Here are four examples.

Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS)

The MNRS ETF gave a total return, including dividends, of 149% last year.

MNRS tracks the Nasdaq Global ex-Australia Gold Miners Hedged AUD Index.

The MNRS ETF invests in 56 gold shares, with 44% in Canada, 14% in the US, 13% in South Africa, and 8% in Brazil.

Its largest holding is Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM), which has CDIs listed on the ASX as Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM).

Newmont CDI shares are the only Aussie representation in the fund.

This ASX ETF has total net assets of $301 million and a management fee of 0.57%.

MNRS ETF is $20.01 per unit, up 2.62% today.

VanEck Gold Miners AUD ETF (ASX: GDX)

The GDX ETF gave a total return of 139% last year.

The GDX ETF invests in 93 shares, with 44% in Canada, 20% in the US, 11% in Australia, and 6% in China.

The biggest holding is Newmont shares, and it's also invested in Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

This ETF has total net assets of $1.9 billion and a 0.53% fee.

GDX ETF is $166.60 per unit, up 2.21% today.

Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG)

The ETPMAG ETF delivered 133% returns last year.

This ETF simply tracks the silver price, so it pays no dividends.

The silver price ripped 147% higher last year. But get this: as of today, the commodity is up 272% year over year. It's nuts!

Silver is a key input for solar panels, electric vehicles, data centres, and modern tech equipment such as smartphones and laptops.

The commodity was added to the US Critical Minerals list in November due to a global shortage and rising demand.

ETPMAG is backed by physical silver. Each physical bar is segregated, individually identified, and allocated.

This ASX ETF has total net assets of $2 billion and a 0.49% fee.

ETPMAG ETF is $154.99 per unit, up 1.77% at the time of writing.

Global X is further capturing silver's run by launching a brand-new ETF this week, the Global X Silver Miners ETF (ASX: SLVM). 

Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT)

The ETPMPT ETF gave a total return of 109% last year.

Like gold and silver, platinum is flying. The metal's price rose 125% in CY25 and is currently up 170% over 12 months.

Platinum is one of six metals in the Platinum Group Elements (PMEs).

PMEs are on the critical minerals lists of many countries, including the US and Australia.

Platinum is primarily used in the automotive industry. It's in the catalytic converters that reduce a vehicle's emissions.

ETPMPT is also backed by physical platinum, with segregated, individually identified, and allocated bars.

This ASX ETF has total net assets of $123 million and a 0.49% fee.

ETPMPT ETF is $359.07 per unit, up 1.05% today.

The post 4 ASX ETFs that produced 110% to 150% returns in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It is a scarce metal, scarcer even than gold, as it happens. Additionally, it shares many of the same qualities as gold, including invulnerability to wear and corrosion, and stable electrical properties. Like silver (and unlike gold), platinum also has extensive industrial applications, most notably in the catalytic converters found in most vehicles these days.

A year ago today, platinum was going for US$969 per ounce. Today, that same ounce is worth US$1,944 at the time of writing, a 12-month gain worth just over 100%. So platinum has outpaced gold as an investment over this period.

As such, many investors might wish to know how one actually buys platinum. As with silver, there are two methods one can employ if they wish to invest in this lesser-known precious metal.

How to buy platinum as an investment in 2026

Bullion: Bars and coins

The first method is also the most straightforward. Investors can buy physical platinum bullion in either coin or bar form. Like gold or silver, platinum bullion is readily available from most precious metal dealerships. The range of options is far narrower than its more popular cousins, but many prominent mints issue their flagship products in platinum form.

As with gold and silver bullion, many investors might regard physical ownership as the purest and most legitimate way to invest in this precious metal. But platinum bullion also carries some of the same risks. Investors will have to pay a hefty premium over the spot price for their bars or coins when purchasing. Additionally, there are transportation, storage, and insurance costs to consider.

That's why the second method might appeal to some investors more.

Buy a platinum ETF

Again, as with gold and silver, investors also have the option of using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to buy platinum. A platinum ETF works in a similar manner to a gold ETF. The fund owns a physical store of platinum bullion, with its units representing an ownership stake of said store. Investors then indirectly invest in this store by buying or selling those units, which should rise and fall in value alongside the raw price of platinum itself.

Unlike gold, though, the options on the ASX are fairly limited for would-be platinum investors. The only real option investors have is the Global X Physical Platinum ETF (ASX: ETPMPT). This ETF holds a valuable stockpile of platinum in a London vault, with units of the fund representing this stockpile. Like the Metal itself, ETPMPT units have surged in value over the past 12 months.

An ETF like this one means investors can invest in (and out of) platinum as easily as shares, without having to take custody of physical metal itself.

This doesn't come free, though. The Global X Physical Platinum ETF charges a management fee of 0.49% per annum for its services.

The post Want to buy platinum in 2026? Here are 2 ways to do it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Access to global markets is one of the reasons Australians sank a net $53 billion into ETFs last year, up 75% on 2024.

There is now $331 billion invested across 423 ETFs on the market, according to Betashares data.

The Australian Securities Exchange has just released the full-year performance data for ASX ETFs in 2025.

Here, we look at the six ETFs holding international shares that delivered the best total returns last year.

Top 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares

The green energy transition and strongly rising commodity prices were the key themes across the top six ETFs for 2025.

1. Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF — Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS)

MNRS ETF was the best-performing ETF holding international shares last year.

The Global Gold Miners ETF delivered an astounding total return of 155.87%. The historical distribution yield is 0.2%.

MNRS was pushed higher by the surging gold price, which propelled gold mining stocks worldwide.

The gold price rose 65% in 2025, its greatest annual rise in more than four decades, after a 27% gain in 2024.

This ETF's currency hedging proved very valuable in 2025 as the USD weakened against the AUD. We explain the impact here.

MNRS ETF is $18.04 per unit on Thursday, down 4.25%.

2. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)

The VanEck Gold Miners ETF delivered a similarly stunning return of 143.76%. The historical distribution yield is 0.48%.

GDX ETF is $150.60 per unit, down 5.9% at the time of writing.

3. Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG)

The ETPMAG ETF delivered a remarkable return of 132.84% with no dividends paid.

The silver price skyrocketed in 2025 by a staggering 147% due to tighter supply and demand.

Silver is a key input in solar panels, electric vehicles, and AI infrastructure like data centres due to its superior conductivity to copper.

Technology manufacturers also use silver to build circuits, connectors, and to solder metals in smartphones and laptops.

The commodity was added to the US Critical Minerals list in November.

ETPMAG ETF is $123.67 per unit, down 4% at the time of writing.

4. Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT)

The ETPMPT ETF more than doubled in value with a total return of 109.49%. No dividends were paid.

Platinum is one of six metals in the Platinum Group Elements (PMEs).

PMEs are on the critical minerals lists of many countries, including the US, Australia, Europe, the UK, India, and Japan.

Platinum is used in catalytic converters in low-emissions cars, aerospace alloys, chemical refining, and petroleum processing .

ETPMPT ETF is $323 per unit, down 3.6% today.

5. Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

The XMET ETF delivered a fantastic one-year return of 100.47%. The historical distribution yield is 0.19%.

XMET ETF is $17.49 per unit, down 2.4%.

6. Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL)

The GMTL ETF produced an impressive total return of 81.01%. The historical distribution yield is 0.19%.

GMTL ETF is $15.23 per unit, up 0.2%.

Further reading

Check out the six best-performing ETFs holding ASX shares for 2025.

The post Astronomical returns: Best 6 ASX ETFs holding international shares for 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While Global X does offer broader index tracking funds, it has made a name for itself by offering targeted, thematic funds. 

In 2025, it released 7 new funds to the market, to take its total tally to 48. 

Looking at the year in total, the best-performing Global X funds give a great insight into the sectors that emerged as winners. 

Here are the best-performing ASX ETFs from Global X this year. 

Silver and Platinum 

The two best-performing ASX ETFs this year were actually those tracking silver and platinum prices.

Rather than tracking a group of companies, these funds give investors a way to gain exposure to these commodities without having to buy the physical version. 

These two funds were the Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG) and the Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT). 

They are designed to generate returns that correspond with the silver and platinum prices, excluding fees and expenses.

These two funds rose by approximately 136% and 147% respectively. 

The success of these funds showcases the boom for these commodities in 2025. 

In fact, silver surged past $80 an ounce on Monday, propelled by strong industrial and investment demand. 

Similarly, platinum has surged by about 180% since the start of January to more than US$2,500 an ounce.

Despite the niche focus, the Physical Silver Structured fund from Global X is actually its second-largest ASX ETF by assets under management (AUM).

Next best ASX ETF for 2025

The next best performing ASX ETF from Global X was the Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL). 

The fund provides exposure to global companies that produce critical metals for clean energy infrastructure and technologies.

These metals include lithium, copper, nickel, and cobalt.

It gives investors the chance to gain exposure to structural tailwinds. These are backed by government and corporate clean energy transition initiatives.

The fund has risen by almost 80% in 2025. 

At the time of writing, it is made up of 49 holdings. Its largest geographical exposure being to companies based in: 

• China (35.6%)
• Canada (16.7%)
• USA (12.2%)
• Australia (10.9%) 

The post The best performing Global X ASX ETFs this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

So far this year, bullion has delivered more than 50 new all-time highs, adding another record this week after smashing through US$4,500 an ounce.

Overall, the gold price has now climbed by about 73% since the start of January.

Not surprisingly, it has comfortably outpaced the broader market with the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) up by 7% during the same period.

In turn, leading ASX 200 gold miners have been major beneficiaries from the price surge.

For example, shares in the world's biggest gold producer Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) have soared by more than 160% since early January.

Fellow gold mining heavyweight Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has also delivered similar gains.

However, despite dominating headlines, gold has not been the top-performing metal in 2025.

In fact, two other precious metals have handsomely outpaced the gold price since the start of January.

Below, we take a closer look at these surging metals and how ASX investors could potentially gain exposure through exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Platinum

Platinum is a rare metal best known for its use in jewellery.

However, its unique physical and chemical characteristics also play a key role in industrial sectors, including medical, electronic, automobile, defence, and aerospace.

Notably, 2025 marks the third year in a row where the platinum market has been in a supply deficit.

Against this backdrop, the platinum price has surged by about 180% since the start of January to more than US$2,500 an ounce.

However, investors seeking exposure to this rally have limited options on the ASX.

One practical solution could be the Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT) ETF.

This ASX ETF is designed to generate returns that correspond with the platinum price, excluding fees and expenses.

Its shares have rocketed by 150% in 2025, reaching $339.99 apiece at the time of writing.

Silver

Silver is typically known for its use in jewellery, coins, and as bullion stored in vaults.

But this narrative is rapidly changing.

Silver also boasts superior electrical and thermal conductivity, making the metal an important component in solar panels, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics.

Since the start of the year, the silver price has climbed by about 188%, reaching new all-time highs just this week after breaking through US$80 per ounce.

Like with platinum, one avenue for exposure to the soaring silver price is through an ASX ETF, namely the Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG) ETF.

This ASX ETF aims to generate returns that mirror the silver spot price in Australian dollars, minus the fees. 

Shares in this ASX ETF are changing hands at $110.22 apiece at the time of writing, up by 153% just this year.

The post Forget gold! Meet the 2 metals up by +150% in 2025 and the ASX ETFs riding the wave appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Just last week, the precious metal reached all-time highs after smashing through the US$3,700 per ounce barrier for the first time.

And overall, the gold price has now surged by about 44% since the start of January.

It has also outpaced the broader market by a wide distance, with the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) rising by 7.3% over the same period.

So, it comes as little surprise that gold's meteoric rise continues to make the headlines in mainstream financial press.

However, gold isn't the only sheriff in town.

Three other metals with a growing importance in the global economy have outperformed the gold price so far this year.

Let's take a closer look at the significance of these skyrocketing metals and how investors could potentially gain exposure.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the rarest metals in the world, typically known for its use in jewellery.

However, its unique physical and chemical characteristics make the metal applicable in a wide range of industrial settings.

More specifically, it is also used in the medical, electronic, automobile, defence, and aerospace sectors.

Notably, 2025 marks the third year in a row where the platinum market is facing a supply deficit.

And the platinum price has comfortably outpaced the gold price since the start of January, rocketing by about 77% to surpass US$1,500 per ounce.

Now, investors seeking exposure to this scarce metal have limited options on the ASX.

One practical solution could be the Global X Physical Platinum Structured (ASX: ETPMPT) exchange traded fund (ETF).

This ETF provides access to physical platinum without the need to personally store the bullion.

Since the start of the year, shares in this ASX ETF have rocketed by about 60% to $218.25 apiece at Friday's close.

Silver

Silver is another metal outshining the gold price in 2025.

The metal is typically known for its use in jewellery, coins, tableware, or as bullion stored in vaults.

But this narrative is changing with silver fast becoming renowned for its modern-day industrial applications.

In essence, its superior electrical and thermal conductivity make silver a core component in solar panels and consumer electronics.

And since the start of the year, the silver price has rocketed by about 60% to surpass US$46 per ounce.

Now, there are no dedicated silver miners on the ASX 200.

But one avenue for exposure to the metal is through the Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG) ETF.

This ASX ETF aims to generate returns that mirror the silver spot price in Australian dollars, minus fees. 

Its shares have jumped by 45% in 2025, reaching $63.17 apiece at the close of business on Friday.

Neodymium

Neodymium is a rare earth metal that is also outperforming the gold price in 2025.

In a nutshell, rare earths consist of 17 elements used in a wide range of industries such as clean energy, automotive technology, consumer electronics, and robotics.

And of particular importance are neodymium and praseodymium.

These two elements are key ingredients in permanent magnets that power electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, e-bikes, and consumer electronics.

And shining the brightest is neodymium, with its price rising 58% higher since the new year.

As far as the ASX goes, arguably the standout option for neodymium exposure is Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).

Lynas operates the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia which is considered one of the world's premier rare earth deposits.

It also owns one of the world's largest rare earths processing facilities in Malaysia, where it produces separated rare earth materials for export to international markets.

And recently, the company unveiled a new five-year growth strategy.

It involves scaling its rare earths output at Mt Weld, including the production of a higher-grade neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) concentrate.

The group is also looking to increase its downstream processing capacity in Malaysia by growing its NdPr output to 12,000 tonnes per annum.

Such plans could bode well for the company's future should a favourable pricing environment remain for neodymium.

Lynas has already had a stellar run in 2025 with its shares skyrocketing by 159% to $16.90 apiece at the end of last week.

The post Revealed: 3 strategic metals outperforming the record-breaking gold price and how to get on the action appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.