While the ASX has had a slow year in 2026, there are several emerging themes that have brought investors strong returns. 

Exploring the ASX ETFs that have captured momentum is a great way to identify opportunities. 

These opportunities stretch across global markets and sectors underrepresented here in Australia. 

ASX ETFs that capture these sectors provide investors with a chance to diversify away from ASX focussed portfolios. 

Here are three funds that have raced ahead of the ASX this year. 

Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE)

This ASX ETF invests in companies that may benefit from further advances in genomic science. This includes companies involved in gene editing, genomic sequencing, genetic medicine/therapy, computational genomics, and biotechnology.

The fund provides global exposure to emerging areas within the Health Care sector, at the intersection of science and technology.

Examples of biotechnology companies include those focused on immunotherapy treatments and vaccines to treat human disease. 

As many investors are aware, healthcare and technology are heavily underrepresented on the ASX compared with sectors such as resources and financials. 

This fund could attract investors looking to allocate funding to these sectors that are more prominent in the US. 

The fund has rocketed over the last month, and is subsequently up 25% year to date. 

VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE)

This ASX ETF gives investors a diversified portfolio of 30 of the largest and most liquid companies involved in clean energy production and associated technology and clean energy equipment globally.

It targets businesses related to clean energy production and associated technology and equipment globally, from both developed and emerging markets. 

Relevant business activities include but are not limited to:

• Biofuel & biomass energy production, technology & equipment
• Ethanol & fuel alcohol production
• Fuel cells technology & equipment
• Geothermal energy production
• Hydro electricity production, turbines & other equipment
• Solar energy production, photo voltaic cells & equipment
• Wind energy production, turbines & other equipment. 

Year to date, it has risen an impressive 14%. 

BetaShares Japan ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: HJPN)

This ASX ETF tracks the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides diversified exposure to the largest globally competitive Japanese companies.

Japan has emerged as one of the most compelling markets for long-term investors after decades of deflation and muted investor interest. 

A combination of structural changes is reshaping the investment landscape, while corporate governance reforms are now gaining momentum. 

These tailwinds have contributed to this ASX ETF rising 18% year to date and 47% in the last 12 months. 

The post 3 of the best performing ASX ETFs to own right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares lifted 2.77% and delivered a total return, including dividends, of 7% in FY26.

On The Bull this week, two experts give us their views on three ASX 200 shares.

Let’s take a look.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL)

Materials was the strongest sector of FY26, rising 47% and producing a total return of 52% for investors.

The Regis Resources share price increased 37% to finish the year at $6.03.

Regis Resources benefitted from an 18% lift in the gold price last financial year.

John Athanasiou from Red Leaf Securities has a buy rating on this ASX 200 gold share for FY27.

He said:

Unaudited gold production of 101,500 ounces in the June quarter of 2026 was up 12 per cent on the prior quarter.

Group gold production guidance for full year 2026 is at the top end of guidance at 379,000 ounces.

The company had $1.21 billion in cash and bullion on hand at June 30, 2026, an increase of $692 million over the full financial year.

Earnings remain highly sensitive to gold price movements.

However, improving cash generation and a stronger balance sheet provide support through the cycle.

Regis remains a clean, leveraged expression to the gold theme.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths was the top-performing company for capital growth within the ASX 200 consumer staples sector in FY26.

The Woolworths share price rose 29% to finish the year at $40.03 on 30 June.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has a hold rating on Woolworths shares.

He explained:

The supermarket giant generates a strong return on equity, but profits are tighter.

The company generated group sales of $18.1 billion in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, up 4.5 per cent on the prior corresponding period.

Guidance for reported full year 2026 Australian food earnings before interest and tax growth is expected to be in the mid to high single digit range, but no longer at the upper end of the range.

Defensive earnings from supermarkets should underpin its business despite the weakening Australian economy.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price ripped 188% to finish FY26 at $62.65. 

Mineral Resources stock was on the rebound last financial year after a shocker in FY25.

Soaring lithium prices and the ramp-up of its Onslow iron ore project contributed to stronger earnings in the first half.

Mineral Resources reported its strongest half-year result ever with record revenue of $3.1 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion for 1H FY26.

Athanasiou has a sell rating on this ASX 200 mining share.

He said:

MIN is a diversified resources company, with extensive operations in lithium, iron ore, energy and mining services across Western Australia.

The diversified model provides some cash flow stability via mining services, but overall earnings remain cyclical and exposed to volatile bulk commodity markets.

Higher leverage amplifies downside risk during commodity downturns.

Execution complexity across multiple divisions adds additional risk relative to simpler, more focused producers.

While the company retains strategic asset value, earnings stability remains inconsistent, in our view.

Until we see a reduction in leverage and earnings volatility, the stock remains a sell, or in the underweight category.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Regis Resources, Mineral Resources, Woolworths shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Experts name 3 big-name ASX 200 shares to sell
• 10 fantastic ASX shares to buy for FY27

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had a slow year to date. 

Australia’s benchmark index is up less than 1% in 2026. 

Inflation, global conflict and high interest rates have all weighed on investor sentiment. 

However the slow rate of growth also means there are buy-low opportunities for stocks that have underperformed. 

Here are two ASX shares tipped for strong growth in the next 12 months. 

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

Magellan Financial Group is an Australian-based diversified financial services group. Its heritage business is a funds manager investing in global equities and global listed infrastructure, founded in 2006.

It has risen just 0.7% year to date, but has declined 13% since March. 

The team at Morgans believe it could rise over the next 12 months. 

The broker updated its outlook on these ASX shares following the company’s 4Q26 AUM update.

MFG’s 4Q26 AUM update showed AUM fell ~A$1bn to A$36.7bn, driven by A$2.5bn of net outflows, partially offset by A$1.7bn of positive market movements. Overall, we view this as a softer quarter. 

The A$2.5bn in outflows is a step up from recent trend, running well above the A$0.3bn average outflows of the prior four quarters, and marking the largest quarterly outflow since 3Q23. We make relatively minor downgrades to FY26F/FY27F EPS on reduced AUM assumptions, following higher 4Q26 outflows than we expected. We lower our price target to A$11.26 (from A$11.29).

With the recent pullback in the share price, the broker now sees more upside and has upgraded its recommendation to an accumulate rating (previously a hold). 

From yesterday’s closing price, Morgan’s price target indicates 14% potential upside.

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

Adairs has also struggled in 2026. 

Adairs is a homewares and home furnishings retailer in Australia and New Zealand. The company has more than 170 stores across a number of formats as well as a growing online platform.

In 2026, its share price has fallen 18%. 

However, the team at Morgans recently updated its outlook on the company and sees rebound potential following recent share price softness. 

ADH provided a FY26 trading update, with Adairs performing ahead of expectations, Mocka largely in line, but ongoing weakness in Focus on Furniture continues to weigh on group earnings. 

Group EBIT is expected to be down ~1.3%. Given the ongoing weakness in Focus on Furniture and the extended remediation time required, the group intends to recognise an impairment charge of $62-28m ($56-60m after tax). This will be excluded from underlying earnings. We have made downward revisions to our earnings in FY26/27/28. 

The broker now has a $1.70 price target and an accumulate recommendation. 

From current levels, this indicates an upside potential of approximately 15%. 

The post 2 struggling ASX shares tipped to rebound up to 15% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• This ASX retail stock is falling as a $68 million furniture headache bites
• 5 best ASX 200 financial shares of FY26

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 positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Adairs. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.