2025 saw dramatic contrasts in ETF performance. While broad market trackers delivered modest gains, targeted commodities and international funds dominated the year.
Precious Metals and Miners
Silver mining ETFs led returns. The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) climbed 214% YTD, followed by the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) at 202%. Physical silver ETFs also performed strongly, with abrdn Physical Silver Shares (SIVR) up 169%.
Gold miners delivered solid gains. The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) rose 158%, while platinum ETFs performed similarly: abrdn Physical Platinum Shares (PPLT) up 165% and GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM) at 160%. Palladium also saw strong returns, with abrdn Physical Palladium Shares (PALL) up 110% YTD.
International and US Equities
Selective global equity ETFs outperformed broad markets. iShares MSCI EAFE (EZU) returned 36% YTD, Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets (VEA) gained 31%, and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets (EEM) rose 30%.
US-focused and benchmark ETFs delivered steady growth: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF rose 17%, and the UK-focused Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (VUKE.L) gained 21%.
Thematic ETFs
Cryptocurrency exposure was weak. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) fell 6% YTD, as cryptocurrencies led a broad flight from riskier assets, spurred by investor worries over lofty tech valuations and uncertainty over near-term US interest rate cuts.
Investors who concentrated on precious metals and selective international ETFs captured the largest gains in 2025. Broad diversification delivered steady returns, but precision drove the year’s standout performance.
| Rank | ETF Name | Ticker | YTD Return (2025) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF | SLVP | 214% | Silver Miners |
| 2 | Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF | SILJ | 202% | Silver Miners |
| 3 | abrdn Physical Silver Shares | SIVR | 169% | Physical Silver |
| 4 | abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF | PPLT | 165% | Physical Platinum |
| 5 | GraniteShares Platinum Trust | PLTM | 160% | Physical Platinum |
| 6 | VanEck Gold Miners ETF | GDX | 158% | Gold Miners |
| 7 | abrdn Physical Palladium Shares ETF | PALL | 110% | Physical Palladium |
| 8 | iShares MSCI EAFE | EZU | 36% | Developed International Equities |
| 9 | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets | VEA | 31% | Developed International Equities |
| 10 | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets | EEM | 30% | Emerging Markets |
| 11 | Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF | VUKE.L | 21% | UK Equities |
| 12 | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | VOO | 17% | US Equities |
| 13 | iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | IBIT | -6% | Cryptocurrency |