Your 10 most-tipped ETFs for 2025

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are reshaping the way Australians invest. According to the ASX, 1.5 million Australians now hold at least one ETF. These products are especially popular with younger generations, with over half of Gen Z already using them, according to Statista.

ETFs democratise access to global markets. With a few clicks, investors can gain exposure to the breadth and depth of the US economy, target high-growth opportunities like the Magnificent 7, or invest in a basket of high-dividend Australian shares - all without the hassle and expense of picking individual stocks.

In 2023, we began featuring the top 10 most-tipped ETFs among Livewire readers in our annual Outlook Series Survey. These selections have delivered outstanding results, with the top picks in 2023 achieving an average return of 20.74%, and 2024 performing even better at 25.08%.

But it isn’t just about performance; it tells a story. Each year’s most-tipped ETFs reflect shifting investor sentiment, shedding light on the themes, regions, and strategies capturing investors’ attention.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the top 10 ETFs selected by over 4,800 Livewire readers who completed the survey and explore what these choices reveal about how the "hive mind's" positioning has evolved.

Please note that a more comprehensive list of the top tipped ETFs is available for download at the bottom of the wire. 

Key takeaways from Livewire’s audience (compared to 2024)

• Broader exposure prioritised - IVV became the most-tipped ETF for 2025, compared to NDQ in 2024. IVV taking the #1 spot from NDQ says a lot. While tech is still on the radar, investors are leaning toward a broader play on the US market to capture upside from a potential rotation into other sectors. The addition of VGS and IOO in this year’s top 10 backs “the broader, the better” view.

• Commodities take a back seat - Physical gold and uranium dropped out of the top 10 this year. Investors seem less focused on commodities and niche plays.

• Quality still counts - Smart beta strategies MOAT and QUAL hanging onto their spots shows that finding high-quality, durable companies is still a top priority.

• Tech themes are here to stay - HACK and FANG remaining in the top 10 are proof that cybersecurity and AI are more than just trends - they’re long-term bets.

• The dividend affair continues - VHY and VAS holding steady tells us that broad domestic exposure and the relatively high income from Australian shares is still a key focus for plenty of investors.

• Europe and emerging markets miss out - No major emerging markets or Europe-focused ETFs in the top 10 suggests our audience believes most of the return potential comes from the Australian and US markets.

 THE TOP 10 ETFs of 2025

Please note: We are sharing information from the Livewire and Market Index readerships by publishing this list. We hope it inspires ideas for your investment research. This information is not, nor is it intended to be, a set of recommendations. Please do your own research and seek advice from a professional. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future return.

1.  iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

IVV provides exposure to the 500 largest US companies by market capitalisation. By replicating the S&P 500 Index, it allows Australian investors to access a diversified portfolio of leading US businesses, including household names like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon.

ETF

iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)

Global Shares

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2. Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

NDQ offers exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the US-based Nasdaq Index. The Magnificent Seven - NVIDIA, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Netflix and Tesla - account for a substantial portion of the index, making this ETF a popular choice for tech-focused investors.

ETF

Betashares NASDAQ 100 ETF (NDQ)

Global Shares

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3. Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

VAS tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, providing exposure to the largest Australian companies across various sectors. With a focus on financials and materials, this ETF is a core holding for many domestic portfolios and income investors.

ETF

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS)

Australian Shares

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4. VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

QUAL targets high-quality international companies from developed markets, focusing on the key factors of high return on equity, earnings stability and low financial leverage. While its top holdings include Big Tech brands, it also has significant industrials, consumer and healthcare exposure, including non US-names like AstraZeneca, L'Oréal ad Canadian National Railway.

ETF

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (QUAL)

Global Shares

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5. Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

FANG invests in 10 of the most prominent tech and growth companies. These are the Magnificent 7 plus Broadcom, CrowdStrike and ServiceNow. It’s designed for those who want concentrated exposure to next-generation technology leaders.

ETF

Global X FANG+ ETF (FANG)

Global Shares

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6. Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

HACK provides access to leading companies in the global cybersecurity sector. As digital threats continue to grow, this thematic ETF has captured significant interest among investors.

ETF

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (HACK)

Global Shares

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7. Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

VGS offers broad exposure to global equities, excluding Australia, by tracking the MSCI World ex-Australia Index. It covers over 1,500 companies from developed markets, making it a staple for low-cost and broad international diversification.

ETF

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS)

Global Shares

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8. Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

VHY focuses on Australian companies with higher forecast dividend yields, providing an income-oriented option for investors seeking regular distributions. Its top holdings include the Big Four plus Macquarie, Woodside, Telstra and the two big miners.

ETF

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY)

Australian Shares

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9. VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

MOAT invests in 40 U.S. companies with sustainable competitive advantages identified through Morningstar’s equity research. This ETF is notable for its unique sector and stock allocations, with industrials and healthcare comprising nearly 50% of the portfolio. Key holdings include Salesforce, Gilead Sciences, TransUnion, and U.S. Bancorp.

ETF

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT)

Global Shares

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10. iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

IOO tracks the performance of the 100 largest multinational companies globally, offering exposure to highly recognisable names like Alphabet, Nestle, and Johnson & Johnson.

ETF

iShares Global 100 ETF (IOO)

Global Shares

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SPECIAL MENTIONS

While they didn’t crack the top 10, some lesser-known ETFs made notable strides in this year’s rankings:

• Crypto exposure: The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF and VanEck Bitcoin ETF (ASX: VBTC) ranked 11th and 13th, reflecting growing interest in cryptocurrency-related investments.
• Commodities: Among commodities ETFs, the Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE) stood out at 12th place, highlighting investor appetite for global copper stocks.
• Active management: The only active ETF to make the top 20 was the Hyperion Global Growth Companies Fund (Managed Fund) (ASX: HYGG), demonstrating that while fees are important, a compelling value proposition can still capture investors' attention.