ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are incredibly popular with Aussie investors.
They provide great diversification, and are an easy vehicle for gaining exposure to international shares.
The latest available data from Betashares shows inflows into ASX ETFs totalled $4.3 billion in November.
That was the fifth consecutive month of inflows above $4 billion.
Betashares says ASX ETFs now have a record $324.9 billion in funds under management, up 33.8% in 12 months.
Here are three ASX ETFs that provided great returns to investors last year.
3 ASX ETFs that produced excellent returns in 2025
Betashares Video Games and Esports ETF (ASX: GAME)
Last year, GAME ETF lifted 28% in value and delivered a total return, including dividends, of 32%.
GAME ETF closed out the year at $17.51 apiece.
The GAME ETF invests in 37 stocks.
The top holdings are Electronic Arts, NetEase, Take-Two Interactive Software, and Tencent.
GAME ETF seeks to track the performance of the Nasdaq CTA Global Video Games & Esports Index.
Most of its investments are in interactive home entertainment devices and facilities.
Other major allocations include interactive media and services, and leisure products.
The management fee is 0.57% per year.
Betashares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE)
In 2025, QRE ETF ascended 30% and delivered a total return of 34%.
QRE ETF finished the year at $8.81 per unit.
ASX QRE holds 43 ASX shares with a 34% weighting to BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).
QRE also invests in gold, copper, lithium, mineral sands, rare earths producers, as well as a few energy shares.
The top holdings are BHP, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).
The management fee is 0.34% per annum.
Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)
Over 2025, DTEC ETF returned 64% and finished the year at $17.51 apiece.
That 64% return was all capital growth as the ETF has not yet paid a dividend since its launch in October 2024.
Global defence spending is soaring amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
This led to significant price growth for stocks in aerospace and defence last year.
Sara Pineros, a Quantitative Analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices, said:
Aerospace & Defence ranked as the second-highest growth sector among the S&P Select Industries, posting a significant 46.8% increase, largely driven by rising geopolitical tensions worldwide.
ASX DTEC invests in 37 shares and seeks to track the Global X Defense Tech Index before fees.
The ETF’s top holdings are Lockheed Martin Corp, Rheinmetall AG, RTX Corp, and Palantir Technologies Inc.
The annual management fee is 0.5%.
The post 3 ASX ETFs that returned 32% to 64% in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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More reading
- Which ASX defence ETF performed best in 2025?
- Global X announces dividends for DTEC, WIRE and other ASX ETFs
- ASX 200 materials sector dominates as scores of mining shares hit new highs
- $10,000 invested in QRE ETF a year ago is now worthâ¦
- Where to invest $20,000 in ASX ETFs this month
Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Palantir Technologies, RTX, and Take-Two Interactive Software. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Electronic Arts, Lockheed Martin, NetEase, and Rheinmetall. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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