

Lithium topped the list of Australia's best-performing commodities for growth in FY26 by a long shot.

The lithium spodumene price soared 280%, and carbonate increased 160%. 

So, it's no surprise to see an ASX ETF full of lithium producers and battery manufacturers paying out big this dividend season.

Global X ASX ETF dividends

Here is an abridged list of finalised distributions that investors will receive today.

View a complete list of finalised Global X ETF dividends here.

Own other ETFs?

Here are the finalised distributions from other ETF providers this season. 

If you own Vanguard ETFs, view this season's final distributions here.

Interested in VanEck ETFs? View final distributions here.

If you're invested in iShares ETFs, see final distributions here.

If you own Betashares ETFs, see final distributions here.

The post Own ACDC, FANG, or SEMI ETF? Global X is paying your dividend today! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ex-dividend date for this round of dividends is 3 July. Global X will pay investors on 17 July.

As is the case with other ETF providers this season, there are some whopper payments on the schedule.

The biggest dollar-value dividend is an incredible $16.26 per unit for owners of Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC).

ACDC's mega dividend reflects the huge rebound in lithium prices over FY26.

Lithium commodity prices have soared due to renewed demand for batteries amid the global green energy transition.

As an example, the price of lithium carbonate has risen 148% in 12 months.

Lithium's rebound has translated into supercharged earnings for ASX and international lithium miners.

That's why ACDC ETF is paying out big this season.

Let's take a look.

Mid-year dividends for Global X ASX ETFs

Here is a sample of the estimated distributions to be paid by Global X this season.

Global X will confirm the final amounts on Thursday.

View a complete list of estimated Global X ETF dividends here.

Own other ETFs?

If you own Vanguard ETFs such as Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), see this season's estimated distributions here.

Invested in VanEck ETFs? View VanEck dividends here.

As for other mega dividends this season, find out which ETF is set to pay $18 per unit this season and why.

The post Own FANG, WIRE or SEMI ETF? Global X just revealed your next dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The decision between active and passive is an important one for investors. 

What's the difference?

There are now hundreds of ASX ETFs for investors to choose from. 

ETF providers design these products in many different ways. 

One key distinction is whether the fund simply tracks an index or is actively managed to beat the returns of an index. 

Passive ETFs aim to track a market index. They follow a rules-based approach, holding securities in the same proportions as a benchmark such as a broad equity index like the largest 300 companies in Australia or a bond index.

An example would the Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300). 

It seeks to provide investors with a return that tracks the performance of the FTSE Australia 300 Index.

Meanwhile, active ETFs aim to beat the market and do not track an index. 

Portfolio managers make investment decisions, such as selecting securities, adjusting exposures, and responding to market conditions, in an effort to generate excess returns above the index.

Understanding fees 

According to Global X, fees are often the most visible but misunderstood difference between the two approaches.

Passive ETFs are typically much cheaper because they don't require research teams or frequent trading. 

Average expense ratios sit around 0.36% per year for passive ETFs (i.e. $36 per year for a $10,000 investment) versus roughly 0.78% for active ETFs (i.e. $78 per year for a $10,000 investment).

The $42 per year gap in fees may seem small, but over time it compounds. Higher fees reduce net returns year after year, which is why cost is often described as one of the few variables investors can control.

Why passive has gained market dominance 

The report from Global X highlighted that passive investing has grown rapidly over the past two decades for the following reasons:

• Consistent returns – Passive ETFs are designed to deliver the return of the market. They also avoid the risk of underperformance tied to poor manager decisions and avoids key person risk if a particular fund manager decides to leave.
• Lower costs – With minimal trading and no need for stock-picking teams, passive ETFs pass cost savings directly to investors. Lower trading costs, reduced tax impacts, and lower overall fees all help ensure more of the returns remain in investors' pockets.
• Transparency and simplicity – Investors can easily understand what they own, as passive ETF holdings are typically disclosed daily and tied directly to an index. Active ETFs typically don't disclose their full holdings and sometimes only periodically reveal them with a three-month lag.
• Long-term evidence – After fees, many active managers struggle to consistently outperform benchmarks over long periods.

These factors have led to a market dominance in terms of funds under management for passive ASX ETFs. 

A blended approach 

According to Global X, there is a case to be made for a combination of both ASX ETFs. 

Active ETFs may justify their higher fees when investors seek access to niche opportunities, enhanced risk management, or exposure to less efficient markets. In these cases, skilled managers can potentially add value. 

They can also serve as a tactical complement to a broader passive investment portfolio.

Ultimately, the most effective portfolios are not built on ideology but on thoughtful allocation, where cost, conviction, and context all play a role.

The post Are passive or active ASX ETFs a better investment choice? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

There are many ASX index funds that cover the ASX 200 Index and meet the criteria listed above. One popular example is the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ).

However, if an investor wanted to add some small-cap diversification by expanding into the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), then Vanguard's VAS was the only spot in town.

That all changed when provider Global X launched the Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300) last year. The admission of this ASX 300 index fund means that Australian index fund investors set on the ASX 300 index now have a genuine competition for their investing dollars.

So today, let's dive into the pros and cons of both the VAS and A300 ETFs.

VAS vs. A300: Which SASX ETF comes out on top?

On the surface, these products seem almost identical. An investment in either index fund is effectively an investment in the same 300 shares, the largest 300 shares listed on the ASX, weighted by market capitalisation. Technically, VAS tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, while A300 follows the FTSE Australia 300 Index. But this is a 'tomato, tomato' situation in practicality.

Your money is essentially going towards the same 30 companies, with the lion's share ending up with the likes of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and the other large-caps of the ASX.

The only real point of differentiation between VAS and A300 is the fee. Both index funds charge relatively cheap and competitive fees by ASX standards. VAS is the more expensive of the two, asking 0.07% per annum. That's $7 a year for every $10,000 invested. A300 undercuts this, charging 0.04% per annum ($4 per year for every $10,000 invested). Although that is a small difference, it is not negligible, and may sway some investors to pick A300.

There is one more caveat to mention, though. VAS is the established player here, with more than $24 billion in funds under management. In contrast, A300 is an upstart and currently only has a little over $12 million in its bank.

That's typical of an ETF that is less than a year old. However, it still might give some investors pause. There's never a risk to existing investors if a fund has low investment. However, it does indicate that the fund is probably running at a loss for its provider, given that ultra-low fee. The risk is that A300 doesn't end up attracting enough capital to make itself economically viable and closes after a time.

If that does happen, investors will not lose their capital. However, they may be forced to liquidate their ETF units.

Aside from this risk, there is little reason to opt for the lower fee A300 offers. Plenty of investors may just choose to stick to the beloved Vanguard brand regardless, though.

The post ASX index funds: Is VAS or A300 the better choice? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

All ASX ETFs charge an annual management fee. This goes towards the costs of providing and running the fund, which is a managed investment at the end of the day. Saying that, fees on ASX ETFs vary wildly. Some charge minuscule fees, whilst others can ask more than ten times what the cheapest ASX ETFs do.

It's my firm belief that most ASX ETF investors should prioritise a low fee above all else. Fortunately, the lowest fees on the ASX tend to be attached to high-quality index funds that are diversified, cover entire markets, and are, at least in my opinion, suitable for almost every ASX investor.

Let's talk about some of the ASX's cheapest ETFs.

What are the ASX's cheapest ETFs?

First up, we have the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This popular fund tracks the most famous index in the world, the S&P 500. This represents the largest 500 stocks listed in the United States, and includes everything from NVIDIA, Amazon, and Apple to Exxon Mobil, Coca-Cola Co, and General Motors.

IVV is a very competitive ETF cost-wise, charging a management fee of 0.04% per annum. That's $4 per year for every $10,000 invested.

Luckily, there's another ASX ETF closer to home, that is just as cheap. For investors looking to invest in a simple ASX index fund, the Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300) is your cheapest option. A300 works in a similar manner to IVV. However, instead of the 500 largest US stocks, this fund tracks the largest 300 Australian stocks listed on our local market. That's everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

Like IVV, A300 also charges a management fee of 0.04%.

But wait, it gets cheaper

You may think that $4 a year for every $10,000 invested is as good as it gets for passive investors. But no, there is an even cheaper ETF still.

It is none other than the Vanguard U.S. Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS). This fund works in a similar manner to IVV. However, instead of just the largest 500 US stocks, VTS covers a far larger swath of the American market. It currently has close to 3,500 individual holdings.

Of course, it is still quite top-heavy, with stocks like NVIDIA, Amazon, and Apple taking up a big chunk of room. But if you're ok with the larger portfolio of US stocks, this ASX ETF is the cheapest you can find right now. It asks a management fee of just 0.03%, or $3 per year for every $10,000 invested.

The post These are the cheapest ASX ETFs on the Australian market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Another day in the red would mark 7 consecutive days of falling for Australia's benchmark index. 

That's after already hitting a three-week low yesterday. 

Intriguingly, the Australian market has been moving south despite US equities holding near record highs. 

Part of the puzzle is the higher oil prices, which usually feed into inflation. 

With the market expected to lag again today, let's look at where opportunities may lie. 

Healthcare still lagging 

ASX healthcare stocks have been some of the worst-performing in 2026. 

This has continued over the past week. 

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) is down 23% year to date. 

This includes a 7% drop in the last 7 days of trading. 

One noticeable decline has been 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX), which has dropped 8% in that period and 30% since mid-April. 

This could be a buy-the-dip opportunity for a stock now down significantly from 52-week highs.

On the other end of the spectrum, healthcare giants Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) remain well below yearly highs. 

Bell Potter currently views CSL as a hold, although its $155 price target indicates 20% upside. 

Meanwhile, Pro Medicus shares have attracted a buy rating from the team at Bromley.

Aussie tech pulls back 

During the start of 2026, ASX technology shares were also down significantly. 

The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) fell 27% from January until March 30. 

Then, from March 30 until April 17, it rebounded more than 17%. 

This has now reversed again over the last week. 

Some major names that have also pulled back in this period include: 

• WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are down 8% in the last 7 days
• Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares are down almost 5% since April 21 
• Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) shares have fallen 4.5%

For investors hoping for a long-term rebound for Aussie tech, a thematic ASX ETF to consider is Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC). 

It provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies across a range of tech-related market segments, including information technology, consumer electronics, online retail, and medical technology.

How to target the ASX 200?

For investors who are more optimistic on a broader market recovery and less interested in targeting individual sectors, there are several ASX ETFs that target the benchmark index. 

Some options include: 

• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)
• iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)

For slightly more diversification but still including the 200 largest companies: 

• Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300)
• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The post After 7 straight days in the red, where is the value for ASX 200 stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It includes the 200 largest Australian companies based on market capitalisation.

The index is also market-cap weighted, meaning bigger companies have more influence on the index's movement

In simple terms: it shows how the top slice of the Australian stock market is performing overall.

Here in Australia, it has a strong weighting towards big banks and mining companies, which make up most of the largest companies. 

Investors often monitor the performance of this index to see how their portfolio compares. 

Many Aussie investors also compare the ASX 200 Index to the benchmark index in the US – the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX). 

The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States.

Unlike the ASX 200, it is weighted heavily towards technology giants like Apple and consumer discretionary stocks like Amazon. 

How do you invest in these markets?

The simplest way for investors to gain exposure to these markets is through ASX ETFs.

If you are looking to track the performance of the ASX 200, two options to consider are: 

• iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)
• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

Meanwhile, for exposure to the S&P 500, investors may consider: 

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (ASX: SPY)

There are also several alternatives to these ASX ETFs that may provide a slightly different focus for investors to consider. 

For example, investors looking for slightly more diversification in the Australian market could consider the Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300). 

As the name suggests, it includes the 300 largest companies rather than the traditional 200. 

Focusing on the US, another popular investment is in the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). 

This index is often referred to as representing the new economy – including 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq in the US. 

My colleague Grace Alvino explains why investors may target this fund instead of the traditional S&P 500 in her article from this morning. 

It's also important to note that investors do not have to decide between one or the other.

Many investors choose to include both US and Australian focused funds in their portfolio.

Which is performing better this year?

So far in 2026, the ASX 200 has increased by approximately 2.7%. 

Considering a fall of 9% during March, it has shown resilience to geopolitical volatility this year. 

Meanwhile in the US, the S&P 500 has increased 1.59%. 

Finally, the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) is currently tracking somewhere in between the two, rising 2.5% year to date. 

The post Has the ASX 200 or S&P 500 been a better investment this year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In years gone by, there were only a handful of index funds available to Australian investors, making the choice, if one had decided to go down the index fund road, easy. However, that is not really the case today. If you are searching for index funds on the ASX, there are now an overwhelming number of options one could go for. This situation, whilst good for the discerning investor, can make life tricky for those just wanting a set-and-forget strategy.

With that in mind, today, let's go through three ASX index funds that I think amount to the best choices our market has to offer a passive investor in 2026.

Three top ASX index funds for passive investing in 2026 and beyond

First up, we have the BetaShares Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300). This ASX index fund tracks the largest 300 stocks listed on the Australian share market. That includes everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

Like most index funds (and the other two we'll discuss in a moment), this fund is weighted by market capitalisation. That means the larger the company, the larger its slice of the index fund pie.

Full disclosure, I own an S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) fund, but it's not A300. This fund only launched in August of last year, and I have held the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) for many years. But A300 would be my choice for new investors, simply because it charges a lower management fee of 0.04% per annum.

Our next fund worth considering is the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This fund is similar in nature to A300. However, instead of holding the ASX's 300 largest stocks, it holds the 500 largest companies in the American markets. That includes big tech titans like Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as other American companies such as ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, Walmart, and General Motors.

I think most ASX investors will benefit from expanding their portfolios beyond Australia's borders, and IVV holds many of the world's best companies. It also charges a management fee of 0.04% per annum.

Last but not least

Finally, investors may wish to consider the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). As its name implies, this ASX index fund represents access to a number of international stock markets. That includes the US, but also Britain, Canada, Japan, Spain, Israel, Singapore, and many others. In addition to IVV's top holdings (which VGS largely shares), this fund's portfolio includes stocks such as Nestle, Toyota, AstraZeneca, and Shell.

If you wanted a US-centric index fund that also grants exposure to a diversified supplementation of advanced economies' markets, VGS is a fabulous option to consider. This ETF charges a management fee of 0.18% per annum.

The post What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX currently has more than 2,000 listed companies to choose from, not to mention access to international stocks as well. 

That's why a base portfolio of a few ASX ETFs can be a great starting point. 

ASX ETFs offer instant diversification in one simple trade. 

This can be especially attractive when the market is experiencing significant volatility, as has occurred over the past couple of weeks.

Current conflict in the Middle East is causing significant fluctuations day to day for many Australian and global blue-chip stocks.

With this uncertainty and volatility likely to continue in the short-term, it is important to have a portfolio spread across various sectors and countries. 

These three funds would make an ideal starting point for a new investor aiming for a broadly diversified portfolio. 

Global X Australia 300 Etf (ASX: A300)

As the name suggests, this fund offers exposure to the 300 largest Australian companies listed on the ASX.

Typically, investors track the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

However, this fund offers exposure to a broader set of companies than the typical 200 Australian companies.

Its largest exposure is to Australia's two largest companies by market cap: 

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). 

These two holdings represent roughly 20% of the fund. 

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

With Australia's market covered by the A300 fund, adding the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF provides a US focus. 

This ASX ETF comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market, and includes many companies that are at the forefront of the new economy.

The NASDAQ 100 is often referred to as the "new economy." 

With its strong focus on technology, NDQ ETF provides diversified exposure to a high-growth potential sector that is under-represented in the Australian sharemarket.

It includes some of the biggest global companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN). 

It has a strong track record, rising 84% over the last 5 years. 

Betashares Global Shares Ex Us Etf (ASX: EXUS)

With bases covered in Australia and the US, this ASX ETF provides a more global outlook. 

It provides exposure to 900+ large and mid-cap companies from 22 developed markets excluding the US and Australia.

Its largest exposure by country is to: 

• Japan (23.8%)
• Britain (13.2%)
• Canada (12.6%). 

With the US historically representing the majority of developed markets, adding exposure outside the US provides both geographic and sector diversification. 

Compared to US focused exposures, EXUS WTF has a higher weighting to sectors such as financials and industrials, and a lower weighting to technology.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for new investors to consider in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Building a globally diversified portfolio doesn't require dozens of holdings or a constant stream of trading decisions. This structure with 5 diversified ETFs is simple, transparent, and built for the long haul.

Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300) 

The foundation starts at home. This ASX ETF provides exposure to the 300 largest companies on the ASX. That means ownership across the full spectrum of Australia's corporate heavyweights.

It includes banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), miners such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), as well as to healthcare leader CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and retail giant Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

A300 is broad, diversified and low cost, making it well suited to anchor roughly 30% of a portfolio in domestic equities.

iShares S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) 

This ASX ETF offers a slightly tighter focus on the 200 largest Australian companies. While there is overlap with A300, IOZ remains one of the lowest-cost ways to gain exposure to the core of the Australian market.

Together, these funds ensure investors capture dividends, franking credits and the performance of Australia's biggest listed businesses.

Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL) 

Global diversification is where long-term growth often accelerates. This Betashares ETF delivers exposure to around 1,500 companies across developed markets.

Investors gain access to global leaders such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), alongside major European and Japanese corporations.

It spreads risk across sectors including technology, healthcare, financials and consumer goods, reducing reliance on any single economy.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HQLT) 

For a sharper tilt toward financially strong businesses, this ASX ETF narrows the field to approximately 150 high-quality global companies selected for strong profitability, stable earnings and solid balance sheets.

The currency hedging back to Australian dollars reduces exchange rate volatility, which can smooth returns over time. This ETF adds a disciplined growth overlay to the global allocation.

SPDR Bloomberg AusBond ETF (ASX: BOND)

No portfolio is complete without a defensive component. BOND ETF invests in a diversified basket of Australian government and investment-grade corporate bonds.

Bonds typically move differently to shares, helping cushion portfolios when equity markets fall. They also provide income, adding stability to overall returns.

Foolish Takeaway

An allocation could look like this: around 30% in Australian equities through A300 and IOZ, approximately 35% in global shares via BGBL and HQLT, with the remaining portion in BOND to provide defensive ballast.

The result is a diversified, low-cost portfolio spanning thousands of companies worldwide, supported by high-quality bonds.

There is no need to predict which individual stock will outperform next year. Instead, investors gain broad exposure to the engines of global growth while maintaining stability through disciplined asset allocation. It's a structure designed to endure market cycles rather than chase them.

The post 5 low-cost ASX ETFs for a global diversified portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The report highlights that this investment class is becoming an increasingly attractive asset option for investors. 

Key takeaways

According to the Global X report, the Australian ETF market grew 34.1% in 2025 and is running at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.3%. 

This growth was driven by over $53 billion in net inflows over the past year, positive market movements, and unlisted funds converting into active ETFs.

Investors poured $5.3 billion in Australian ETFs in the final month of the year, capping off a record breaking 2025 with net inflows totalling $53.3 billion to close out the year, shattering the prior record of $31 billion set in 2024.

But it wasn't just the total investment that broke records. 

For the first time since 2019, 92% of Australian-listed ETFs delivered positive returns. 

These milestones highlight how ETFs have firmly established themselves as mainstream investment vehicles for Australian investors, offering transparency, liquidity and cost efficiency. 

With ETF penetration in Australia still well below international markets, we believe adoption has further room to grow as investors increasingly use ETFs as core portfolio building blocks across asset classes and investment styles.

The report also noted that most Australian ETF investors opt for unhedged currency funds for their global exposure. 

Historically, only 10-15% of global equity ETF allocations have been directed to currency-hedging strategies.

However, according to Global X, in 2025, that share rose. Roughly one in every five dollars flowing into currency-hedged exposures, reflecting a heightened focus on managing currency risk.

December at a glance

The report highlighted that December 2025 was dominated by a powerful surge across precious metals. 

This capped off a year where commodities emerged as the standout investment theme of 2025. 

Gold, silver, platinum and palladium all rallied sharply in the final month, supported by tight supply conditions, resilient central bank demand and growing expectations of easier monetary policy in 2026.

What were the most popular categories in 2025?

The report also shed light on the most heavily sought after sectors in 2025. 

Equity ETFs dominated inflows, capturing about two-thirds of total ETF flows in 2025. 

Of the $35 billion allocated to equity ETFs, $7.3 billion went into broad-based global equity ETFs, making them the most popular category as investors sought low-cost, diversified exposure.

Broad-based Australian equity ETFs ranked second, after leading flows in 2024.

Defensive assets were also significant, with $14 billion allocated to fixed income ETFs. Global diversified fixed income ETFs had a particularly strong December, boosted by a large model portfolio rotation, contributing to $2.1 billion in inflows for the year.

Liquid alternatives regained momentum, with commodity ETFs attracting over $2 billion in net inflows. Their share of total flows was the highest since 2020, reflecting renewed interest in diversification, inflation hedging, and real assets.

How to target these sectors?

For investors looking for exposure to these sectors, there are plenty of ASX ETFs to consider. 

Amongst thematic ASX ETFs, Global X identified the following as the fastest growing: 

• Global X China Tech Etf (ASX: DRGN)
• Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)
• Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: GHLD). 

For global equities, popular ASX ETFs to consider include: 

• Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

For broad-based Australian Shares: 

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)
• Global X Australia 300 Etf (ASX: A300). 

The post Why Aussies are pouring into ASX ETFs at a record pace appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These include Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC) and Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI).

ASX DTEC, which returned 64% to investors last year, is benefiting from a major increase in worldwide defence spending.

This includes a commitment made last year by the 32 NATO nations to raise their spending from 2% to 5% of GDP over the next decade.

SEMI ETF, which returned 56% in 2025, is leveraging the artificial intelligence (AI) investment theme, as the world's next generation of innovative technology will require semiconductors to power it.

How much will Global X ETF investors receive?

We have summarised the dividend amounts and dividend reinvestment prices (DRPs), rounded to two decimal places.

The post Own DTEC or SEMI ETFs? Here's why it's a big day for you appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These include Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE), which exposes investors to copper shares all over the world.

ASX WIRE has tailwinds due to a 37% lift in the copper price over the past year, as global demand increases due to the energy transition.

It also includes Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC), which has had a stellar run since inception in October 2024.

ASX DTEC is leveraging a massive increase in worldwide defence spending amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Global X reveals next lot of dividends for ASX ETFs

We have summarised the dividend amounts and dividend reinvestment prices (DRPs), rounded to two decimal places.

Global X will pay investors this Friday, 16 January.

The post Global X announces dividends for DTEC, WIRE and other ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This has been reflected in the investor activity throughout November. Data shows there has been a surge in small-cap investing amongst ETF investors. 

Outperforming the blue-chips

The Global X Market Scoop report stated that Australian equity ETFs with a size-tilt experienced a notable surge in net flows during November. This reflects growing investor interest in diversifying beyond the large-cap-dominated landscape.

According to the report, after several years in which large caps, such as banks, led market returns, attention is increasingly shifting to smaller and mid-sized companies.

These can offer potential for outsized growth and portfolio broadening. 

Global X said the trend underscores that investors may be looking to capture opportunities across the full spectrum of the Australian equity market rather than concentrating solely on the mega-cap heavyweights.

Whether investors are aiming for the top 300 Australian companies rather than just the top 200, or focusing exclusively on smaller companies, small-caps could be making a comeback.

So far in 2025, these shares have outperformed their large-cap counterparts by 14%. This marks the best relative outperformance in nearly 16 years.

Attracting investor capital 

Global X said this renewed focus has coincided with the launch of several new, more active ETFs targeting small and mid segments. 

This provides investors with targeted exposure and more flexible management strategies. 

For example, the Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300) was launched in August this year. 

As these products gain traction, small and mid-cap ETFs are beginning to attract capital, suggesting the potential for a rotation or at least a complementary role alongside traditional large-cap allocations.

In November 2025, record inflows of approximately $272 million were seen into Australian small-cap ETFs, underscoring a growing investor appetite for the segment.

How to target small-caps

There are funds that track the 300 largest companies on the ASX, like the previously mentioned Global X Australia 300 ETF or the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). 

These give you more access to mid and smaller companies outside the top 200.

However, they do still include a large weighting towards blue-chip stocks. 

For a more specific focus and to avoid crossover into large-cap stocks, there are other ASX ETFs to consider: 

• Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO) – Tracks roughly 180 small-cap companies
• BetaShares Australian Small Companies Select Fund (ASX: SMLL) – Invests in a portfolio typically between 50-100 small-cap stocks that are generally within the 91-350 largest by market cap

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