In this article, we discuss the 12 Best Global ETFs to Buy.
The ETF industry experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with global assets under management (AUM) reaching $14.8 trillion by the fourth quarter. While strong equity market performance contributed to this increase, record-breaking net inflows of $1.88 trillion were the primary driver. This growth was fueled by innovation from ETF and ETP providers, along with increasing investor adoption across different markets, investment styles, and investor types. The factors that have supported the industry’s expansion over the past 30 years, such as transparency, competitive fees, liquidity, and tax benefits in regions like the US, Ireland, and Luxembourg, continue to attract capital.
Europe played a significant role in ETF growth, with AUM nearing $2.3 trillion by the end of 2024, boosted by the rise of online retail savings accounts, as reported by Ernst & Young. European ETFs expanded at a faster pace than the US market, reflecting their smaller share of registered funds at around 12% compared to approximately 25% in the US. The United States remained a major force in global ETF growth, surpassing $10 trillion in AUM by year-end. Other key markets, including Canada, Japan, Australia, Korea, and Taiwan, also saw steady expansion. Active ETFs were largely popular, accounting for a growing share of the European ETF market and representing 8% of US ETF AUM. In the US, active ETFs drove nearly half of all net inflows in 2024.
Institutions heavily sold equities toward the end of 2024, while capital continued to flow into index funds, ETFs, and passive investment strategies. In December, institutional investors sold a net $50.2 billion in equities, a nearly 50% increase from November, making it the highest monthly sell-off of the year, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Thomas McNamara, director of issuer solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence, commented:
“This selling activity intensified toward the year’s end, highlighting 2024 as a pivotal year for index investing. As stock pickers continued to reduce their allocations to individual securities, the post-election market rally provided further motivation for broad-based investment strategies.”
At the same time, index funds and ETFs remained net buyers, purchasing $25.89 billion in stocks in December 2024. Though lower than November’s $43.21 billion, the figure remained close to the 12-month average of $24.44 billion. Going into 2025, institutional selling is expected to persist, while index funds and ETFs are likely to continue buying. A shift back to active institutional management appears unlikely unless market conditions change.
Noel Archard, Global Head of ETFs and Portfolio Solutions at AllianceBernstein, highlighted key trends shaping the ETF market in 2025. Growth is accelerating worldwide, with the US active ETF market expected to surpass $3 trillion in the next three years. Investors are increasingly using ETFs for both strategic and tactical portfolio adjustments, particularly in response to market shifts. Active ETFs are a major driver of this growth, expanding beyond fixed-income products into equities, enhanced income strategies, and alternative investments. Regulatory changes in markets are also facilitating their adoption. Meanwhile, passive ETFs continue to grow steadily, having long been a dominant force in the industry. The removal of barriers in certain markets is expected to unlock further demand for active ETFs. Additionally, the rising adoption of model portfolios reinforces ETFs, both active and passive, as efficient investment tools, because investors recognize their advantages over mutual funds and separately managed accounts. With that outlook in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best global ETFs to buy.
A financial executive gazing at an array of computer screens as the global markets fluctuate.
Our Methodology
We curated our list of the best global ETFs by choosing consensus picks from multiple credible websites. These funds offer exposure to a basket of global/international stocks. We have mentioned the 5-year share price performance of each ETF as of March 21, 2025, ranking the list in ascending order of the share price performance. Additionally, we discuss the top holdings of these ETFs to give investors deeper insights. Hedge fund sentiment from Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database for each holding is also included.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
12. First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (NASDAQ:FDNI)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 60.93%
First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (NASDAQ:FDNI) is one of the best global ETFs. It aims to track the performance of the stocks in the Dow Jones. Typically, at least 90% of its net assets are invested in securities that make up the Index. The ETF was launched on May 11, 2018. As of March 19, 2025, its total net assets stand at $41.5 million, with a portfolio of 40 holdings. As of February 3, 2025, the fund’s expense ratio remains 0.65%.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) is the largest holding of the First Trust Dow Jones International Internet ETF (NASDAQ:FDNI). The company offers technology infrastructure and marketing solutions to support merchants, retailers, brands, and businesses in connecting with their customers in China and globally. On March 14, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) introduced a new AI model, R1-Omni, designed to recognize human emotions. Developed by researchers at Alibaba’s Tongyi Lab, the open-source model can interpret emotional states such as happiness or anger by analyzing visual cues in videos. In addition to detecting emotions, R1-Omni can describe a person’s clothing and surroundings in real time.
According to Insider Monkey’s fourth-quarter database, 107 hedge funds were bullish on Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA), compared to 115 funds in the preceding quarter. David Tepper’s Appaloosa Management was the biggest shareholder of the firm, with 11.8 million shares worth $1 billion.
11. Global X Social Media ETF (NASDAQ:SOCL)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 73.47%
Global X Social Media ETF (NASDAQ:SOCL) gives investors exposure to social media companies worldwide. It aims to track the performance of the Solactive Social Media Total Return Index. Launched on November 14, 2011, the fund has total net assets of $121.5 million as of March 19, 2025, with an expense ratio of 0.65%. Its portfolio includes 47 stocks. Global X Social Media ETF (NASDAQ:SOCL) is among the best global ETFs to invest in.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is one of the top holdings of the Global X Social Media ETF (NASDAQ:SOCL). It develops products that help people stay connected and interact through mobile devices, computers, virtual and mixed-reality headsets, and more. On March 11, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) announced it is testing its first in-house chip designed for training artificial intelligence systems. This marks a significant step toward developing custom silicon and reducing dependence on external suppliers. The chip is currently being tested on a small scale, with plans to expand production if the results are successful.
As per Insider Monkey’s fourth-quarter database, 262 hedge funds were bullish on Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), an increase from 235 funds in the previous quarter. Michael Abramson and Jan Koum’s Newlands Management Operations held one of the biggest positions in the company, with 9.9 million shares worth $5.8 billion.
10. First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (NASDAQ:FTRI)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 78.23%
Ranking 10th on our list of the best global ETFs, First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (NASDAQ:FTRI) aims to track the performance of the Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index. Launched on March 11, 2010, the fund has $93.7 million in net assets as of March 19, 2025, with a portfolio of 49 stocks. As of February 3, 2025, its expense ratio stands at 0.70%.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) is the largest holding of the First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (NASDAQ:FTRI). It is a gold mining firm, that explores, develops, and produces precious metals, including gold, silver, zinc, and copper. On March 18, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) announced that it has completed the acquisition of O3 Mining Inc. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Agnico Eagle Abitibi Acquisition Corp. With this transaction, O3 Mining has become a fully owned subsidiary of AEM.
According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 53 hedge funds were bullish on Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM), compared to 54 funds in the previous quarter. Peter Rathjens, Bruce Clarke, and John Campbell’s Arrowstreet Capital held the largest position in the firm, with over 7 million shares valued at $551.3 million.
