What the best performing ETFs of 2025 tell us
The Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF delivered returns of more than 90% after fees.
What do video games and gold have in common?
For a start, both are seen as relatively recession proof, and accordingly, both themes top this year's list of best performing ETFs in Australia.
Of the 10 highest performing ETFs in the FY24/25 year, 7 are gold-themed ETFs while the 2 highest returning track online gaming companies.
Notably missing from the top list are any US-themed ETFs, though (despite Trump's best efforts) the iShares China Large-Cap ETF came in at number 5 on the list, returning an impressive 44.86% between June 2024 to June 2025.
The top performers
Fund Name | Management fee (% p.a) | 1-Year Return |
|---|---|---|
Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (GAME) | 0.57 | 90.33% |
VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ESPO) | 0.55 | 66.41% |
Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF - Currency Hedged (MNRS) | 0.57 | 54.68% |
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) | 0.53 | 52.68% |
iShares China Large-Cap ETF (IZZ) | 0.60 | 44.86% |
Global X Gold Bullion ETF (GXLD) | 0.15 | 42.96% |
VanEck Gold Bullion ETF (NUGG) | 0.25 | 42.73% |
iShares Physical Gold ETF (GLDN) | 0.18 | 42.68% |
Perth Mint Gold (PMGOLD) | 0.15 | 42.33% |
Global X Physical Gold (GOLD) | 0.40 | 42.21% |
Source: Asx.com.au
The highest performing ETF of the year was the Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX:GAME), returning an incredible 90.33%, underscoring the enormous growth of the online gaming industry post-COVID.
Of all 342 funds listed on the ASX for a year or more, 323 saw positive returns for the financial year, with 56 earning returns of over 20% (to June 30, 2025).
- ETF average 1-year return: 12.84%*
- Australia's most popular ETF: Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX:VAS)
- Best performing ETF: Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (90.33%)
- Worst performing ETF: Betashares US Equities Strong Bear Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX:BBUS)
Why are these the top performing ETFs?
The last 12 months has been marked by enormous economic uncertainty, influenced by the rollout of US President Donald Trump's global tariffs, the US-China trade war and conflict in the middle east.
When investors are unsure about the future, funds tend to shift towards gold as the classic safe haven asset.
In the last financial year, gold is up over 45%. By comparison, the S&P 500 is up just 16% and the S&P/ASX 200 is up 13%.
No surprises then that gold-themed funds, rather than the usual US market ETFs, dominate the top performers list of the FY24/25.
What may have taken a few off-guard is the truly impressive performance of the gaming industry. While online gaming understandably took off during COVID, it appears the industry hasn't slowed down since.
Gaming companies like Roblox, Nintendo and Chinese firm Tencent have seen share prices soar in the last year, with the Roblox price up more than 250%.
And despite the economic uncertainty, it seems investors see gaming stocks as a safe bet. Similar to entertainment and gambling industries, gaming stocks may actually get a boost during a slowdown, as consumers prioritise staying in over spending more on going out.
*Includes all ETPs listed for 1-year or more, including commodity and actively managed funds
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