How to choose among the best ETFs to invest in 2026? The three funds that dominated 2025

Why ETFs Remain the Smart Choice for 2026

If you are planning your investment portfolio for the upcoming year, you have probably noticed that ETFs offer an interesting alternative to individual stocks. Although returns do not always reach the peaks of big tech companies like Alphabet or AI-related stocks, these instruments provide quick and convenient access to diversification. With over 14,000 funds available in the global market, the options are plentiful: from index funds tracking major benchmarks to specialized funds focusing on specific sectors, commodities, or emerging market trends.

The three ETFs that shined in 2025: what makes them interesting

The year just ended brought significant surprises in the world of exchange-traded funds. Three instruments in particular captured analysts’ attention: SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD), Abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT), and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). It is no coincidence that they represent completely different sectors—the fascinating fact is that two of these ETFs do not even invest in stocks, yet they generated gains exceeding 50%.

Precious metals: gold remains a winning bet

Among the best ETFs to invest in for 2026, SPDR Gold Shares ETF maintains a solid position. Managed by State Street Global Advisors, this fund holds $148.2 billion in actual physical gold, with an annual fee of just 0.4%. The logic is simple and straightforward: when gold prices rise, the fund’s value increases proportionally.

What sets GLD apart from alternatives? The structure is transparent: it holds real bars, not futures contracts. Investors thus avoid custody issues and management risks associated with direct gold ownership. Over the past twelve months, shares have increased by 67%, comfortably offsetting the management fee applied.

Platinum: a lesser-known but equally performing alternative

If GLD impressed, Abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF performed even better. This UK-based fund (which in 2025 restored its historic name after years of name changes) follows a parallel strategy: offering direct exposure to platinum without requiring physical management of bars. With $3.1 billion in assets, PPLT invests directly in precious metals and applies a fee of 0.6%, slightly higher than GLD.

Despite the higher management cost, the results speak for themselves: last year’s returns reached 138%. This data highlights how precious metals are increasingly considered a hedge during periods of marked market uncertainty.

Semiconductors: the innovation sector among the best ETFs

Turning to equity funds, VanEck Semiconductor ETF represents a different but equally successful bet. SMH tracks the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 index and concentrates the $40.2 billion managed in the 25 largest US-listed companies in the sector.

The portfolio includes key players recognized for technological innovation and sector growth. This fund has recorded a 52% increase over the past twelve months, reflecting strong demand for advanced manufacturing capacity in the global tech landscape.

Which one to choose for 2026?

The recurring question is: which of these ETFs is the best choice for next year? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Precious metals offer stability during market turbulence, while semiconductors promise sector growth driven by technological megatrends. The decision depends on your risk profile and specific goals for your portfolio. What is certain: among the best ETFs to invest in for 2026, these three remain among the most interesting options in the current landscape.