The ETF Master List: Handpicked ETFs By Category

As more providers pile in to get a cut of the funds flowing into ETFs, the bloat is only going to get worse. We have limited the selection to one or two choices per category, and we link to the official fund page where you can find all the details and data we can’t possibly fit here.

A quick note on methodology – the ETFs have been chosen based on a number of factors including ongoing cost, size of the fund and performance, as well as availability to UK investors. We have included 3-year annualised return, but bear in mind that is not enough to give you an accurate idea of performance.

Many of the ETFs covered have been in existence for less than 5 years, so performance data is limited. This is an evolving list – at some point 5-year returns will be added, giving you a clearer idea of performance. Remember that most of these ETFs track a benchmark that has been around for longer than the ETF itself, so as part of your due diligence it’s worth looking at the longer term performance of the benchmark to give you an idea of how the ETF will perform over the longer term.

Of course it needs to be said, past performance is no guarantee of future returns. This list can help streamline a broader research process into your investment portfolio.

Global Equity

The all-you-can-eat of stock ETFs. Thousands of companies from around the globe, all conveniently packaged into a single share. If you’re looking for easy diversification in your stock portfolio, then there is really no better option.

Vanguard and Blackrock lead the way here, and their offerings are very similar. Vanguard has two versions of the same fund (VWRP and VWRL) , depending on whether you’d like to receive the dividend income (distributing) or have it automatically built back into the fund (accumulating). SSAC from iShares is accumulating only. They do offer a distributing fund that covers developed countries only, included below.

Performance-wise, the two have been in lockstep since Vanguard launched its version in mid-2019. The Vanguard ETF tracks the FTSE All-World Index, which returned an annual average of 8.4% between 2005 and 2022. The Blackrock iShares ETF tracks the older MSCI World Index, which has returned on average an annual 10.68% since 1978.

For a deeper dive into global equity ETFs, see here.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS (twoETFs.com Review)	VWRL	VWRP	0.22%	12.04%
iShares MSCI ACWI UCITS		SSAC	0.20%	12.08%

Global Equity – Developed Markets

Not just for those who like their economies big and wealthy. Investors who want to be more tactical about how they spread their money around can use a developed market ETF alongside an emerging market ETF and adjust the ratio between the two.

Hopefully this is not because you believe you know the direction the global economic winds are blowing, because you probably don’t. Nevertheless, the 10% exposure to emerging markets in a complete global equity ETF may seem too much, or too little, for whatever reason. Who are we to judge?

(Note: Xtrackers refer to their accumulating ETFs as “capitalizing”, because in finance it’s important to be as confusing as possible.)

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF	IWDG (GBP Hedged)	SWDA	0.20%	13.20%
Xtrackers MSCI World UCITS ETF	XDWL	XWLD	0.12%/0.19%	12.20%

Global Equity – Emerging Markets

These ETFs invest in ’emerging’ markets such as Brazil, India, and China. These countries may have more growth potential, but they also come with more risk due to economic and political instability.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core MSCI EM IMI UCITS ETF	EIMU	EIMI	0.18%	5.61%
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF	XEMD	XMMS	0.18%	3.73%

Global Equity ESG

Environmental, social and governance ratings attempt to shine a light on how well a company is protecting itself from the risks to its bottom line posed by ESG naughtiness. Shareholders can rest easy that a high rated ESG company is trying to avoid a massive fine for pumping chemical waste into the Thames, and hasn’t built all its factories on a low-lying flood plain.

ESG companies aren’t necessarily being proactive in making the world a better place, but in protecting their investors from avoidable loss there is often an indirect benefit to the world. ESG reporting is notoriously inconsistent, so more research will be needed to make sure these funds suit your goals.

For companies with an active mission to address the issues, see SRI and impact ETFs further down.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Xtrackers MSCI World ESG UCITS ETF		XESW	0.20%	12.77%
iShares MSCI World ESG Enhanced UCITS ETF	EEWD	EGMW	0.10%	12.38%

US Equity (S&P 500)

These funds cover a particular index or the whole US stock market. Often paired with an ex-US global equity ETF, but many are comfortable going all-in on the world’s biggest economy.

Some chap named Warren Buffet famously declared that in the unlikely event of his demise, his family trust should be invested in a US total market fund and a US government bond fund. But what would he know?

See our review for a deeper dive into VUSA vs VUAG: Vanguard’s S&P 500 UCITS ETF.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF		CSP1	0.07%	14.19%
Vanguard S&P 500 UCITS ETF	VUSA	VUAG	0.07%	14.19%

UK Equity

Home bias – the tendency to over-invest in your home country – has been costing UK investors dearly. The UK market represents less than 4% of the global stock market, and yet nearly half of UK investors have more than 50% of their portfolio in local stocks.

The surprising thing is that it’s worse for investors who have sought financial advice. “More than eight in ten (82 per cent) of advised investors had 25 per cent or more in the UK, while more than half (56 per cent) had at least 50 per cent.” It’s a great example of how cognitive biases can impair even a robust understanding of principles like diversification.

Investing in what you know is probably bad advice, because how well do you really know them anyway?

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF	ISF		0.07%	13.96%
Vanguard S&P 500 UCITS ETF	VUKE	VUKG	0.09%	13.96%

Europe Equity

More than 60% made up of stocks from the UK, France, Switzerland and Germany. Beware of doubling up on exposure to the UK if you are already invested here.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core MSCI Europe UCITS ETF	IMEU		0.12%	14.25%
Lyxor Core STOXX Europe 600 UCITS ETF	MEUD		0.07%	14.33%

Japan Equity

Japan has one of the world’s largest economies, and this type of ETF provides a way to tap into its market.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Amundi MSCI Japan UCITS ETF	NADA	LCUJ	0.12%	16.49%
Xtrackers Nikkei 225 UCITS ETF	XDJP	XNKY	0.07%	16.96%

China Equity

China Equity ETFs invest in Chinese companies. Given China’s rapid economic growth, these ETFs can provide significant potential for returns, albeit with higher risk.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares MSCI China A UCITS ETF		CNYA	0.40%	4.58%
Xtrackers CSI 300 Swap UCITS ETF		XCHA	0.50%	6.10%

Technology

The dominant industry over the last few decades. Any technology ETF will be dominated by the big US firms. Remember that if you are also invested in global or US equity funds, you already have a significant exposure to big tech. This is for those who want more.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares NASDAQ 100 UCITS ETF		CNX1	0.33%	14.16%
Xtrackers CSI 300 Swap UCITS ETF		EQQQ	0.30%	14.20%

Growth Equities

The growth vs value stock dichotomy is a classic way to categorise differ tours of companies. The line between the two can be a bit blurry but generally speaking, growth stocks are those prioritising getting bigger as quickly as possible. They are less likely to pay dividends, pumping all their profits back into the business.

Growth-specific ETFs are tricky to categorise, since the major global or regional funds consist primarily of growth companies. The best options for this strategy are already covered above, specifically the global developed world and the technology sector ETFs.

Value Equities

Value investing, on the other hand, looks for companies that are cheap relative to their earnings or growth potential. It can be tricky to know whether a stock is cheap because it is being overlooked, or because it is a bit rubbish with limited prospects.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Edge MSCI World Value Factor UCITS ETF	IWVG	IWFV	0.30%	12.17%
Xtrackers MSCI World Value UCITS ETF		XDEV	0.25%	12.75%

Global Government Bonds

These ETFs allows you to lend money to governments around the world by buying their bonds. They can provide steady income and tend to be less volatile than stocks.

You will be paid interest on the loan, and these ETFs are designed to diversify your exposure across the globe. They are usually limited to developed markets as these governments are more stable and reliable.

Bond prices were punished in 2022, but that was an historical outlier. Ignore the knee-jerk hot takes on the continuing viability of holding bonds in your portfolio. One year performance is never a large enough sample on which to base an investment decision.

With global bonds, you should generally choose the fund that is hedged to your local currency. Check out our review of the best of the global bond ETF universe.

ETF	Distributing	Annual Fee	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Xtrackers Global Government Bond UCITS ETF	XGSG	0.25%			-6.13%
iShares Global Govt Bond UCITS ETF	IGLH	0.25%			-5.96%

Global Aggregate Bonds

As above, except with a healthy portion of corporate bonds thrown in. Businesses also need to borrow money and, since they are riskier, tend to offer higher interest rates. Aggregate bond ETFs will generally offer better returns at the cost of stability.

ETF	Distributing	Annual Fee	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond UCITS ETF	VAGP	0.10%	VAGS	0.10%	-3.41%
iShares Core Global Aggregate Bond UCITS ETF	AGBP	0.10%			-3.41

US Government Bonds

With this ETF, you’re investing in bonds issued by the US government. These are generally considered very safe investments.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares USD Treasury Bond 1-3yr UCITS ETF	IBTS	IBTA	0.07%	-0.81%

UK Government Bonds

Also known as “gilts”, these are great for UK investors as you don’t have to worry about global currency fluctuations. A hedged global bond ETF gives you diversification, but the hedge will bring returns largely in line with your local bond market.

We have a more detailed look at this category in our How to Choose a UK Gilt ETF article.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core UK Gilts UCITS ETF	IGLT		0.07%	-10.53%
Lyxor Core UK Government Bond UCITS ETF	GILS		0.05%	-11.38%

UK Corporate Bonds

Just the corporate bonds, so the risk is higher as is the potential reward. Companies are more likely to go under and default on their loans, whereas governments can only default if they choose to do so. Which they generally don’t.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares GBP Corp Bond 0-5yr UCITS ETF	IS15		0.20%	-0.35%

European Government Bonds

Mostly French, German, Italian and Spanish government bonds, with a smattering of the rest Europe has to offer thrown in.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Core € Govt Bond UCITS ETF	SEGA		0.09%	-5.74%
Vanguard EUR Eurozone Government Bond UCITS ETF	VETY	VETA	0.07%	-5.65%

Global Real Estate

A solid way of gaining more property exposure for your portfolio. Global diversification is the point here, important if you are already exposed to your local property market through your mortgage. These ETFs tend to consist of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), property companies, and a few bonds to steady the ship.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Developed Markets Property Yield UCITS ETF	IWDP	DPYA	0.59%	4.83%
HSBC FTSE EPRA NAREIT Developed UCITS ETF	HPRO	HPRS	0.24%	4.90%

US Real Estate

Real Estate ETFs are a good way to gain exposure to property without tying up funds in illiquid physical assets. Also, betting on US property might be fun – it was certainly exciting in 2007.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares US Property Yield UCITS ETF	IUSP		0.40%	8.40%

UK Real Estate

Remember that if you are already the proud owner of a UK property, you may have a significant portion of your wealth tied up in the UK property market already.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares UK Property UCITS ETF	IUKP		0.40%	0.34%

Euro Real Estate

hese ETFs invest in property companies and REITs across the Eurozone. They can offer diversification across various European property markets.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Xtrackers FTSE Developed Europe Real Estate UCITS ETF		XDER	0.33%	-6.76%
iShares European Property Yield UCITS ETF	IPRP	IPRE	0.40%	-7.82%

Precious Metals

A basket of shiny things. Specifically gold, silver, platinum and palladium.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
WisdomTree Physical Precious Metals ETC		PHPM	0.44%	4.28%

Gold

Backed by actual gold bars, these are a good way to bet on gold or hedge against inflation (perhaps) without stacking bullion under your bed or paying for vault storage.

More information on gold ETF investing in our Best Gold ETFs article.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Invesco Physical Gold A ETC		SGLP	0.12%	5.06%
iShares Physical Gold ETC		SGLN	0.12%	5.06%

Gold Miners

The relationship between gold and the mining companies that extract it is an interesting one. In general, when the price of gold rises, gold mining stocks may also see a rise, assuming the cost of production remains steady or falls. However, this isn’t always a one-to-one relationship. If a mining company has high costs, faces operational issues, or if it is poorly managed, it may not profit even when gold prices are high. Conversely, a well-run mining company with low costs and efficient operations can be profitable even if gold prices drop.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
VanEck Gold Miners UCITS ETF		GDGB	0.53%	-4.02%
L&G Gold Mining UCITS ETF		AUCP	0.65%	0.67%

Silver

Silver ETFs track the price of silver. They can provide a hedge against inflation and can also benefit from increased industrial demand for silver.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Physical Silver ETC		SSLN	0.20%	17.05%
Invesco Physical Silver ETC		SLVP	0.19%	17.03%

Palladium

Palladium ETFs follow the price of palladium, a precious metal widely used in the automotive industry. These ETFs can offer exposure to the metal’s price movements.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Physical Palladium ETC		SPDM	0.20%	-9.19%

Platinum

Platinum is used in various industries such as automotive and jewelry.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Physical Platinum ETC		SPLT	0.20%	11.63%

Commodities

 These two ETFs track the Bloomberg Commodity Index, which in turn tracks the futures prices of energy, precious metals, industrial metals, livestock and agriculture. A good option if you want a broad exposure to commodities in general.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Invesco Bloomberg Commodity UCITS ETF		CMOP	0.19%	20.42%
iShares Diversified Commodity Swap UCITS ETF		COMM	0.19%	20.52%

Energy

Tracks companies in the energy sector. Mostly Big Oil.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Xtrackers MSCI World Energy UCITS ETF		XDW0	0.25%	27.58%
SPDR MSCI World Energy UCITS ETF		ENGW	0.30%	30.33%

Oil and Gas

Some overlap with the energy ETFs. The iShares ETF is more specifically focussed on oil and gas exploration.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Oil & Gas Exploration & Production UCITS ETF		SPOG	0.55%	36.59%
Lyxor STOXX Europe 600 Oil & Gas UCITS ETF		OIL	0.30%	21.78%

Thematic ETFs

The following ETFs are hyper-focussed funds that target a particular issue or technology. They are a great option for zeroing in on an area you are passionate about, either socially or financially. Not a core holding, these ETFs are a great “satellite” investments.

Aging Population

This type of ETF invests in companies that stand to benefit from an aging population, such as healthcare and senior living providers. It’s a way to profit from demographic trends.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Ageing Population UCITS ETF		AGES	0.40%	9.04%

Artificial Intelligence

Investing in AI-focused Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) can potentially be a wise strategy given the increasing importance and ubiquity of artificial intelligence in today’s technology-centric world. These ETFs are funds that own a diverse array of stocks from companies that are either developing AI technology or extensively utilizing it in their operations. The potential for significant growth in this sector makes it attractive for investors who are comfortable with a certain degree of risk and have a long-term investment horizon. (I asked an AI to write that description. Exciting stuff.)

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF		INTL	0.40%	12.01%

Battery Technology

These ETFs invest in companies involved in the development and manufacturing of batteries, particularly for electric vehicles. They have done very well over the last few years and demand will likely continue with incoming bans on petrol cars.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
L&G Battery Value-Chain UCITS ETF		BATG	0.49%	30.70%
WisdomTree Battery Solutions UCITS ETF		CHRG	0.40%	18.52%

Biotech

Biotech ETFs invest in biotechnology companies, which are often involved in areas like genetic research, drug development, and clinical trials. This type of investment can offer high growth potential, but picking the right companies can be a minefield. ETFs are a good way to get diversified exposure.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Invesco Nasdaq Biotech UCITS ETF		SBIO	0.40%	2.72%
iShares Nasdaq US Biotechnology UCITS ETF	BTEE	BTEK	0.35%	2.70%

Clean Energy

Clean Energy ETFs invest in companies involved in renewable and clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. It’s a way to support and benefit from the shift towards sustainable energy.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Global Clean Energy UCITS ETF	IRNG		0.65%	20.89%
Lyxor MSCI New Energy ESG Filtered UCITS ETF	NRJL	NRJC	0.60%	8.92%

Climate Change

These ETFs invest in companies that are working to mitigate the effects of climate change or adapt to its impacts. This can include everything from clean energy firms to companies creating innovative environmental solutions.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
L&G US ESG Exclusions Paris Aligned UCITS ETF		RIUG	0.16%	13.48%
Lyxor MSCI EMU ESG Broad CTB (DR) UCITS ETF	NRJL	NRJC	0.12%	8.92%

Cloud Technology

Cloud Technology ETFs invest in companies that provide cloud computing services. This sector has seen significant growth as more businesses move their operations online.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
WisdomTree Cloud Computing UCITS ETF		KLWD	0.40%	-4.58%
First Trust Cloud Computing UCITS ETF		FSKY	0.60%	-0.16%

Crypto and Blockchain

These ETFs offer exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and the technology that underpins them, called blockchain. They provide a way to gain from this digital revolution without owning the cryptocurrencies directly. It also provides exposure to the myriad other applications for blockchain that isn’t cryptocurrency.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Invesco CoinShares Global Blockchain UCITS ETF		BCHS	0.65%	10.24%
First Trust Indxx Innovative Transaction & Process UCITS ETF		BLOK	0.65%	12.00%

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity ETFs invest in companies that provide security for computer networks and systems. As cyber threats increase, these companies are in growing demand.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Digital Security UCITS ETF	SHLD	LOCK	0.40%	6.54%
Rize Cybersecurity and Data Privacy UCITS ETF		CYBP	0.45%	5.15%

E-commerce

E-commerce ETFs invest in online retail companies. These ETFs can benefit from the ongoing shift from physical stores to online shopping.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
L&G Ecommerce Logistics UCITS ETF		ECOG	0.49%	16.44%

Electric Vehicles

These ETFs invest in companies in the electric vehicle industry, from manufacturers of the vehicles themselves to suppliers of components and charging infrastructure. This is a way to invest in the future of transportation.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Electric Vehicles and Driving Technology UCITS ETF		ECAR	0.40%	18.15%
Lyxor MSCI Future Mobility ESG Filtered UCITS ETF		ELCR	0.45%	19.72%

Future of Food

These ETFs invest in companies pioneering advancements in food technology, such as lab-grown meat or plant-based foods. It’s a chance to be part of innovative solutions tackling global food security and sustainability.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
Rize Sustainable Future of Food UCITS ETF		FOGB	0.45%

Gender Equality

Gender Equality ETFs invest in companies that support gender equality in their policies and practices. They are an opportunity to align your investments with your values and support fairer corporate practices.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
UBS ETF (IE) Global Gender Equality UCITS ETF		GENE	0.20%	13.07%

Healthcare Innovation

ETFs in this category focus on companies driving innovation in the healthcare sector, from pharmaceuticals to telemedicine. This gives investors a chance to tap into breakthrough technologies and treatments.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Healthcare Innovation UCITS ETF		DRDR	0.40%	3.62%

Sharia-Compliant Islamic Investing

These ETFs comply with Islamic law, which prohibits investments in certain sectors (like alcohol and gambling) and financial practices (like charging interest). They offer a way for Muslim investors to align their investments with their religious beliefs.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares MSCI World Islamic UCITS ETF		ISWD	0.30%	13.99%

Private Equity

Private Equity ETFs provide exposure to private companies, typically those not listed on stock exchanges. This allows investors to benefit from the growth potential of these companies, which can be significant.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Listed Private Equity UCITS ETF	IPRV	IPRA	0.75%	14.79%

Robotics and Automation

These ETFs invest in companies involved in the development, production, or use of robotics and automation technology. With these ETFs, you can invest in the companies leading the charge in this rapidly advancing field.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Automation & Robotics UCITS ETF	RBOD	RBTX	0.40%	11.72%
L&G ROBO Global Robotics and Automation UCITS ETF		ROBG	0.80%	11.40%

Water

Water ETFs invest in companies engaged in the conservation and purification of water, and those that provide equipment and utilities for its distribution. With this investment, you’re recognising the essential and irreplaceable value of this resource.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Global Water UCITS ETF	IH2O		0.65%	13.21%
Lyxor MSCI Water ESG Filtered (DR) UCITS ETF	WATL		0.60%	12.98%

Timber and Forestry

These ETFs invest in companies involved in the growth, harvest, and distribution of timber and other forest products.

ETF	Distributing	Accumulating	Annual Fee	3 Year Return (annualised)
iShares Global Timber & Forestry UCITS ETF	WOOD		0.65%	11.45%