Best performing SGX-listed ETFs 2025 became a widely searched topic as Singapore investors looked back on a year marked by volatility, geopolitical risk, and selective but powerful market rallies. While global headlines were mixed, several SGX-listed ETFs delivered exceptional returns, proving that performance in 2025 was less about broad market exposure and more about targeted themes and countries.
Why some SGX-listed ETFs outperformed in 2025
Before diving into individual ETFs, it’s important to understand the environment that shaped performance.
In 2025:
- Global interest rates remained relatively high
- Investors rotated between growth and defensive assets
- Emerging markets and commodities saw renewed interest
- China-related growth themes rebounded after prolonged weakness
As a result, ETFs with clear macro tailwinds—rather than broad-market exposure—were the top performers.
Vietnam equity ETFs: the top performers of 2025
The strongest returns among best performing SGX-listed ETFs 2025 came from Vietnam-focused equity funds.
Xtrackers Vietnam Swap UCITS ETF
This ETF topped the performance table with a 58.3% total return, making it the best-performing SGX-listed ETF in 2025.
Why it performed so well:
- Vietnam’s GDP growth remained among the fastest in Asia
- Strong foreign direct investment into manufacturing
- Rising domestic consumption from a young population
- Market re-rating as global investors diversified away from China
For Singapore investors, this ETF represented exposure to a high-growth ASEAN economy without the complexity of buying individual Vietnamese stocks.
Who it suited:
- Younger investors with long time horizons
- Investors comfortable with higher volatility
- Portfolios with room for tactical growth allocations
CGS-Fullgoal Vietnam 30 Sector Capped ETF
Following closely was the CGS-Fullgoal Vietnam 30 Sector Capped ETF, which delivered a 51.1% return.
Unlike broader Vietnam ETFs, this fund focuses on the largest and most liquid Vietnamese companies while limiting sector concentration.
Performance drivers included:
- Strong banking and property sector recovery
- Improved market liquidity
- Rising earnings expectations
For investors who wanted Vietnam exposure but preferred a more structured portfolio, this ETF offered a slightly moderated risk profile compared with broader market funds.
Gold ETFs: the surprise star of 2025
One of the most notable entries among the best performing SGX-listed ETFs 2025 was gold.
SPDR Gold Shares ETF
The SPDR Gold Shares ETF delivered a 57% return, rivaling high-growth equity ETFs.
Why gold surged:
- Persistent geopolitical tensions
- Inflation concerns despite tighter monetary policy
- Central bank gold purchases
- Portfolio hedging demand from institutional investors
For Singapore investors, gold ETFs played a dual role:
- Capital appreciation during uncertainty
- Risk diversification against equity drawdowns
Many investors allocated 5–15% of portfolios to gold ETFs as a stabilising asset.
China technology and innovation ETFs rebound
After several challenging years, China-focused growth ETFs staged a strong comeback in 2025.
CSOP CSI STAR and ChiNext 50 Index ETF
This ETF returned 53.1%, driven by a sharp rebound in China’s technology and innovation sectors.
Key growth drivers:
- Policy stabilisation
- Renewed investor confidence
- Growth in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors
UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF
With a 38.4% return, this ETF benefited from exposure to fast-growing Chinese companies in technology and healthcare.
MSCI China Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility ETF
The Amova–Straits Trading ETF rose 36.1%, reflecting strong momentum in electric vehicles and clean transport solutions.
Investor takeaway:
China growth ETFs were volatile but rewarding for investors who entered with patience and risk awareness.
Japan equity ETFs: steady gains with lower volatility
The Lion-Nomura Japan Active ETF (Powered by AI) delivered a 31.3% return.
Japan’s equity rally was driven by:
- Corporate governance reforms
- Share buybacks
- Improving earnings outlook
For Singapore investors, Japan ETFs offered a developed-market alternative to higher-risk emerging markets.
Singapore market ETFs still delivered solid returns
While not topping the charts, Singapore-focused ETFs remained reliable performers.
- Phillip SG Income ETF: 30.2%
- SPDR Straits Times Index ETF: 28.1%
- Amova Singapore STI ETF: 28%
These ETFs combined capital growth with dividends, appealing to investors seeking balance rather than maximum upside.
How retail investors used best performing SGX-listed ETFs
Example: growth-oriented portfolio
A 30-year-old Singapore investor might structure ETFs as:
- 40% global equity ETF
- 20% Vietnam equity ETF
- 15% China innovation ETF
- 15% Singapore equity ETF
- 10% gold ETF
This approach reflects how high-performing ETFs were used as satellite positions, not entire portfolios.
Risks of chasing performance
Despite strong returns, investors should be cautious:
- Past performance is not future performance
- Emerging market ETFs can be volatile
- Sector rotations can reverse quickly
Best performing SGX-listed ETFs 2025 worked best when combined with diversification and discipline.
Key lessons from best performing SGX-listed ETFs 2025
- Thematic clarity matters
- Emerging markets can outperform dramatically
- Commodities provide diversification
- Timing and risk management are critical
Final thoughts
The best performing SGX-listed ETFs 2025 showed that strong returns were available even in uncertain markets—if investors were selective. Vietnam equities, gold, and China innovation themes dominated performance, while Singapore and Japan provided steady gains.
For retail investors, the biggest takeaway is not to chase returns blindly, but to understand why an ETF performed well and how it fits into a long-term strategy.