The ASX ETFs that have gotten off to the hottest starts in 2026

I’m undoubtedly an advocate for ASX ETFs. 

Exchange traded funds can be a great foundation for a portfolio, particularly when it comes to newer investors,

Rather than choosing one or two individual companies, an ASX ETF offers instant diversification.

It’s often assumed that because of the lowered risk, there is also lower upside. 

However, targeting the right funds can bring plenty of potential. 

These three funds have proven that to be true so far in 2026, outpacing many individual stocks. 

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.

The thematic fund gives investors exposure to a sector that is poised to play an important role across many growing industries. 

Copper is one of the most important metals for electrification, and key uses include:

• Electric vehicles (EVs) ~2 – 4× more copper than petrol cars
• Renewable energy – wind turbines and solar farms
• Power grids – huge expansion needed for electrification.

At the time of writing, it includes 39 underlying holdings. 

Its largest geographical exposure is to: 

• Canada (35.01%)
• United States (11.14%)
• Australia (10.55%).

The fund has risen 14.3% year to date, and 98% over the last year. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 2.4% year to date and 10.45% in the last year. 

Global X Uranium ETF (ASX: ATOM)

This fund offers investors access to a broad range of companies involved in uranium mining and the production of nuclear components, including those in extraction, refining, exploration, or manufacturing of equipment for the uranium and nuclear industries.

According to Global X, global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions will see uranium and nuclear adoption rise as a crucial power source to facilitate the clean energy transition.

The case for uranium today is perhaps the strongest it’s been in a decade driven by increasing global demand and nuclear power capacity.

The fund is currently made up of 50 holdings, from sectors including: 

• Energy (65.36%)
• Industrials (18.56%)
• Utilities (7.08%)
• Materials (4.51%)

Its largest geographical exposure: 

• Canada (48.84%)
• United States (17.94%)
• Australia (9.98%). 

It has risen more than 13% for the year to date, and nearly 100% in the past year.

Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (ASX: GHLD)

The Global X Gold Bullion (Currency Hedged) ETF (GHLD) provides a way to gain exposure to physical gold while neutralising the impact of currency movements.

It seeks to provide investment results which correspond generally to the spot price of gold bullion, hedged with the aim of eliminating the impact of currency movements between the US dollar and Australian dollar, before fees and expenses.

It is up 18% year to date and over 60% in the last 12 months. 

The post The ASX ETFs that have gotten off to the hottest starts in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What were the best performing ASX ETFs in January?
• Copper price forecast for 2026: Goldman Sachs

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.