The US-Iran conflict, high oil prices, rising inflation and interest rates, and multi-decade high bond yields are all weighing on the market.

Amid the current weakness, experts provide their insights on three ASX stocks (courtesy The Bull). 

Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)

The Sigma Healthcare share price is down 5% over 12 months.

Toby Grimm from Baker Young has a buy rating on this ASX 200 healthcare share.

Grimm explained:

Sigma Healthcare is a wholesale distributer of pharmaceutical goods and medicines.

Sigma merged with pharmaceutical retail giant Chemist Warehouse in 2025.

The company's share price has retreated to appealing entry levels at October 15.

Its competitive position remains unrivalled, in our view. Structural health trends should continue to support organic growth.

Although some competition is likely, the GLP-1 weight loss drug rollout should boost treatment sales.

The Chemist Warehouse branded store network is forecast to generate double digit, like-for-like sales growth in full year 2027.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Food share price is down 17% over 12 months.

Grimm has a hold rating on this ASX 200 consumer discretionary share. 

He said: 

The company operates KFC restaurants in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.

The shares have fallen from $11.68 on November 28, 2025 to trade at $8.64 on October 15, 2026.

Consumer sentiment is weakening due to cost-of-living pressures, higher interest rates and housing market weakness.

However, underlying spending patterns are far more resilient than sentiment indicators suggest.

Australian sales continue to grow in the high single digits.

CKF offers a solid dividend yield and is a reasonably priced defensive exposure that we're happy to hold.

iShares MSCI South Korea AUD ETF (ASX: IKO)

The IKO share price is up 55% over 12 months. 

IKO ETF was the best performer out of the more than 400 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the market in FY26.

The IKO ETF delivered a stunning one-year total return of 171%, including a dividend yield of 4.6%.

That was the result of South Korea's stock market near-tripling in value over the 12 months.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a sell recommendation on IKO ETF shares.

Wielandt said: 

This exchange traded fund provides exposure to major South Korean companies, including technology and industrial businesses.

IKO is exposed to cyclical global demand, particularly in semiconductors and memory chips.

Given IKO's concentrated and heavy exposure to technology, we would be inclined to cash in some gains in this volatile environment.

The shares have risen from $137.65 on October 16, 2025 to trade at $220.55 on October 15, 2026.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Sigma Healthcare, Collins Foods, IKO ETF shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX ETF we are referring to is none other than the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO). For many years, this index fund largely flew under the Australian share market radar, generating the kind of consistent single-digit returns that one would expect for a product like this.

However, 2025, and more notably, 2026 have seen that turn on its head. The extreme volatility has continued since we last spoke about IKO, too. Yesterday, we saw IKO units close at $231.11 each. That's down 16.06% since just 5 October, when those same units finished that day at $275.32 each.

Today, we seem to have turned a corner. At present, the iShares South Korea ETF has jumped by a healthy 3.3% or so and is back up to $238.70 a unit.

On paper, the iShares South Korea ETF is an index fund, representing the entire Korean stock market. However, in reality, this fund has become a holding vehicle for just two stocks, with another 78 companies or so tacked on the end for a bit of diversity.

The ASX's craziest ETF is hostage to just two stocks

As we've documented before, the unbridled success of chipmakers SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics Ltd has had the unusual consequence of elbowing out most of Korea's other storied names to dominate any index fund that covers the Korean markets. So while you may think a Korean-themed index fund would at least be heavily influenced by companies like Hyundai, Kia, and LG, these companies are now just window dressing for the main attractions.

Yes, on current numbers, SK Hynix makes up a whopping 24.54% of the entire IKO portfolio. Samsung contributes another 23.17%. The next-largest stock, SK Square, comes in at just 2.93%.

So, when we see that the iShares South Korea ETF has made a dramatic move, like losing 16% in just over a week, we know where to look for a culprit, or culprits.

Thus, it won't shock you to discover that Samsung shares lost 15.94% of their value on the Korean stock exchange between 5 October and yesterday afternoon. SK Hynix stock has fared even worse, shedding 21.6% of its value over that same span.

It seems fears that Chinese companies are catching up to these two leaders in the chip space were enough for a correction of this magnitude.

Let's see what the next chapter in this wildest of ASX ETFs' story will be.

The post Down 16% in 2 weeks: The saga of the ASX's wildest ETF continues appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The KOSPI skyrocketed more than 170% in FY26 due to multiple factors, including the artificial intelligence (AI) tailwind.

South Korean chip makers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Inc surged a crazy 459% and 807%, respectively, in FY26.

They make up about half of the market's total market cap, which means KOSPI is a concentrated bet despite being home to 800 stocks.

It's no surprise that after stock price gains like that, some investors got a bit wary and chose to take their profits and run.

That's one reason why the KOSPI crashed on 23 June, falling 10% in one day, and sparking a five-week sell-off.

SK Hynix shares lost just over half their value, and Samsung shares dropped 41% before the KOSPI bottomed out on 29 July.

Australian investors who own SK Hynix and Samsung shares directly felt the full force of that fall.

They also felt it via the iShares MSCI South Korea AUD ETF (ASX: IKO) — the Australian market's top performing ETF of FY26.

IKO ETF delivered an amazing total return of 171% in FY26. The ASX IKO unit price fell 37% during the KOSPI crash.

What's happened to KOSPI and IKO ETF since the crash?

For the record, IKO ETF doesn't track the KOSPI.

Instead, the fund seeks to mimic the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index before fees.

The MSCI Korea 25/50 Index focuses on South Korean large caps and mid caps, but in practical terms, it captures 85% of the KOSPI.

SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics make up 46% of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index market cap.

IKO ETF has been trading for a long time.

Its inception was in the US in May 2000. It was listed on the ASX in November 2017.

IKO was subsequently restructured into an Australian-domiciled ETF in October 2018.

As reflected in IKO ETF's history in the chart above, the South Korean market has not been a strong performer over the long term.

There are many reasons for this, and it's summed up by what the professional traders used to call the 'Korea discount'.

We explain the Korea discount in an earlier story.

Despite its incredible 171% return in FY26, IKO remains a relatively small ASX ETF.

Aussie investors have put about $213 million into the ETF to date, according to ASX data.

That compares to $25.377 billion invested in the market's largest ETF, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

While small in comparative scale, it's worth noting the relatively rapid rise in investment in IKO ETF.

ASX investors piled in while watching the KOSPI's stratospheric rise.

Between January and June 2026 inclusive, IKO's funds under management rose 40%.

Australians are much more in-tune with overseas markets than they used to be.

Experts agree our home bias toward S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares is shifting.

Since bottoming out on 29 July, the KOSPI has rebounded 23%, and IKO has recovered 25%.

SK Hynix shares have lifted 20% and Samsung Electronics stock is 30% higher.

The AI investment megatrend has a long way to go.

As RMIT University finance professor Angel Zhong points out, markets "often move through cycles of exuberance and reassessment".

Zhong said AI would continue to transform industries:

The AI revolution is creating genuine economic opportunities, but markets often price in expectations long before those benefits are fully realised.

The post How the KOSPI crash impacted ASX investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's the benchmark index that tracks the performance of about 800 companies listed on South Korea's main stock exchange.

Many of them are household names: Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, and LG Energy Solution.

Now get this.

In Australia's FY26 period, 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, the KOSPI skyrocketed by more than 170%.

Imagine the ASX 200 doing that.

Gobsmacking, right? (The ASX 200 rose by 3% in FY26.)

And the main driver of the KOSPI's extraordinary performance?

You may assume artificial intelligence (AI), given the staggering 807% share price rise for chipmaker SK Hynix Inc in FY26.

Not to mention the 459% share price surge for consumer retail giant, Samsung Electronics, which also makes AI chips.

While irrational exuberance over AI played a big role in KOSPI's seismic rise, there were other drivers, too.

Some of them, you won't believe. And they help explain the KOSPI's peak-to-trough crash of 44%.

Let's get into it.

Why did the KOSPI go stratospheric in FY26?

The first thing to know is that SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics represent about half of the KOSPI's total market capitalisation.

That's nuts!

By comparison, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) make up about 20% of the ASX 200.

But I digress.

SK Hynix and Samsung shares have become bellwethers for the global AI boom.

The companies are key global suppliers of critical hardware used in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

In particular, they supply high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used for powering modern systems designed by companies like Nvidia.

Being 50% of the index, SK Hynix and Samsung make the KOSPI incredibly tech-heavy and exposed to AI volatility.

That means it can strongly run on market exuberance, and severely contract on market fear.

In FY26, as SK Hynix and Samsung shares soared, they pushed the KOSPI higher.

More investors, including foreigners buying directly or via exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on their local exchanges, piled in to what you might call South Korea's Magnificent Two.

Now we look at the lesser-known factors behind the KOSPI's astronomical rise.

AI sentiment not the only driver of KOSPI's boom and bust

South Korea, which has long been considered a 'developing market', got a new president in 2025.

The KOSPI didn't command much interest from investors despite its household names.

New President Lee Jae Myung wanted to change that.

He saw a role for the KOSPI in stimulating the economy, raising per capita wealth, and attracting overseas investment amid the AI boom.

The first step was overcoming the 'Korea discount'.

The Korea discount refers to the tendency for KOSPI stocks to trade at lower valuations than similar companies around the world.

The main reasons for this included corporate governance concerns, low shareholder returns, and lenient regulatory oversight.

Shortly after his inauguration in June 2025, President Lee said:

At the core of a capitalist economy lies the stock market.

The most important task is to resolve, or at least alleviate, the unfairness and opacity of the stock market.

New rules were brought in to stamp out insider trading and market manipulation, and force company boards to act in the best interests of shareholders.

Sounds like a positive change for investors, but here's the potentially problematic part.

Government encourages ordinary citizens to jump in

President Lee actively sought to make the South Korean stock market more appealing to ordinary citizens.

President Lee said (courtesy The Korea Herald):

If equities become an alternative investment destination that people find as attractive as real estate, then by allowing people to get more dividends and make money to cover living costs, companies will find it easier to attract capital, and a virtuous cycle will be created.

The President pledged to incentivise companies to pay higher dividends, thereby making investment more attractive.

On top of that, the rules around using debt to buy shares were loosened, which enabled greater access to the market.

Ordinary South Koreans jumped in, and between June and December 2025, the KOSPI rose more than 50%.

So, it wasn't just the extraordinary profits from SK Hynix and Samsung driving the market higher.

The sheer volume of new and inexperienced investors ploughing newly accessible funds into the market also pushed the KOSPI up.

Want to double your bet?

Then came the opportunity to leverage the KOSPI's astronomical gains, also courtesy of new government policy.

In April, South Korea followed other international markets in allowing single-stock leveraged ETFs to trade on the KOSPI.

Of course, SK Hynix and Samsung dominated these ETFs because of their runaway share price growth.

The leveraged element meant that stock price movements were amplified either way.

KB Financial Group estimates South Korean citizens have already invested a net $US9.7 billion into these single-stock leveraged ETFs.

Foreign investors have bought a net $US1.4 billion, according to abc.net.au.

The ability to leverage gains led to many investors making life-changing money.

We're talking tens of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The KOSPI continued rising after the introduction of leveraged single-stock ETFs until it peaked on 19 June.

Then came the fall.

A cataclysmic 44% dive in just five weeks.

Suddenly, a bear wanders into the tent

As is inevitable after a period of crazy growth, the KOSPI got the wobbles in late June.

Investors became worried about high stock valuations and the sustainability of massive AI capex spending.

The KOSPI reversed course dramatically on 23 June, falling 10% in one day.

That was driven by a 12% plunge for both SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics shares.

The next day, AI-related stocks in the US followed suit.

Micron Technology Inc dropped 13%, Advanced Micro Devices Inc fell 6%, and Nvidia shares fell 4%.

The sell-off on US markets enhanced the panic in South Korea, and a five-week sell-off ensued.

Since then, SK Hynix shares have lost almost half their value, and Samsung shares are down 32%.

Angel Zhong, a finance professor at RMIT University who specialises in global financial markets, behaviour and trends, said the KOSPI's sell-off shows how quickly market optimism can turn.

What we're seeing in South Korea is a reminder of how quickly technology narratives can translate into market enthusiasm, and how quickly that enthusiasm can reverse. 

The AI revolution is creating genuine economic opportunities, but markets often price in expectations long before those benefits are fully realised. 

Profit-taking wasn't all that dragged the KOSPI into a bear market last month.

Investors who were late to the KOSPI party, sitting on smaller capital gains that were wiped out within days, received margin calls.

ABC reported Goldman Sachs estimates of more than 1.2 million margin calls and 360,000 forced account closures as of a fortnight ago.

A margin call occurs when your investment's value falls below your broker's required margin.

Typically, the broker asks for cash to make up the difference, and if you can't pay, they can sell your shares down.

So, forced sales also contributed to the KOSPI's market crash.

What now?

ASX investors who hold SK Hynix and Samsung shares directly obviously felt the impact.

Other Aussie investors felt it through the iShares MSCI South Korea AUD ETF (ASX: IKO), which was the best performer of FY26.

The IKO ETF unit price fell 36% during the KOSPI crash.

Since bottoming out on 29 July, the KOSPI has recovered 13%. IKO ETF has also rebounded 16%.

Zhong explained the lesson:

Investors should be careful not to mistake a correction in market sentiment for a failure of underlying technology.

AI will continue to transform industries, but markets often move through cycles of exuberance and reassessment. 

Meanwhile, South Korea's finance ministry has said it will move to limit access to leveraged ETFs.

The post Imagine the ASX 200 near-tripling in a year. That's what the KOSPI did in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some readers may recall our discussion of IKO's eye-popping performance about two months ago. Back then, we discussed this ASX ETF's astonishing, almost unbelievable 220% gain over 12 months.

Well, things look a little different today. Let's break it down.

So the iShares South Korea ETF indeed enjoyed one of the most impressive 12-month returns of any index fund the ASX has ever seen. That 200% rise was driven by just two stocks. Two stocks that dominate the South Korean markets and essentially make or break this IKO ETF. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has long been regarded as 'top-heavy' with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)'s 10% weightings. But by comparison, you'll be shocked to hear that SK Hynix Inc and Samsung Electronics Ltd make up a whopping 21.7% and 22.5% of the IKO portfolio, respectively. That's right, just two stocks represent almost half of the entire Korean stock market by weighted market capitalisation at the moment.

IKO: The ASX's craziest ETF?

The success of these two stocks can arguably be put down to their importance in the global chip sector. Both Samsung and SK Hynix are leading semiconductor manufacturers and have grown enormously in importance in the midst of the AI boom.

To illustrate, Samsung stock, already a massive company, rocketed 500% between June 2025 and June 2026. SK Hynix has done even better, rocketing more than 1,000% over the same period. So no wonder we saw such a dramatic concurrent runup in the iShares South Korea ETF.

But of course, it hasn't been all sunshine and roses more recently. The last couple of months have seen both Samsung and SK Hynix, and, by extension, the South Korean market, decisively come off the boil. Between 22 June and 40 July, Hynix stock crashed a nasty 54%. Samsung stock lost about 41% over that same window. Both companies have bounced off their late-July lows. However, both remain significantly down from their late-June highs. Overall, the IKO ETF is, today, down by almost 30% compared to where it was in late June.

Saying that, the iShares South Korea ETF remains up 45.35% in 2026 to date. And up 99.7% since this time last year. So things could be worse for long-term investors. But the last six weeks or so have been brutal for investors all the same.

So who knows what the next move for the ASX's craziest ETF might be. At this point, one would be forgiven for thinking anything is possible.

The post Up 100%, down 40%: Meet the ASX's craziest ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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.

As is the case with other ETF providers this season, there are some mega dividends on the list.

The biggest dollar-value dividend on the iShares schedule is $13.98 per unit for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) units.

The iShares Global 100 (Currency-hedged) ETF (ASX: IHOO) will pay investors $11.82 per unit, making it another major payer.

Examples of other mega dividends this season include a VanEck fund paying $17.99 per unit and a Global X fund paying $16.26 per unit.

The ex-dividend date for iShares ETFs is tomorrow, 1 July. BlackRock will pay ASX ETF investors on 13 July. 

iShares ASX ETF dividends

Here is an abridged list of estimated distributions that iShares ETF investors will receive on 13 July.

Own other ASX ETFs?

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

Invested in VanEck ETFs such as VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)? View distributions here.

If you own Global X ETFs like Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) or Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG), see a list of dividends here.

The post Own ASX IVV or other iShares ETFs? Here is your next dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Index funds promise simplicity and passivity, at the expense of achieving the kinds of millionaire-making returns that motivate most active stock pickers.

Until recently, that was a pretty spot-on assessment to have come to. But one ASX index fund has turned it on its head.

Korean stocks on the ASX

That would be the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO). Just as an ASX index fund like the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) tracks the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), representing the largest 200 stocks on the Australian share market, IKO follows the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index. This index represents the best of the Korean public markets, and currently tracks about 80 South Korean companies.

Just as the ASX 200 represents a slice of Australian business, this index offers up the cream of Korean capitalism. Until recently, most ASX investors wouldn't have batted an eye at this. After all, most advanced economies around the world have indexes that track their stock market's performances. Most offer similar returns that average in the high single-digits over long periods of time.

However, the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has put that adage to shame. And that's a gross understatement.

Exactly a year ago, IKO units were going for $97.71 each. Today, those same units are worth $309.92 at the time of writing. That's up an incredible 217.2% over the past 12 months. You can add another 1.46% on top of that to account for this ASX index fund's dividend distributions too, if you'd like.

How has this ASX index fund returned more than 200% in a year?

So how on earth does a simple ASX index fund deliver a return like that? For comparison, the iShares ASX 200 ETF has risen by 3.38% over the same period.

Well, it seems a perfect storm has hit the Korean markets. The Korean stock exchange is top-heavy. The two largest stocks in the IKO ETF are SK Hynix Inc, and Samsung Electronics Ltd. These two companies alone currently account for 23.8% and 21.9% of this index fund's weighted portfolio, respectively. The next-most significant holding only contributes 3.52%.

As it happens, SK Hynix and Samsung are both leaders in what is arguably the hottest industry in the world right now – chipmaking. As the boom in artificial intelligence (AI) investment has taken off over recent years, the fortunes of these beneficiaries have soared. Samsung shares have (as of the time of writing) rocketed by 512% since this time last year. SK Hygenix is up more than 1,000%.

As such, IKO owners have these two names to mostly thank for their newfound wealth.

It's hard to say what's next for this high-flying ASX index fund. Before you get FOMO and buy in though, it's worth pointing out that, as of 30 April, IKO's long-term average is 8.58% per annum since its inception in 2000. Only time will tell if 'this time it's different'.

The post Meet the simple ASX index fund up 220% in 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That does not mean there are no strong returns available. It may simply mean investors need to widen the lens.

For many Australian investors, the first step beyond the ASX is usually the United States. That makes sense. The US remains the world's largest economy and is home to many of the companies most closely linked to artificial intelligence, including Nvidia, Alphabet, and Micron.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) has been one of the simplest ways for ASX investors to get that exposure. The fund seeks to track the performance of the S&P 500 Net Total Return Index in Australian dollars, before fees and expenses.

However, the US is not the only place benefiting from the next wave of global growth.

Closer to our shores, some country-specific ASX ETFs have been racing ahead of both the Australian market and the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX). Two standout examples are the BetaShares Japan ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HJPN) and the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO).

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) remains a useful broad exposure to Australian shares. Yet over the past 12 months, HJPN and IKO have shown how powerful it can be to think globally.

Japan is back on the radar

The HJPN ETF has gained more than 53% over the past year.

The fund gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of large, globally competitive Japanese companies, while hedging currency exposure back into Australian dollars. BetaShares lists HJPN in the global shares category and notes its Japan focus and currency-hedged structure.

Japan has become one of the more interesting markets in the world for long-term investors.

After decades of deflation and lacklustre investor interest, the country is seeing a mix of catalysts emerge. Inflation has normalised, companies are being pushed to improve corporate governance, and more Japanese businesses are focusing on dividends, buybacks, and stronger capital allocation.

That is not just attracting retail ETF money.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has also increased its exposure to Japanese companies. The appeal appears to be a combination of compelling valuations, strong balance sheets, and more efficient use of capital.

In other words, Japan is not just a short-term trade. It may be a structural reappraisal of an overlooked market.

Korea is riding the AI supply chain

If Japan has been strong, South Korea has been explosive.

The IKO ETF has surged around 200% over the past 12 months, helped by massive gains in Korean semiconductor stocks.

BlackRock says IKO provides exposure to large and mid-sized companies in South Korea and can be used to express a single-country market view.

The key driver has been simple: artificial intelligence needs memory chips.

IKO has heavy exposure to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, two global leaders in memory semiconductors. These companies sit deep inside the AI infrastructure buildout, powering data centres, cloud computing, and high-performance computing demand.

This is where the phrase "skate to where the puck is going" matters.

Australian investors can own banks, miners, supermarkets, insurers, and infrastructure companies at home. Many of those businesses are excellent. But the ASX is light on the deepest parts of the AI supply chain.

Korea offers exposure to a very different part of the global economy.

The bigger lesson for ASX investors

The point is not that investors should chase the strongest ETF of the past year.

That can be dangerous. A fund that has surged 50%, 100%, or 200% can easily pull back. Country-specific ETFs can also be more concentrated than broad-market index funds.

However, the bigger lesson is important.

A diversified portfolio does not have to mean owning only the largest companies in Australia. It can mean owning baskets of countries, sectors, and themes that give investors exposure to where global earnings may be heading next.

The ASX remains a sensible starting point. The US remains a powerful global engine.

However, the Japanese and South Korean markets show that the investment world is far bigger than our own backyard — and far broader than the biggest names on Wall Street.

The post These 2 top performing ASX ETFs show why investors should look beyond Australia and the US appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It seems like every month new options are coming onto the market. This allows investors to tap into broad based and thematic funds.

However three providers dominate the market: Vanguard, Betashares and iShares. 

As of April 2026, funds under management were: 

• Vanguard: $95.17b
• Betashares: $67.44b
• iShares: $57.79b. 

Today, the spotlight is on the best performing funds from iShares. 

This can be a great way to understand what themes, sectors, and regions have been driving returns. It can also help investors decide whether any of these ETFs deserve a place on your watch list.

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)

This ASX ETF has surged 170% in the last 12 months, making it the best performing fund from iShares in that span. 

The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index.

The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large and mid-capitalisation companies.

This ASX ETF has surged because it is heavily exposed to Korean semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which are benefiting from booming global demand for AI infrastructure and memory chips. 

Investors have also piled into Korean equities because valuations were far cheaper than US tech stocks, triggering a broad rerating of the Korean share market.

It's no secret the ASX is thin when it comes to exposure to groundbreaking technology companies. 

This fund from iShares could be an ideal complement to add the backbone of the global memory chip/semiconductor industry to your portfolio. 

Another reason to add this fund to your portfolio would be to diversify away from Australian and US overexposure. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)

It has been a similar story for this Asian equities focussed ASX ETF. 

The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Asia 50 Index, before fees and expenses. The index is designed to measure the performance of 50 of the largest Asian companies domiciled in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. 

It has benefited from similar tailwinds to the previously listed, Korean focussed fund. 

Over the last 12 months, these tailwinds have driven a 56% rise for this ASX ETF. 

iShares Msci Emerging Markets Ex China ETF (ASX: EMXC)

Another high performing fund has been this emerging markets themed ETF. 

This ASX ETF aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the equity market performance in global emerging markets, excluding China.

It has attracted investors looking for emerging markets exposure without the risks tied to China, with strong performances from India, Taiwan, and South Korea helping drive returns higher.

It is up more than 40% in the last 12 months. 

The post Here are the 3 best performing iShares ASX ETFs over the last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, the ASX has always been thin on technology. 

And right now, the absence of the AI supply chain in our local index is starting to bite.

That gap is exactly what some investors have been quietly closing.

A 12-month run that nobody expected

The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) has rallied more than 196% over the past 12 months. The pace has not slowed either – the share price continues to push to fresh record highs as the South Korean share market rips through milestone after milestone.

On Monday, the South Korean benchmark KOSPI surged 4.32% to close at a record 7,822.24 points, its fifth consecutive record high. The broader Korean share market capitalisation crossed 7,000 trillion won (around US$4.75 trillion) for the first time. Five months earlier, that figure sat at 4,000 trillion won.

This is not a small repricing. It is a total rerating of an entire share market.

Memory chips are doing the heavy lifting

Look under the hood and the story becomes obvious. The IKO ETF is heavily concentrated in two companies. SK Hynix accounts for roughly 26% of the fund. Samsung Electronics is another 24%. Together, they are nearly half the portfolio.

Both are memory chip giants. SK Hynix and Samsung control more than 70% of the global DRAM market between them, and Samsung leads the world in NAND flash production. These are the building blocks behind every AI server, every data centre, every cloud platform being constructed at speed right now.

Korean chip exports surged nearly 150% year over year in the first 10 days of May to a record US$8.54 billion.

Another large holding within IKO is Hanwha Aerospace, which makes turbine engines, defence systems, and the surface mount equipment that puts chips onto circuit boards. Industrials, financials, and Hyundai-linked auto stocks make up most of the rest.

In other words – IKO is, in disguise, a leveraged play on the AI build-out and Korea's broader industrial revival.

Valuations were the spark

The other reason capital has poured in is straightforward. Korean tech was relatively "cheap".

While US mega-cap tech has commanded premium multiples through 2024 and 2025, Samsung and SK Hynix traded at single-digit and low-double-digit forward earnings multiples even after this run began. That valuation gap drew global investors searching for cheaper exposure to the same AI thematic that has powered Wall Street to new highs.

Japan has seen a similar phenomenon with the Nikkei. The pattern is consistent. Investors are looking for AI exposure without paying Silicon Valley prices.

A weaker Korean won has also lifted the competitiveness of Korean exporters. That helps earnings, even if it slightly mutes the AUD-denominated returns for Australian holders of IKO.

Foolish takeaway

The risks here are not invisible. The IKO ETF is concentrated. Around half of it sits in semiconductors, and the chart has gone close to parabolic. A pullback in memory pricing, a tariff shock, or a broader AI investment slowdown could hit this fund harder than most.

But step back from this one fund and the bigger point becomes clear. The ASX is a wonderful starting point for any Australian portfolio – the dividends, the franking credits, the familiar names. It also happens to be light on the structural growth themes shaping the next decade. Semiconductors. AI infrastructure. Advanced manufacturing. Defence technology. Very little of it is investable through local shares alone.

Looking offshore is one way to bridge that gap. Korea is one option. Japan is another. The US and parts of Europe each offer their own slice of growth that simply does not exist in our own backyard.

Predicting whether IKO continues its run from here or reverses would be folly. The more durable takeaway is that the themes driving global markets are not always available at home – and the investors willing to look further afield often find the returns that prove it.

The post After surging nearly 200%, is this the best ASX ETF in 2026? 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.

According to Anna Wu, Senior Associate, Cross-Asset Investment Research, last year marked the strongest annual performance for emerging market equities since 2017.

She believes there are a number of drivers that could support this momentum throughout 2026. 

US dollar weakness

According to last week's report, assuming historical patterns hold, US dollar down cycles tend to persist once they begin. 

In 2026, factors such as high US government debt, easing monetary policy, and slowing US economic growth could contribute to further dollar weakness. 

Additionally, the US dollar's share of global foreign exchange reserves has declined to its lowest level since the mid-1990s, suggesting a broader move away from dollar dominance.

A weaker US dollar typically boosts the strength of emerging markets currencies, making exports cheaper, improving revenues and contributing to outperformance in this environment.

Emerging markets are positioned for growth tailwinds

The report from VanEck also reinforced that emerging economies are growing at almost twice the rate of developed markets. 

This is along with relatively stable inflation, which positions them as the world's primary growth drivers.

On a corporate level, street analysts are pricing in an upbeat earnings outlook for emerging markets companies, circa 20% EPS growth over the short and medium term. This highlights the upside potential for continued earnings growth. 

Valuations of emerging markets corporates also appear more attractive compared to their developed markets peers, at a 25% relative discount and at an absolute level closer to the historical average.

Key markets to watch

VanEck pointed to South Korea and Taiwan as markets that have performed well recently. 

It said investors have been chasing exposure to the AI 'picks and shovels' trade. 

These are the companies that supply the core building blocks of artificial intelligence rather than end-use applications. These markets are among the world's top providers of semiconductors.

It also highlighted India as the next potential growth driver in emerging markets. 

India's strong GDP and earnings growth, coupled with easing policy and strong corporate earnings growth, reinforces its potential to return as a key emerging market outperformer this year. 

Additionally, the country could be a beneficiary of the global AI infrastructure buildout, with US tech giants such as Google and Microsoft continuing to increase capital expenditure (CAPEX) commitments in the country.

This sentiment is also shared by Global X who also identified India as a structural growth market in a report last week.

How do investors gain exposure to emerging markets?

For broad exposure to emerging markets, there are several options including: 

• VanEck Msci Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ASX: EMKT)
• iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM)
• Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE)

For geographic specific ASX ETFs for the aforementioned countries: 

• iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)
• Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf (ASX: ASIA) – Includes roughly 63% combined weighting to South Korea and Taiwan
• VanEck India Growth Leaders ETF (ASX: GRIN)
• Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

The post The case for emerging markets ASX ETFs strengthens: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With the rise of thematic funds, investors can now easily target sectors and niche areas of the market. 

While investors need to be conscious of overexposure, capturing tailwinds in these sectors can lead to big gains. 

Already in 2026 there have been funds that have shot ahead of benchmark indexes. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2.29% year to date. 

That's nothing to sneeze at. 

However these three thematic ASX ETFs have flown significantly higher so far this year. 

iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)

As the name suggests, this ASX ETF provides exposure to large and mid-sized companies in South Korea. 

According to iShares, The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large and mid-capitalisation companies. 

In 2026, this ASX ETF is already up an impressive 21%. 

The South Korean equity market is a major Asian economy with companies across technology, manufacturing, consumer and financial sectors.

Technology and manufacturing in particular are underrepresented here in Australia. 

Furthermore, South Korea plays an important role in global production of semiconductors, electronics and tech – sectors often tied to innovation and long‑term growth.

This fund's two largest holdings are Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix which make up approximately 44% of the fund. 

Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE)

This ASX ETF provides access to a global basket of copper miners which stand to benefit from being a key part of the value chain facilitating growth in major areas of innovation such as technology, infrastructure and clean energy.

More specifically, copper is essential for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and electronics. As the world shifts toward clean energy and electrification, demand for copper is expected to grow significantly.

The global copper price has been on a steady incline in the last year thanks to this demand.

This ASX ETF has certainly captured these tailwinds, rising more than 19% year to date and 110.40% over the last 12 months. 

Global X Green Metal Miners ETF (ASX: GMTL) 

Another thematic ASX ETF steaming ahead this year is the Global X Green Metals Miners fund. 

It has captured the critical minerals rally, rising more than 100% in the last 12 months and already 11.23% in 2026. 

It provides exposure to global companies which produce critical metals for clean energy infrastructure and technologies, including lithium, copper, nickel and cobalt.

The post These ASX ETFs are already up between 11% and 21% in 2026! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

iShares is a family of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) created and managed by BlackRock, one of the world's largest asset managers.

Here are some of iShares' best performing ASX ETFs over the past 12 months.

iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)

This ASX ETF tracks the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large-cap and  mid-cap companies.

The Korean economy saw modest growth in 2025, however this fund was able to capture some of the record breaking exports from last year. 

Electronics, and technology companies in particular rose sharply in 2025. 

These companies make up roughly half of the fund. 

By sector, its largest exposure is to: 

• Information Technology (48.95%)
• Industrials (19.29%)
• Financials (10.35%)

In fact, the country's annual exports exceeded $700 billion for the first time. This was largely on the back of semiconductor demand.

Semiconductors play an important role in the AI landscape.

This all contributed to a fantastic year for this ASX ETF which is now up more than 80% in the last 12 months. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)

This more broad – Asia tracking ASX ETF enjoyed strong returns for many of the same reasons. 

This fund from iShares aims to track the performance of the S&P Asia 50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of 50 of the largest Asian companies domiciled in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. 

It has a strong exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) company which rose more than 50% in the last year. 

This one holding makes up more than a quarter of the fund by weighting. 

There are currently 52 holdings in total. 

In the last 12 months, this ASX ETF has risen by an impressive 41%. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)

Changing continents, this ASX ETF aims to track the performance of the S&P Europe 350 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of large capitalisation equities and covers 16 major developed European markets.

Geographically, this funds' largest exposure is to:

• United Kingdom (23.51%)
• France (15.94%)
• Switzerland (14.42%)
• Germany (14.32%)

It is up more than 21% since this time last year. 

The post The best performing iShares ASX ETFs last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's take a look at how much you'll receive.

If you chose to participate in the distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) for any of these iShares ETFs, we've provided the DRP prices, too.

It's dividend day for IVV ETF investors and others

Here is a summary of the dividend amounts that people invested in these iShares ETFs will receive today.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) will pay 17.371762 cents per unit. The DRP price is 62.963308 cents.

The iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) will pay 144.788408 cents per unit. The DRP price is 162.474210 cents.

The iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) will pay 28.004199 cents per unit. The DRP price is 34.308186 cents.

The iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA) will pay 317.017910 cents per unit. The DRP price is 120.104281 cents.

The iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF) will pay 71.863797 cents per unit. The DRP price is 103.551430 cents.

The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM) will pay 73.321424 cents per unit. The DRP price is 73.626987 cents.

The iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU) will pay 201.329885 cents per unit. The DRP price is 95.752689 cents.

The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) will pay 142.553569 cents per unit. The DRP price is 111.875719 cents.

The iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC) will pay 35.765356 cents per unit. The DRP price is 32.314116 cents.

But wait, there's more…

The iShares Government Inflation ETF (ASX: ILB) will pay 45.856295 cents per unit. The DRP price is 126.033139 cents.

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP) will pay 99.526157 cents per unit. The DRP price is 114.127567 cents.

The iShares S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ASX: IJH) will pay 15.907814 cents per unit. The DRP price is 47.288231 cents.

The iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR) will pay 56.095190 cents per unit. The DRP price is 167.136029 cents.

The iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO) will pay 5.747119 cents per unit. The DRP price is 4.931342 cents.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI) will pay 103.428384 cents per unit. The DRP price is 98.952519 cents.

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) will pay 135.427098 cents per unit. The DRP price is 130.135897 cents.

How did ASX IVV perform in FY25?

The IVV ETF seeks to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) before fees.

US shares outperformed ASX shares again in FY25, and IVV ETF investors reaped the benefits.

The IVV ETF increased by 15.02% and delivered total returns (including dividends) of 15.13%, according to BlackRock.

Data from S&P Global shows the S&P 500 rose by 13.63% to close at 6,204.95 points on 30 June.

If we add dividends, the S&P 500's total gross return for the year was 15.16%.

The difference between the growth rate of the S&P 500 and the IVV ETF represents the impact of the currency exchange.

In Australian dollar terms, S&P Global data shows the S&P 500 rose by 15.8%, with total gross returns of 17.36%.

The post Own IVV ETF or other iShares ASX ETFs? It's dividend payday for you! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For one, I don't yet have enough funds in my account to make running a self-managed super fund (SMSF) economical.

For another, not withstanding the significant tax benefits of using super, I don't relish the idea of locking up too much of my capital away until I'm in my 60s.

Even so, my superannuation provider allows me to have some autonomy over the funds in my super.

Until now, my super has been a very simple affair. Roughly half of all incoming capital is directed into an ASX index fund. This ensures that a portion of my retirement income is flowing into the largest stocks on the ASX, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

The other half goes straight into an American index fund. This covers world-leading stocks like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway and dozens of other household names.

For the past few years, I was very happy with his arrangement. It gives me access to some of the ASX's best companies, including the tax-advantaged franked dividends they provide. It also lets me diversify across geographies and currencies by holding those top-tier American companies, too.

However, I am currently rethinking this arrangement. I've come to the conclusion that a little bit more diversification might benefit my portfolio enormously.

Using ASX ETFs to diversify my superannuation

Why? Well, like many investors, my faith in the United States of America is waning.

In my view, the country is woefully divided and riven with political toxicity. The current administration has made no bones about its disdain for the political conventions and norms upon which the country was founded.

Even worse, it is pursuing, in my opinion, an economically disastrous trade policy. Much has been made of the Trump Always Chickens Out (TACO) trade. However, President Trump seems intent on surrounding the United States with tariffs and other trade barriers. The administration seems intent on forcing the US to abandon its leading role in the global economy.

This has spooked many investors. Demand for US government bonds looks to be falling, as does faith and demand for US dollars.

A new federal government budget that dangerously increases US debt levels has done nothing to assuage these concerns.

As a result, I am no longer comfortable with half of my super going into US stocks.

Instead, I am looking to diversify my super.

I am considering employing three new ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in this endeavour.

They are the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP), the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) and the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (ASX: IVE).

Those first two names cover the Japanese and South Korean stock markets, respectively. IVE, meanwhile, is a fund that tracks markets in Europe and East Asia.

All of these economies house world-leading companies like Toyota, Nestle, Hyundai and Nintendo. They provide, in my view, some much-needed ballast against the precarious economic position of the United States in 2025.

Foolish takeaway

I'm hoping to incorporate at least one, if not two or three, of these ETFs in my superannuation fund in the near future. Warren Buffett once said that diversification is useful if you don't know what you're doing. It seems to me that the United States doesn't really know what it is doing right now. As such, I think some anti-US diversification is sorely needed.

The post I want to add these 3 ASX ETFs to my super fund. Here's why. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.