Top ETFs With Best Annual Returns Over the Last 5 Years

By Andrew Paul Stookey Updated Jul 21, 2025

Top ETFs With Best Annual Returns Over the Last 5 Years

EFTs have been surging in the first half of 2025, and the experts predict that the next upscale will continue in the second half. As of June 2025, ETFs have made a monumental gain of $13.74 trillion. Experts estimate that the trends will carry on and double the profits. The reason behind the drive is artificial intelligence, curbing inflation rates, and optimism among traders.

July is said to be a bullish month for ETFs. However, the uncertainty in trade policies and taxation that will be implemented in the next month could pose a threat and cause volatility. In this article, we will look at the top ETFs that have earned higher returns over the past five years.

Best Performing ETFs Over the Last 6 Months

These are the top performers of EFTs over the last six months.

Ticker	Company	Company	Average Volume (3m)	Dividend Yield
EUAD	Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF	60.70%	622,273	0.10%
SHLD	Global X Defense Tech ETF	56.10%	806,661	0.50%
PLTY	YieldMax PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF	55.20%	373,605	125.40% (fluctuates wildly)
GDXJ	VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	51.00%	5,549,385	1.60%
RING	iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF	47.40%	424,050	0.50%
GDX	VanEck Gold Miners ETF	46.30%	23,063,620	0.70%
SLVP	iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF	38.60%	208,677	0.50%
EWO	iShares MSCI Austria ETF	38.00%	38.00%	2.00%
EPOL	iShares MSCI Poland ETF	37.30%	562,564	2.80%
EWP	iShares MSCI Spain ETF	35.60%	513,441	1.90%

Best Performing ETFs Over the Past Year

These are the top-performing ETFs over the last year.

Ticker	Company	Company	Average Volume (3m)	Dividend Yield
MSTY	Yieldmax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	95.60%	8,315,815	83.40%(fluctuates wildly)
SHLD	Global X Defense Tech ETF	77.50%	806,661	0.50%
GDXJ	VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF	72.30%	5,549,385	1.60%
NFLY	YieldMax NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF	71.00%	186,244	44.60%(fluctuates wildly)
RING	iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF	69.20%	424,050	0.50%
ARKW	ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	65.90%	220,320	–
GDX	VanEck Gold Miners ETF	62.10%	23,063,620	0.70%
ARKF	ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	57.10%	335,283	–
SIL	Global X Silver Miners ETF	56.10%	1,369,069	1.60%
BITB	Bitwise Bitcoin ETF	55.60%	1,184,655	–

Best Performing ETFs Over the Last 3 Years

Mentioned are the top-performing ETFs over the last three years.

Ticker	Company	Company	Average Volume (3m)	Dividend Yield
GBTC	Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF	391.00%	1,990,526	–
ARGT	Global X MSCI Argentina ETF	224.80%	354,082	1.40%
FNGS	MicroSectors FANG+ ETN	177.00%	168,607	–
ARKF	ARK Fintech Innovation ETF	160.90%	335,283	–
ARKW	ARK Next Generation Internet ETF	148.90%	220,320	–
SMH	VanEck Semiconductor ETF	134.70%	7,338,769	0.40%
EPOL	iShares MSCI Poland ETF	119.40%	562,564	2.80%
EUFN	iShares MSCI Europe Financials ETF	118.50%	2,208,183	1.50%
IGM	iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	109.50%	539,260	0.20%
QTUM	Defiance Quantum ETF	106.40%	258,797	0.60%

Best Performing ETFs Over the Last 5 Years

Here is a list of top-performing ETFs over the last five years.

Ticker	Company	Company	Average Volume (3m)	Dividend Yield
GBTC	Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF	749.20%	1,990,526	–
ARGT	Global X MSCI Argentina ETF	301.00%	354,082	1.40%
URA	Global X Uranium ETF	300.70%	3,066,873	2.10%
URNM	Sprott Uranium Miners ETF	283.30%	582,031	3.00%
SMH	VanEck Semiconductor ETF	269.60%	7,338,769	0.40%
FCG	First Trust Natural Gas ETF	257.40%	359,486	3.20%
FNGS	MicroSectors FANG+ ETN	250.30%	168,607	–
AIRR	First Trust RBA American Industrial RenaissanceTM ETF	245.50%	245.50%	245.50%
XME	SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF	234.10%	1,576,228	0.40%
MLPX	Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	231.90%	375,823	4.60%

Things to Know Before Investing in an ETF

Before investing in an ETF, users should consider the following aspects.

Analyse the Performance

Closely examine the performance of the EFT, including its gains, fluctuations, and falls. Ensure it maintains a level of consistency and doesn’t plunge.

Know the Index

A plethora of EFTs is available, and it can be tricky to find the right ones. So, it is important to examine the index, including region, sectors, and ensure it matches with individual goals.

Inspect its Structure

There are two types of ETFs: physical and synthetic. Both services serve different purposes. It is crucial to understand them before making a decision.

Understand the Cost

Before choosing an ETF, you have to understand its cost and transaction fees. Users should also know when to trade by examining the market movements.

Also Read: Crypto Marketing in 2025: Top 10 Winning Strategies

Final Words

Before investing in an ETF, traders should scrutinise its performance over time and only rely on predictions from credible sources. They should also ensure it matches the individual’s purposes and cost.

More importantly, traders should check its index and whether it is accessible in their region and has future potential in upcoming industries, such as technology, telecommunications, or renewable energy. Traders also self-assess their capacity and capabilities before taking the next step.