2 ASX ETFs up 35% or more in 2026

Australian investors now have $329 billion invested in ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and March was the third-biggest month for net inflows ever.

It seems that the metals rout in January, and the global fuel crisis sparked by the war in Iran, has not dampened investors’ enthusiasm.

Here are two ASX ETFs that are outperforming amid volatile market conditions in 2026.

Betashares Crude Oil Index Currency Hedged Complex ETF (ASX: OOO)

The ASX OOO is $9.59 apiece, up 1.1% today and up 88.4% in the year to date (YTD).

This ASX ETF has shot the lights out due to skyrocketing oil prices as a result of the Iran war and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

The world’s benchmark oil price, Brent Crude, is now trading 78% higher in the YTD at US$109.38 per barrel today.

Meantime, West Texas Intermediate oil is up 68% in the YTD at US$97.46 per barrel on Tuesday.

This ASX ETF aims to track the S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index Excess Return, hedged against AUD/USD currency movements.

This gives investors exposure to WTI crude oil futures, rather than the spot price.

Betashares explains:

The price of oil futures contracts is not the same as the “spot price” of oil. As such, OOO does not aim to, and should not be expected to, provide the same return as the performance of this spot price.

The performance of an ETF that is linked to oil futures may be materially different to the performance of the spot price of oil itself.

This is because the process of “rolling” from one futures contract to the next to maintain investment exposure can result in either a cost or benefit to the Fund, affecting returns.

OOO ETF is backed by cash, which is held in bank accounts with a third-party custodian on behalf of investors.

Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI)

The ASX SEMI is $32.08 apiece, down 1% today and up 37% in the YTD.

This ASX ETF is riding the wave of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution playing out worldwide today.

Semiconductors are essential for controlling electrical currents in devices like computer chips and smartphones.

They are especially critical for AI because they power the high-performance processors and memory needed to train and run advanced AI models quickly and efficiently.

SEMI ETF tracks the Solactive Global Semiconductor 30 Index. As the name suggests, there are just 30 shares within this index.

The world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and semiconductor designers Broadcom and Nvidia Corp are SEMI ETF’s three largest holdings.

Together, they represent 27% of the ASX ETF’s total investments.

This ASX ETF began trading in 2021 and has $773 million in funds under management today.

The post 2 ASX ETFs up 35% or more in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 of the best performing thematic ASX ETFs over the last 3 years
• How to invest in the AI Build-Out: Expert
• 5 thematics driving ASX ETF investment today: expert
• What were the best performing Betashares ASX ETFs in March?
• Why is this ASX ETF up nearly 50% in a month?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.