Cryptocurrency ASX ETFs out of favour

In fact, the best-performing ETF from 2025, the Digital Bitcoin ETF (ASX: BTXX), was the worst performer for 2026, swinging from a 95.5% return to a 48.4% fall.

The Van Eck Bitcoin ETF (ASX: VBTC) also performed poorly, swinging from a 76.5% return in 2025 – putting it in third place overall – to a 48% fall in 2026, placing it 384^th out of 387 ETFs in 2026.

Video gaming ETFs also performed poorly in 2026 after a strong 2025, while gold ETFs, which took out five of the top 10 places in the 2025 ETF rankings, held up well.

InvestSMART said:

Gold miners were the standouts. The Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF (ASX: MNRS) returned 49.0%, while the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) gained 42.3%. They were the only ETFs from last year's top 10 to remain among the top 25 performers. The three gold bullion ETFs also remained in positive territory, returning about 15%, although all slipped outside the top 100.

AI the name of the game for ASX ETFs performance last financial year

When it comes to the 2026 results, AI and technology ETFs shone, along with critical minerals.

InvestSMART said:

Two words capture the clearest theme among many of the top performers: artificial intelligence. Much of that strength came through semiconductor exposure. Chips form the foundation of AI, and South Korea and Taiwan are among Asia's leaders in the industry. South Korea is a global leader in AI memory chips, led by Samsung and SK Hynix, while Taiwan is home to TSMC, whose second-quarter revenue rose 33.7% year on year to US$40.2 billion. This goes a long way to explaining why the top two performers – iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) and Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) – notched up extraordinary annual returns of 170.8% and 160.8%, respectively.

The Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) was the third-best performer, followed by Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA) and Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET).  

Rounding out the top 10 were the Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE), Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL), Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC), iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA), and VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: HVLU).

The most popular ETF in 2026 was the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) with $3.8 billion in funds inflows.

The post What were the best and worst-performing ASX ETFs in 2026? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The best performing ASX ETF holding global stocks delivered a 171% total return in FY26.

This compares with the best performing Aussie-stock-based ETF, which returned an excellent, but still vastly inferior, 51%.

Of course, that doesn't mean we shouldn't invest in ASX shares.

In some years, the ASX will outperform. In others, global stocks — particularly the US markets in recent years — will outperform.

But the FY26 disparity in performance does show the value of diversification in our share portfolios.

Thankfully, ASX ETFs allow us to easily invest in overseas stocks via our local exchange.

Diversification, convenience, and low costs are among the reasons why Aussies have ploughed $372 billion into ETFs over the years.

The providers are responding to the ongoing increase in demand by launching new products.

A record 72 new ASX ETFs began trading in FY26, and there are now 458 in total to choose from.

ASX ETFs that produced triple-digit returns in FY26

Full-year data released by the Australian Securities Exchange shows only three ASX ETFs provided triple-digit returns last financial year.

Let's find out more about them.

iShares MSCI South Korea AUD ETF (ASX: IKO)

The IKO ETF delivered a sensational one-year total return of 171%. The historical distribution yield is 4.6%.

This month, IKO ETF paid the biggest dollar-value dividend of all of BlackRock's iShares ETFs at $13.98 per unit.

IKO ETF seeks to mirror the tech-heavy MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, providing exposure to Korean large caps and mid caps.

The top two holdings are memory chip manufacturer SK HYNIX INC (27%) and consumer electronics and semiconductor manufacturer Samsung Electronics (23%).

This ASX ETF's success in FY26 is directly linked to the massive artificial intelligence (AI) investment thematic.

In BlackRock's mid-year review, Helen Jewell, International Chief Investment Officer for Fundamental Equities, said the US may dominate AI investment, but there are "real opportunities to invest in mega force value chains and find diversification elsewhere".

Jewell said countries like South Korea "have become proxies for the AI mega force", but warns that geographic diversification in our portfolios does not protect against concentration risk when multiple markets are tied to the same value chain.

She explains:

Investors should watch country-level concentration risk.

Case in point: Taiwan and South Korea equities are plays on the chips value chain, with equity markets that are large relative to GDP and heavily exposed to a handful of AI-linked companies.

IKO ETF demonstrates this risk.

While it holds 82 stocks representative of the South Korean market, the top two represent 50% of the fund's total investment.

Additionally, more than 50% of those 82 companies are in the technology sector.

Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

The SEMI ETF produced an astounding one-year total return of 161%. The historical distribution yield is 6.2%.

Like IKO, SEMI is also directly linked to the AI thematic.

Semiconductors, which control electrical currents in computer chips, are essential for AI and are present in many everyday devices like smartphones.

SEMI ETF's top holdings are Micron Technology (12%), which designs and manufactures memory and storage chips; Advanced Micro Devices (10%), which designs processors and graphics chips; Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (8%), the world's leading contract manufacturer of semiconductor chips; and Nvidia (8%), which designs graphics processors and AI chips.

Global X says Aussie investors need to go outside the local bourse to access the AI investment thematic.  

In an article, Global X said:

This year, share markets in the United States, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have delivered strong gains as investors pour money into companies building the technology that powers AI.

Computer chip manufacturers, data centre operators and technology firms have become some of the world's most valuable businesses as demand for AI continues to surge.

Australia's share market looks very different.

The ASX is dominated by banks, miners and mature dividend-paying companies. These businesses remain important and can play a valuable role in a portfolio, but they generally have less direct exposure to the AI boom than many of their overseas counterparts.

As a result, investors who focus exclusively on Australian shares may be missing out on one of the most significant growth opportunities in global markets.

Global X Hydrogen AUD ETF (ASX: HGEN)

The HGEN ETF produced an outstanding total one-year return of 135% in FY26. The historical distribution yield is 0.7%.

HGEN invests in companies within the global hydrogen industry.

Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in the global green energy transition.

Global X explains the ASX ETF's thesis:

The global demand for hydrogen is expected to nearly double between 2021 and 2030.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells produce zero direct emissions, meaning broader adoption could result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

The shift to green energy isn't confined to a single sector or region. HGEN invests accordingly, with global exposure across multiple industries.

This includes companies involved in hydrogen production; the integration of hydrogen into energy systems; and the development/manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and other technologies related to the utilisation of hydrogen as an energy source.

The top holding is Bloom Energy (15%), a US company that designs and manufactures solid oxide fuel cells that produce on-site electricity for power generation in data centres, manufacturing, and other commercial sectors.

The next two top holdings are Kaori Heat Treatment Co (9%), a Taiwanese company that manufactures heat exchangers and thermal management systems; and Plug Power (8%), a US company that develops hydrogen fuel cell systems, electrolysers, and hydrogen infrastructure for industrial and transport applications.  

The post 3 ASX ETFs that delivered triple-digit returns in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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.

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.

The post 6 best international ASX ETFs of FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

According to the report, the Australian ETF industry closed the financial year at a record $372 billion in funds under management, with $400 billion now firmly in sight. 

Net flows of $30 billion for the half matched the entirety of 2024, while AI-driven tech exposures led performance.

Market insights 

According to the report, global equity markets rallied through the first half of 2026, powered by evidence that AI capital expenditure is starting to convert into profit. 

Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic all reported AI revenue run rates up more than 100% year on year, while Nvidia and the major memory makers, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, were the clearest beneficiaries of the compute build-out. 

Asian semiconductor markets captured this directly, with North Asian chipmakers driving the MSCI Emerging Markets Index to the strongest returns of any major market, even as an Iran-triggered oil spike and a US$1.5 trillion software sell-off tested the rally's nerve during the half. 

Domestically, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) managed just 2.4% over the same six months, the weakest of the major developed markets. 

Three RBA rate hikes in the half pushed inflation and unemployment back into focus, rewarding income and value over growth. 

Materials carried the bulk of the market's earnings growth, benefiting from elevated iron ore and gold prices and from critical mineral demand driven by the AI rollout. 

The May budget's proposed removal of the CGT discount added further uncertainty for households already absorbing higher borrowing costs, and the combination has weighed on consumer sentiment through the half. 

Performance – Half Year 2026

The Betashares Australian ETF Review revealed that the half-year performance was led by semiconductors, with AI-related hardware demand driving standout returns over the period. 

South Korea's technology-heavy market also featured prominently, alongside broader Asian technology exposure, reinforcing a theme of innovation-driven outperformance. 

Hydrogen and clean energy themes made a strong showing, pointing to renewed appetite for energy transition plays. 

Crude oil rounded out the top five, with prices driven sharply higher by the Middle East conflict and resulting disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

Top 5 performing funds for the half year to June 2026: 

• Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) rose almost 102%
• iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) climbed 94%
• Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) rose 70% 
• Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA) increased by 59%
• BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF – Currency Hedged (Synthetic) (ASX: OOO) rose over 44%

The post The ASX ETF market is set for a record year – Here are the best performers so far in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Index tracking ETFs, such as those that seek to replicate the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), for example, are popular; however, if you're looking for outsized gains, it can pay to look further afield into sectors that have strong economic tailwinds behind them.

While past performance is no guarantee of future performance, let's have a look at three such funds that have done well over the past year.

Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN)

This ETF is a relatively small one, with just $45 million in assets under management.

The fund aims to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the advancement of the global hydrogen industry.

The fund's website adds:

This includes companies involved in hydrogen production; the integration of hydrogen into energy systems; and the development/manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and other technologies related to the utilisation of hydrogen as an energy source.

The fund has returned 98.5% over the past year after falling back 5.2% over the past month.

Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

This fund "seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors''.

This is a much larger fund, with $1.1 billion in funds under management.

Some of the fund's top holdings include Micron Technology, SK Hynix, Nvidia, and Intel.

This fund has returned 136.4% over the past year and 83.5% year to date.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

This fund aims to track an index providing exposure to global companies in the energy transition metals field – think metals such as lithium, copper, nickel, and graphite.

The fund's website says:

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions is driving growth in a range of disruptive products and processes such as renewable energy generation, battery storage solutions, and electric vehicles, all of which are critically dependent on the select group of energy transition metals that XMET provides exposure to.

The fund's top holdings include PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC).

This fund has returned 83.9% over the past year.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that have returned better than 80% over the past year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That sole flagbearer for hydrogen technology is the aptly-named Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN). This ETF pretty much does what it says on the tin. It offers ASX investors exposure, through the tracking of the Solactive Global Hydrogen ESG Index, to some of the leading companies in the production, development and commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

Hydrogen remains an area of interest for investors looking to harness the next generation of energy infrastructure. It has potential applications that range from fuel-cell batteries to the production of green steel and ammonia, and even potentially nuclear fusion.

HGEN's portfolio is truly international. US stocks make up just under 38% of the portfolio, with South Korea contributing another 19%. Other countries that are present include Taiwan, Britain, Belgium, and Japan.

This hydrogen ETF counts the likes of Bloom Energy, Kaori Heat, Doosan Fuel Cell, Plug Power, Screen Holdings, Ceres Power, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction as top holdings.

But let's talk performance.

How has this ASX hydrogen ETF delivered 155% in 12 months?

As you may have gleaned from the headline, this ASX hydrogen ETF has exploded in value over the past 12 months. HGEN units alone were going for just $4.82 each this time last year. At the time of writing, those same units are worth $12.31. That's a rise worth more than 155%.

Year to date in 2026, the Global X Hydrogen ETF has gained an equally impressive 74.6%.

It seems that top holding Bloom Energy is mostly to thank for this incredible performance. This US-listed fuel cell manufacturer has exploded about 1,430% higher over the past 12 months, and by 233% in 2026 to date.

HGEN's performance has been a little more muted if we zoom out, however. As of 17 June, this ETF has delivered an average of 201.2% per annum over the past three years. Since its inception in 2021, we are looking at a return of just 4.3% per annum.

Even so, no doubt many HGEN investors won't mind, given the stonking returns of the past 12 months (and respectable ones from the past three years).

Let's see what happens with HGEN over the rest of 2026 and beyond.

The Global X Hydrogen ETF charges a management fee of 0.69% per annum.

The post This ASX hydrogen ETF is up 155% in 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Saying that, if you are looking for an ETF that offers up a dividend yield greater than 4% today, your choices are far more nuanced. In fact, only a handful of funds still offer yields of that size. Even the broad-based index funds, long famed for their fat dividends, aren't in that ballpark. VAS, for example, currently trades on a trailing yield of 3.14% (as of yesterday's closing price).

That's why, if you're an investor who prioritises maximising dividend cash flow above all else, you may wish to consider the VanEck Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB) today.

This is a very simple ASX ETF. As its name implies, MVB gives investors access to an underlying portfolio of ASX bank shares. It keeps things simple, with just seven bank stocks in its portfolio at present. As one might expect, the big four are all there, and take up a lot of room.

Which ASX bank shares are in this dividend ETF?

As it currently stands, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are at the top of the pile, taking up about 20% of MVB's portfolio. ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) is next, contributing 19.9%, followed by Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)'s 18.9%.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) accounts for a further 17%.

Then we have two of the ASX's smaller bank shares. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) and Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) are the smallest holdings in the VanEck Australian Banks ETF.

That's six. So what about number seven? Well, that would be the ASX's 'fifth bank', the millionaire's factory, also more formally known as Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG). Macquarie, although not a pure bank, is MVB's largest holding, making up 21.4% of the entire portfolio.

As such, the VanEck Australian Banks ETF can be thought of as a 'seven-for-the-price-of-one' investment in the Australian financial sector.

But let's talk dividends.

Over the past 12 months, investors have received four dividend distributions from MVB. These total $2.19 per unit. At the last MVB unit price of $42.52, that gives the VanEck Australian Banks ETF a trailing dividend distribution yield of 5.15%. Those came with an average franking level of 91%.

There's no guarantee buying MVB units today will secure you that kind of yield going forward, of course. No ASX dividend share or ETF can promise that. However, given the high levels of income ASX bank shares tend to pay out, I'd be surprised if this ETF didn't remain a reliable source of income for the foreseeable future.

The post This ASX bank ETF has a 5.2% dividend yield right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Common themes stretch from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to clean energy and healthcare innovation. 

The advantage of utilising ASX ETFs is the ability to target a theme without having to pick individual winners. 

By providing diversified exposure to entire industries or emerging megatrends, these funds can help investors position their portfolios for future growth while reducing the company-specific risks that come with backing a single stock.

There are several thematic ASX ETFs that hit new 52-week highs on Monday. 

Monitoring these funds can be a great way to identify emerging trends and winning themes across global markets. 

Here are three funds investors should be monitoring after hitting new record highs yesterday. 

Betashares Capital – Betashares Climate Change Innovation ETF (ASX: ERTH)

This ASX ETF rose almost 2% yesterday to hit its highest point in the last year. 

It is now up 24% in the last 12 months. 

The fund aims to track the performance of an index that comprises a portfolio of up to 100 leading global companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and services that help to address climate change and other environmental problems through the reduction or avoidance of CO2 emissions. 

This covers clean energy providers, along with leading companies tackling green transport, waste management, sustainable product development, and improved energy efficiency and storage.

It could be an ideal choice for investors looking to target ESG investing, prioritising companies having a positive environmental impact. 

Vaneck Msci International Value (Aud Hedged) ETF (ASX: HVLU)

Value investing has reemerged as a successful strategy in 2026. 

Inflation pressure, a strong US economic growth outlook and compelling valuations are all pointing towards classic signs of a value market. 

This ASX ETF has been a beneficiary of these economic conditions, rising more than 22% year to date. 

The fund gives investors a diversified portfolio of 250 international developed market large- and mid-cap companies. These companies all have high value scores as calculated by MSCI at each rebalance.

The high value score is based on: 

• price to book value
• price to forward earnings
• enterprise value to cash flow from operations.

Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN)

This ASX ETF continued its stellar run yesterday, climbing 2% higher to take its year to date gain to over 85%. 

The fund seeks to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the advancement of the global hydrogen industry. 

This includes companies involved in hydrogen production; the integration of hydrogen into energy systems; and the development/manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and other technologies related to the utilisation of hydrogen as an energy source.

The post 3 of the hottest thematic ASX ETFs for investors to target this week  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Australia, with its vast renewable energy resources and proximity to energy-hungry Asian markets, has positioned itself as a potential global leader in green hydrogen exports.

But after a difficult 2025, which saw dozens of major projects cancelled or delayed globally and production costs stubbornly high, ASX investors may be asking whether now is the right time to capture this theme.

Why the near-term picture is challenging

Green hydrogen has had a rough time of late.

The product currently costs significantly more to produce than fossil fuel alternatives.

Until the cost of renewable electricity falls further and electrolyser technology scales, green hydrogen will struggle to compete on price in most markets.

Investors who bought into the hype in 2021 and 2022 have learned this the hard way.

But the long-term case remains intact

Yet despite the doom and gloom, there is reason to be optimistic.

The global green hydrogen market was valued at US$9.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$134.86 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 56.75%.

Australia has signed export agreements with Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

These markets all face structural energy insecurity and are actively seeking clean hydrogen imports.

Furthermore, Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy, backed by funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, continues to invest in bringing production costs down through scale.

The question for investors may not therefore be whether green hydrogen has a future, but which ASX stocks offer the best exposure.

Fortescue

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) offers the most direct large-cap ASX exposure to green hydrogen through its Fortescue Energy division.

This division is pursuing a series of large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia projects across multiple continents.

The company has committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across all its operations by 2030.

This target requires it to produce and consume significant volumes of green hydrogen itself.

The company's balance sheet, backed by its iron ore earnings, gives it the financial capacity to stay in the game longer than any pure-play hydrogen developer.

For investors, Fortescue offers a way to gain green hydrogen optionality while being underwritten by a profitable, cash-generative iron ore business.

Woodside

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) takes a more pragmatic approach to the hydrogen opportunity.

The company pursues both blue hydrogen projects using carbon capture and storage as a near-term bridge, and green hydrogen development as a longer-term ambition.

Its H2Perth project aims to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for export from Western Australia, leveraging the state's abundant solar and wind resources.

Woodside's financial strength, with operating revenue of US$3.26 billion in Q1 2026, gives it the capacity to fund long-dated hydrogen development alongside its core LNG business without straining the balance sheet.

In that sense, Woodside represents a more conservative and diversified way to access the theme.

Global X Hydrogen ETF

For investors who want broader exposure to the global hydrogen value chain without picking individual companies, the Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) is a great ASX-listed option.

The fund invests in companies globally across hydrogen production, fuel cell development, and hydrogen infrastructure, and has delivered remarkable gains in the past 12 months.

That recovery reflects growing investor optimism that the cost curve for green hydrogen is beginning to inflect downward, even if commercial viability at scale remains a few years away.

Foolish Takeaway

For patient investors, Australia's advantages in renewable energy production make it one of the most credible potential green hydrogen exporters.

FMG and WDS offer diversified exposure with strong balance sheets as a backstop.

HGEN, on the other hand, provides a higher-risk, higher-reward way to invest in the entire global hydrogen value chain.

The post Is green hydrogen still Australia's next great opportunity? Here is what ASX investors need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Australian ETF Review shows that the diversification of ASX ETFs is attracting more and more investors every month, particularly into international funds.

After a turbulent few months, global markets staged a strong rebound in April, helping push the Australian ETF industry to a new record of $346 billion in funds under management. Combined with another month of net inflows exceeding $5 billion, the industry recorded its third largest monthly gain in history.

April overview

According to Betashares, the Australian ETF industry set a new record in April, reaching $346 billion in funds under management following another month of inflows exceeding $5 billion. 

Strong flows, combined with a rebound in global markets, drove the third largest single-month dollar gain in the industry's history.

International equities was the standout asset class for the month, capturing nearly half of all inflows at $2.6 billion – reflecting strong performance across global markets. 

Australian equities and fixed income followed in second and third place respectively.

Market insights 

Hugh Lam, Betashares, Investment Strategist said despite the ongoing fallout from the Iran war, stock market indices staged a remarkable recovery in April buoyed by a still resilient global economy and renewed optimism around the AI hardware/memory theme. 

Following their Q1 2026 earnings results, US mega-cap hyperscalers are forecast to spend US$755 billion on capital expenditures this year. This has fuelled a massive memory supercycle, with markets like South Korea's KOSPI index having tripled over the last year due to its outsized exposure to memory chip manufacturers, Samsung and SK Hynix.

Mr Lam noted that the oil supply shock still presents downside risks to the global economy should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed for longer than anticipated. 

Structural themes that are either unaffected or bolstered by the Iran war include AI tech hardware, defence and energy security.

Top performing ASX ETFs in April

April's top performers skewed heavily toward growth and technology exposures, led by Nasdaq-linked strategies and strong gains in thematic equities.

Semiconductor and hydrogen ETFs featured prominently, reflecting continued momentum in AI-driven demand and clean energy optimism. 

The top performers in April were: 

• Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund (ASX: LNAS) rose 38%
• Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) rose 35%
• Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) climbed 30%. 

Inflows were largely focussed on international equities during April amidst volatility in the Australian market. 

The funds that received the most inflows during April were: 

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU)
• Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). 

The post Why Aussie investors are pouring into international ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ETF Market Scoop Report said investors poured $5.3 billion in Australian ETFs in the first month of 2026, marking the best start to the year on record. 

Subsequently, the Australian Exchange Traded Fund market grew $5.8 billion (+1.7%) over the month to $336.4 billion across 463 products.

Here were some of the prominent themes. 

Metals Mayhem 

Acording to Global X, January was defined by extreme volatility across precious metals.

The report said several metals were sold off aggressively, with silver recording its worst intraday fall on record during January. 

Despite the drawdown, trading activity accelerated, as investors actively repositioned across the precious metals complex. The scale of this repositioning was evident in Australian-listed ETFs, with total precious metals ETF trading reaching $2.4 billion during January, marking the highest monthly volume on record.

Additionally, Global X said precious metal ETFs took in $447 million in January, marking the highest month on record for the category. 

Historically, silver ETFs have averaged roughly $3 million in daily turnover over the past five years. However in January, that figure rose to $47 million per day. 

After such unprecedented investment in the sector, investors may be wondering if there is still upside. 

Fortunately, Global X said the longer-term outlook for silver continues to be supported by structural demand from electrification, given its critical role in solar panels, electric vehicles, AI infrastructure and power grids.

Gold's Bull Market is far from over

Another key point from the report was that gold's current rally sits firmly within a secular bull market, echoing earlier multi-year uptrends rather than a late-cycle spike. 

Global X said previous bull markets have been driven by a weaker US dollar, accommodative monetary policy and rising geopolitical risk – a backdrop that shares clear parallels with today's environment.

Gold's price is underpinned by more than just ETF flows. Ongoing central bank buying, as countries diversify reserves away from the US dollar, remains a major structural driver. Official sector demand has stayed largely price-insensitive, with purchases sustained even as gold moved to new highs, highlighting that gold is increasingly treated as a core reserve asset rather than a cyclical trade.

Best performing ASX ETFs

Some of the best performing ASX ETFs across January reflected these themes. 

Hydrogen's strong was driven by improving order momentum, supportive policy, and growing confidence in commercial viability.

Simultaneously, Uranium miners continued their resurgence, as investors refocused on nuclear energy's role in meeting AI-driven power demand.

Finally, the report said equity leadership remained concentrated in North Asia, with Korea extending its momentum.

According to the report, ASX ETFs that saw big gains in January included: 

• Global X Physical Silver Structured (ASX: ETPMAG) rose 36.4%
• Betashares Global Uranium Etf (ASX: URNM) rose 33.7%
• ETFs Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) lifted 24.8%
• Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM) increased 24.3%
• iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) rose 21.3%. 

The post What were the best performing ASX ETFs in January? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Thematic investing involves targeting a specific theme or sector, e.g. tech, AI, or ESG.

Basically, this allows investors to directly target specific themes. This is an alternative to broadly tracking indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) or the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX). 

Here are three of the best-performing thematic funds from Global X in 2025. 

Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)

This year, global defence spending is soaring, with the DTEC ASX ETF rising 65.32% year to date. 

The fund provides investors with access to companies at the forefront of defence innovation. 

As global security concerns shift towards more technology-driven solutions, DTEC captures the sectors driving the future of defence. For example, AI, drones, and cybersecurity.

These are all crucial components in today's modern defence landscape.

At the time of writing, DTEC includes 37 underlying holdings, with 82% of the fund being focused on aerospace and defence. 

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

The Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ACDC) provides investors with exposure to global companies developing electrochemical storage technology and mining companies producing battery-grade lithium. 

This ASX ETF is made up of 38 holdings. Impressively, it has already risen 50.58% so far this year.

By geography, it has a relatively balanced exposure to:

• Japan (17.63%)
• United States (15.70%)
• South Korea (11.59%)
• Australia (11.46%)
• China (8.17%)

These companies focused on battery technology, and lithium is essential to the rise of many booming industries. For example: electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and mobile devices.

ETFs Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN)

The fund seeks to invest in companies that stand to benefit from the advancement of the global hydrogen industry. 

This includes companies involved in hydrogen production; the integration of hydrogen into energy systems; and the development/manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, and other technologies related to the utilisation of hydrogen as an energy source.

This ASX ETF has flown 86.07% higher since the start of the year, and at the time of writing, it is made up of 30 holdings. 

Approximately half of the fund is made up of US-listed companies. Furthermore, its largest individual exposure is to Bloom Energy Corp, with a 31.92% weighting. 

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

After all, although many shares and ETFs get whacked for good reason, others can get caught up in a whirlwind of undeserved negative sentiment. This can prove to be a compelling buying opportunity if the investment's underlying quality remains sound.

Last week, we took a glance at some of the worst ASX 200 shares of 2023. But today, let's check out the worst-performing ASX ETFs of 2023, and discuss whether they might be worth another look in early 2024. We'll only be using unit price performance here, so these returns are not inclusive of any dividend distributions received.

The worst ASX ETFs of 2023 revealed

Here are the three worst ETFs to have had money in over 2023:

• The VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE). This ETF started 2023 at $8.86 a unit but closed the year at just $7.59. That's a drop of 14.33%.
• The Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN). Global X Hydrogen ETF units also had a 2023 to forget. This ETF was going for $6.88 at the beginning of January 2022 but closed up last month at $5.49. That's a slide worth 20.2%
• The BetaShares U.S. Equities Strong Bear Hedge Fund – Currency Hedged (ASX: BBUS). BBUS units began the year at $10.82 but finished up at $6.86 for a loss of 36.6%.

Are these ETFs worth a bargain-bin buy?

No one loves a share market bargain more than I do. However, I won't be touching any of these ETFs now, or in the foreseeable future.

Why so negative? Well, it's the nature of these products that I find offputting. ASX ETFs are great, and I own many of them myself. However, I believe that the best ETFs are either broad-market index funds or else funds that pursue a proven and successful investing strategy. None of the listed funds above fall in either of these categories.

The VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF and the Global X Hydrogen ETF are thematic funds. They invest in a range of companies that all operate in a very specific niche. In CLNE's case, that would be renewable energy, and in HGEN's, hydrogen technologies.

Those are both commendable, future-facing industries that are right now in the infancy of their potential. Saying that, I don't believe that investing in a basket of companies that all operate within them at this time of global upheaval in the energy space is a good idea.

One or more of the holdings of CLNE and HGEN are probably going to have a prosperous future. But that will probably come alongside many of them failing to get off the ground.

As such, I don't think either fund is worthy of a significant investment.

What about an inverse ETF?

Even less so when it comes to the Betashares U.S. Equities Strong Bear Hedge Fund. This is an inverse, leveraged fund that is designed to rise in value when the US markets experience a fall. The reason why BBUS had such a poor year is that the US markets had a great one.

Betting against the long-term returns of the American share market is, in my view, an inherently awful idea. Especially when there's leverage involved. It's a bet against Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon. Not to mention Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway, McDonald's, Nike and hundreds of other quality companies that have generated huge returns for decades. Sound like a good long-term investment? I didn't think so either.

So I'll be staying away from the ASX ETF bargain bin this year with no regrets.

The post Are the 3 worst-performing ASX ETFs of 2023 worth a look right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But this single-digit fall stacks up rather favourably to some ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that turned in disappointing performances.

Using data from Google Finance, let's check out the worst-performing ETFs on the ASX in September. 

Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN)

The Global X Hydrogen ETF found itself at the back of the pack, drudging up an 18.4% loss in September.

The HGEN ETF aims to provide investors with exposure to companies that stand to benefit from the advancement of the global hydrogen industry. 

Some of its top holdings include Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG), a provider of turnkey hydrogen and fuel cell solutions, and Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE), a manufacturer and marketer of solid oxide fuel cells.

The HGEN ETF was formerly managed by ETF Securities before the ETF provider was taken over by Global X.

HGEN was one of the ASX's best ETF performers in August. It climbed 8.2% across the month as investors bid up hydrogen stocks in anticipation of the Inflation Reduction Act being passed in the US.

It appears momentum ran out of steam in September. Sentiment towards these hydrogen companies turned sour, sending the HGEN ETF down with it.

VanEck FTSE International Property (Hedged) ETF (ASX: REIT)

The VanEck REIT ETF took out unwanted second place, crumbling 14.5% in September to finish the month at $14.98.

The REIT ETF aims to provide investors with exposure to a portfolio of international property securities from developed markets, excluding Australia. 

The REIT ETF comprises around 340 companies. Some of the top holdings include Prologis Inc (NYSE: PLD), a global leader in logistics real estate, Equinix Inc (NASDAQ: EQIX), a data centre company, and Public Storage (NYSE: PSA), the largest self-storage company in the US.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are thought to be rather resilient in an inflationary environment as property prices and rental income keep up with inflation.

However, REITs have been battered and bruised this year over concerns about rising interest rates. In a rising interest rate environment, the high yields on offer from REITs become less attractive compared to lower-risk, fixed income options.

What's more, REITs are mainly funded through debt, which becomes more expensive as interest rates head north.

SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Listed Property Fund (ASX: SLF)

ASX REITs weren't immune to this selling pressure in September. As a result, the SLF ETF sat in third place with a 13.9% monthly fall.

The SLF ETF seeks to track the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ), which comprises the 24 REITs in the ASX 200 index. 

Nearly one-quarter of SLF's portfolio is weighted to Goodman Group (ASX: GMG). Other top holdings include Scentre Group (ASX: SCG), Dexus Property Group (ASX: DXS), Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP), and Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR).

The SLF ETF has tumbled around 33% in the year to date as ASX REITs have been sold off on the back of rising interest rates.

The post These were the worst-performing ASX ETFs in September appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Investors can get this exposure to the hydrogen industry from ETF Securities for an annual management fee of 0.69%.

Why is hydrogen good for the environment?

There are high hopes that hydrogen can prove to be a key enabler of decarbonisation.

It reportedly has three times more energy on a 'weight for weight' basis than petrol, while producing no carbon dioxide emissions.

The idea is that hydrogen can be used to replace fossil fuel in areas that have been difficult to decarbonise in the past.

There are plenty of businesses in the world looking to provide technology, products, services, or expertise in relation to hydrogen and helping the world transition to greener fuels.

What shares are in the ETFs Hydrogen ETF?

The Solactive Global Hydrogen ESG Index is made up of 30 hydrogen businesses around the world. That's the index that ETFs Hydrogen ETF seeks to track before expenses and so on.

Looking at the country allocation, these are the biggest five weightings at the end of November 2021: the US (32.6%), the UK (23.9%), South Korea (15.7%), Canada (9.3%) and Norway (6.8%).

At the latest disclosure, these are the biggest 10 positions: Plug Power, Bloom Energy, Ballard Power, ITM Power, Doosan Fuel Cell, Ceres Power, Fuelcell Energy, Linde, Air Products & Chemicals and Doosan Corp.

What do they do?

Let's look at what the largest five holdings do.

Plug Power – It is involved in building the 'green hydrogen' economy. It says it's the leading provider of clean hydrogen and zero-emission fuel cell solutions that are both cost-effective and reliable.

Bloom Energy – This business provides an onsite energy platform. It's based on proprietary solid oxide fuel cell technology. Its servers convert fuel into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion at high efficiency. Bloom Energy says its platform provides multiple pathways for decarbonisation: hydrogen fuel cells, electrolysers, biogas, marine, and carbon capture.

Ballard Power – The company says that it's the leading global provider of innovative clean energy fuel cell solutions. Its products are aimed at different uses including buses, trucks, trains, propulsion for the marine industry and so on.

ITM Power – Next in the ETFs Hydrogen ETF is ITM Power, which manufactures integrated hydrogen energy solutions to enhance the utilisation of renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted.

Doosan Fuel Cell – It provides green, reliable and robust energy solutions. It says its technology is best suited for power plants, cold storages, large buildings, or spas as it generates 440KW electricity and heat together.

The post Own ETFs Hydrogen ETF (ASX:HGEN)? Here's what you're invested in appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In afternoon trade, the clean energy ETF is fetching a price of $11.85, representing an increase of 3.04% from its previous close. Despite the gain, the fund remains 15% below its 52-week high, which was set on 15 November 2021.

Shares in the ASX-listed Hydrogen ETF are rising in value today as a string of notable companies announce further hydrogen ambitions.

Industry titans dipping their toes in hydrogen

The green revolution has been relentless in attempting to upend traditional energy companies. As onlookers become more anxious about the world's overreliance on fossil fuels, a swathe of more renewable and/or emission-free alternatives have gained traction.

More recently, hydrogen has been held to a high standard as an emission-free replacement to carbon-producing energy sources. For instance, Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) founder Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has been advocating for hydrogen.

The company's subsidiary, Fortescue Industries aims to produce 15 million tonnes of water-derived fuel by 2030. Though, investors of the Hydrogen ETF are likely looking at the latest accomplices to join the fray with eager eyes.

Today, the hydrogen industry gained two major energy companies as participants in the hydrogen industry. While the companies haven't announced a complete upheaval of their fossil fuel foundations, they have indicated — at a minimum — interest in hydrogen energy.

The companies in question are AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) and Royal Dutch Shell (LSE: RDSA). Firstly, Shell has entered into a joint venture with BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) to develop hydrogen projects at the Port Kembla Steelworks. Similarly, AGL has partnered with Fortescue Future Industries to explore the development of a hydrogen hub in the Hunter Valley.

Certainly, these announcements show a genuine interest from energy giants in testing the hydrogen waters. As such, investors of the Hydrogen ETF have likely gained a heightened conviction for hydrogen's involvement in the future of energy.

How has the Hydrogen ETF performed?

Since listing on 7 October 2021, the ETFS Hydrogen ETF share price has rallied 17.2%. Interestingly, while the ETF is listed on the ASX, it does not contain any Australian companies. Instead, its constituents are predominantly based in the United States. However, the fund's lack of Aussie companies has not held it back from outperforming the ASX.

The post Why is the ETFS Hydrogen ETF (ASX:HGEN) share price climbing today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It seems time has not yet got the better of HGEN either. As it stands today, HGEN units are currently trading at a unit price of $13.23, down a nasty 2.86% so far today. Even so, this price means HGEN is now more than 30% above the price it was when it first hit the ASX boards (just over $10 a unit). It also means HGEN is up close to 20% over just the past month. Needless to say, the good times just seem to keep on rolling with this hydrogen ETF.

So why has this ETF enjoyed such a strong opening to life on the ASX?

HGEN ETF fires on all cylinders

Well, to answer that, let's take a look at some of HGEN's major holdings. Like all sharemarket-based ETFs, HGEN holds an underlying portfolio of shares. In this ETF's case, these shares are chosen to offer investors "exposure to the world's leading hydrogen companies, with a focus on pure-plays".

As it stands today (well, as of 31 October), HGEN's top 5 holdings are as follows:

1. Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ: PLUG) with a portfolio weighting of 11.3%
2. Bloom Energy Corp (NYSE: BE) with a portfolio weighting of 9.9%
3. Ballard Power Systems Inc (NYSE: BLDP) with a portfolio weighting of 9.6%
4. ITM Power plc (LON: ITM) with a weighting of 8.1%
5. Ceres Power Holdings plc (LON: CWR) with a weighting of 7.1%

So let's check out how these shares have performed over the past month – which will give us some idea as to why HGEN has performed so admirably as well.

So HGEN's largest holding in Plug Power has enjoyed an exceptional month of returns, rising 28.3% over the past 4 weeks or so.

But that pales against Bloom Energy. Bloom shares have risen almost 43% over the same period.

Ballard Power Systems has given a far more muted performance, 'only' rising by 12.15% over the same period. Ditto with ITM Power which is up by around 10.4%.

And, finally, Ceres Power isn't straying too far from those returns either, rising 9.25% since 18 October.

So we can see that HGEN's stellar returns over the past month have been powered by (apologies) its primary positions in Plug Power and Bloom Energy.

With the month this ETF has enjoyed, I'm sure HGEN's investors can't wait for the next one to roll around.

The post Why has the ETFs Hydrogen ETF (ASX:HGEN) leapt almost 20% in a month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

So how is HGEN going as it rapidly approaches the one-month mark?

HGEN: The most explosive hydrogen investment since the Hindenburg?

Well, as this ETF stands today, it's trading at $11.98 per unit, up 0.25%. Since this ETF floated at a unit price of roughly $10.09, this means that the HGEN ETF is now up an impressive more than 18% since its ASX debut just 3 weeks ago. If this ETF continues at the current pace (for the record, unlikely), its investors will become very rich very quickly.

Let's check out the underlying companies that are responsible for these rapid gains. So according to the fund provider, HGEN invests in a "concentrated portfolio of hydrogen companies with a focus on pure plays".

The fund tracks the Solactive Global Hydrogen ESG Index, which presently holds 30 companies within it. As it stands today, the 5 largest of these holdings are Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ: PLUG), Ballard Power Systems Inc (NASDAQ: BLDP), ITM Power plc (LON: ITM), Bloom Energy Corp (NYSE: BE) and Doosan Fuel Cell Co Ltd (KRK: 336260). 

Since this ETF's ASX float, Plug Power shares are up 31.9%. Ballard Power Systems shares have risen by roughly 19%, while ITM Power is up 24.9%. Bloom Energy has appreciated by 44.1% while Doosan is up 13.9%.

Looking at these numbers, and it's fairly easy to see why HGEN has had such a successful first 3 weeks on the ASX.

The ETFS Hydrogen ETF charges a management fee of 0.69% per annum, or $69 per year for every $10,000 invested.

The post How has the ETFS Hydrogen ETF (ASX:HGEN) share price been performing since listing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But today, it's time to check back in on this new ETF. It has certainly gained some distance from its first day of trading.

Just as a recap, the ETFS Hydrogen ETF invests in a portfolio of global companies (around 30) that centre on the emerging 'hydrogen economy'. These companies mostly hail from the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea (amongst others).

Some of its largest holdings include Plug Power Inc (NASDAQ: PLUG), Ballard Power Systems Inc (NASDAQ: BLDP), and ITM Power plc (LON: ITM). These come from the Solactive Global Hydrogen ESG Index that HGEN tracks. 

So, how exactly has this exciting new ETF performed since its 7 October ASX float?

ASX hydrogen ETF powers higher

Well, this ETF's first pricing quotes on the ASX started at around $10.09 per unit back on 7 October. Today, ETFS Hydrogen ETF units are currently (at the time of writing) being priced at $11.28. That's an increase of 11.8% over what has been little more than a fortnight. Not bad, one could say.

But that's not where the story ends. This ETFS Hydrogen ETF had quite a dramatic week last week too. On Thursday morning, the ETF spiked from the previous day's close of $10.94 a unit to a new high of $$12.25 at market open. That unit price is more than 21% above the initial October pricing.

Although HGEN units are now almost 8% below that high watermark at today's pricing, it's still worthwhile pointing out that investors enjoyed a near-18% bump in just 2 days.

The ETFS Hyfdrogen ETF charges a management fee of 0.69% per annum.

The post The Hydrogen ETF (ASX:HGEN) share price jumped 18% last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As we covered yesterday, ETFS has now launched a hydrogen-focused ETF product, focusing on the emerging 'hydrogen economy'.

Hydrogen is an element that forms a gas in its rare, pure form. However, it is abundant on earth in water (the H in H2O). Pure hydrogen is a powerful fuel (as the Hindenburg infamously discovered), and can be used to generate and store clean energy. As such, there is a lot of interest in hydrogen's potential future applications, and its role in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

But until now, there was no ASX ETF that investors could turn to if they wanted exposure to some of the companies in this exciting space.

New Hydrogen ETF joins the ASX

No longer. The ETFS Hydrogen ETF has just floated on the ASX, meaning any investor can now buy shares, as they would with any other ETF or company.

So how has this new ETF performed so far on its first day of trading?

Well, HGEN units opened this morning at a price of $10.09. At the present time, they are up 0.3% to $10.12 a unit.

Not a spectacular debut in the leagues of some other recent ASX IPOs, but still a solid initial performance one could say.

So what kinds of companies does this new ETF invest in?

Well, according to the provider, this ETF is currently invested in a portfolio of 30 shares. These 30 companies are spread pretty evenly around the world. 27% of the holdings call the United Kingdom home, while another 26.3% do the same for the United States. South Korea is next up with an allocation of 17.1%, followed by Canada with 9.8%.

Here's a list of HGEN's current top 10 holdings:

1. Ballard Power Systems Inc (NYSE: BLDP) with a portfolio weighting of 8.5%
2. ITM Power plc (LON: ITM) with a weighting of 7.7%
3. Ceres Power Holdings plc (LON: CWR) with a weighting of 6.9%
4. Linde plc (NYSE: LIN) with a weighting of 4.8%
5. Johnson Matthey plc (LON: JMAT) with a weighting of 5.5%
6. McPhy Energy SAS (EPA: MCPHY) with a weighting of 1.4%
7. Luxfer Holdings plc (NYSE: LXFR) with a weighting of 1.4%
8. AFC Energy plc (LON: AFC) with a weighting of 1.2%
9. Xebec Adsorption Inc. (TSE: XBC) with a weighting of 0.9%
10. Fusion Fuel Green plc  (NASDAQ: HTOO) with a weighting of 0.3%

The ETFS Hydrogen ETF tracks the Solactive Global Hydrogen ESG Index, which has delivered a performance of 40% over the past 12 months. HGEN charges a management fee of 0.69% per annum.

The post The ETFS Hydrogen ETF (ASX:HGEN) just debuted on the ASX. How is it going? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.