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.
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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.
9. Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE:SIL)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 90.5%
Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE:SIL), one of the best global ETFs, offers investors exposure to a range of silver mining firms. It aims to track the performance of the Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index. The fund was established on April 19, 2010, and it has net assets of $1.4 billion as of March 19, 2025, with an expense ratio of 0.65%. Its portfolio includes 33 stocks.
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) is the top holding of the Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE:SIL). The company operates in North America, Africa, Europe, and South America, selling gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and cobalt. On March 17, Scotiabank maintained its positive view on Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM), keeping a Sector Outperform rating and raising its price target from $78 to $79. Over the past year, the stock has delivered an impressive 68% return.
According to Insider Monkey’s fourth-quarter database, 36 hedge funds were bullish on Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM), up from 23 funds in the prior quarter. Jean-Marie Eveillard’s First Eagle Investment Management was the largest stakeholder of the company, with 19 million shares worth $1.1 billion.
8. iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (NYSE:GLOF)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 103.55%
iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (NYSE:GLOF) aims to reflect the performance of the STOXX Global Equity Factor Index, which includes large and mid-cap stocks from developed and emerging markets with favorable exposure to specific investment factors. GLOF is among the best global ETFs. It launched on April 28, 2015. The fund has net assets of $105.2 million as of March 19, 2025, with a portfolio of 592 stocks. Its expense ratio stands at 0.2%.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is the largest holding of the iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (NYSE:GLOF). On February 24, the company announced its largest investment plan to date, committing over $500 billion to the US economy over the next four years. This initiative includes opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, where Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and its partners will produce servers for Apple Intelligence – a system designed to enhance writing, creativity, and productivity. Additionally, Apple will expand its US Advanced Manufacturing Fund, launch a training academy in Michigan for future manufacturers, and increase research and development efforts in areas such as silicon engineering.
Among the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, 166 funds were bullish on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) at the end of Q4 2024, compared to 158 funds that invested in the stock in the preceding quarter. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway held the largest position in the firm, with 300 million shares valued at $75.1 billion.
7. Global X E-commerce ETF (NASDAQ:EBIZ)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 113.65%
Global X E-commerce ETF (NASDAQ:EBIZ) tracks the performance of the Solactive E-commerce Index. It invests in firms poised to benefit from the expansion of e-commerce, including those operating e-commerce platforms, providing related software and services, or selling goods and services online. Global X E-commerce ETF (NASDAQ:EBIZ) was launched on November 27, 2018. It is one of the best global ETFs. As of March 19, 2025, its net assets equaled $74.46 million, with an expense ratio of 0.5%. EBIZ’s portfolio comprises 40 stocks.
JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) is among the largest holdings of the Global X E-commerce ETF (NASDAQ:EBIZ). The company operates as a technology-driven supply chain and service provider in China. On February 27, JD Auto introduced Xiaomi Auto’s official flagship store on its platform alongside the launch of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. This development strengthens the collaboration between JD Auto and Xiaomi Auto, supporting Xiaomi’s vision of a seamlessly connected “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem.
As per Insider Monkey’s fourth-quarter database, 78 hedge funds were bullish on JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD), up from 75 funds in the previous quarter. Discerene Group was one of the biggest stakeholders of the company, with over 5.5 million shares worth $192.6 million.
6. Davis Select Worldwide ETF (BATS:DWLD)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 123.7%
Ranked 6th on our list of the best global ETFs, Davis Select Worldwide ETF (BATS:DWLD) invests in top-tier businesses in the US and internationally, aiming to outperform the MSCI rather than simply replicate it. The ETF follows a long-term investment strategy with low expected turnover. It was launched on January 11, 2017. As of March 19, 2025, its net assets amounted to approximately $375.1 million, with an expense ratio of 0.63%, with a portfolio including 40 stocks.
Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) is one of the top holdings of the Davis Select Worldwide ETF (BATS:DWLD). Trip.com offers travel services such as hotel reservations, tour packages, transportation bookings, and corporate travel management in China and worldwide. On February 25, Mizuho Securities reaffirmed its positive outlook on the company, maintaining an Outperform rating with a price target of $78.
According to Insider Monkey’s fourth-quarter database, 51 hedge funds were bullish on Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM), compared to 50 funds in the prior quarter. Vincent Gao’s CoreView Capital was one of the top position holders in the firm, with 3.8 million shares valued at $261.4 million.
5. iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 129.09%
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK) is one of the best global ETFs. It aims to reflect the performance of the MSCI Select Metals & Mining Producers Ex Gold & Silver Investable Market Index. This index includes global stocks of companies focused on mining, extracting, or producing different metals, excluding gold and silver. iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK) was established on January 31, 2012. The ETF has net assets of $780.3 million as of March 19, 2025, with an expense ratio of 0.39%. Its portfolio includes 233 stocks.
BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) is the largest holding of the iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK). It is a global resources company with operations in Australia, Europe, Asia, North and South America, and beyond. It is divided into Copper, Iron Ore, and Coal segments. On February 18, Bank of America Securities analyst James Redfern maintained a Buy rating on BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) with a price target of A$47.5, citing the company’s strong financial performance and stable future outlook.
Among the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, 28 funds were bullish on BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) at the end of Q4 2024, in contrast to the prior quarter when 22 funds had invested in the stock. Fisher Asset Management was the biggest stakeholder of BHP, with a stake valued at over $1 billion.
4. Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:BUG)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 157.87%
Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:BUG) aims to deliver investment results that align with the performance of the Indxx Cybersecurity Index. It focuses on companies positioned to benefit from the growing demand for cybersecurity solutions, particularly those involved in developing and managing security protocols to protect systems, networks, applications, mobile devices, and computers from cyber threats. It is among the best global ETFs to invest in. Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:BUG) was launched on October 25, 2019. As of March 19, 2025, it has net assets of $898.8 million and an expense ratio of 0.5%. Its portfolio comprises 22 stocks.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:CHKP) is the top holding of the Global X Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:BUG). The company creates, markets, and provides IT security solutions globally. On March 11, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:CHKP) announced a partnership with Cardano, a public cryptocurrency platform, to create the first real-time security solution for blockchain. This collaboration combines Check Point’s cybersecurity expertise with Cardano’s blockchain technology to enhance security for Web3 applications.
As per Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 40 hedge funds were bullish on Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ:CHKP), an increase from 32 funds in the last quarter. John W. Rogers’ Ariel Investments was the largest position holder in the company, with 1.1 million shares worth over $212 million.
3. iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:IXN)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 190.95%
Ranked 3rd on our list of the best global ETFs, iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:IXN) aims to mirror the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Information Technology 4.5/22.5/45 Capped index, which includes technology stocks from around the world. It provides exposure to companies specializing in electronics, software, hardware, and IT services. Introduced on November 12, 2001, the fund holds 120 stocks and has over $4.6 billion in net assets as of March 19, 2025. iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:IXN) offers an expense ratio of 0.41%.
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is one of the top holdings of the iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:IXN). NVIDIA Corporation, a leader in computing and semiconductors, offers its solutions across the US, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and other global markets. On March 18, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) introduced the NVIDIA AI Data Platform, a customizable reference design aimed at improving AI infrastructure. This platform enables top providers to develop enterprise storage systems equipped with AI query agents powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing, networking, and software.
As per Insider Monkey’s Q4 database, 223 hedge funds were bullish on NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), in contrast to the previous quarter when 193 funds had invested in the stock. Fisher Asset Management was one of the largest shareholders of the company, with 98.3 million shares worth $13.2 billion.
2. iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSE:IXC)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 203.72%
iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSE:IXC) aims to replicate the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Energy Index, which includes energy sector stocks from around the world. It offers exposure to firms involved in oil and gas production and distribution. Launched on November 12, 2001, the fund holds 52 stocks with total net assets of $1.8 billion as of March 19, 2025. The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.41%. iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSE:IXC) ranks 2nd on our list of the best global ETFs.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is the largest holding of the iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSE:IXC). The company explores and produces crude oil and natural gas in the US, the UK, Canada, France, Singapore, and other global markets. It operates across four segments: Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products. On March 20, Wells Fargo maintained an Overweight rating on Exxon Mobil and adjusted its price target from $135 to $130.
Among the hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, 104 funds were bullish on Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) at the end of Q4 2024, compared to 86 funds in the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management was the leading stakeholder of the company, with nearly 30 million shares valued at $3.2 billion.
1. Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:COPX)
5-Year Share Price Performance as of March 21: 307.93%
Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:COPX) gives investors exposure to a diverse range of copper mining firms. It aims to deliver investment results that follow the performance of the Solactive Global Copper Miners Total Return Index. Established on April 19, 2010, the fund has net assets of $2.9 billion as of March 19, 2025, and its portfolio includes 39 stocks. Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:COPX) offers an expense ratio of 0.65%.
Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO) is among the top holdings of the Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:COPX). The company is involved in the mining, exploration, smelting, and refining of copper and other minerals across Peru, Argentina, Chile Mexico, and Ecuador. On March 13, UBS analyst Myles Allsop raised Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO)’s rating from Neutral to Buy, while setting a price target of $120. His positive outlook is based on expectations of a copper market deficit driving prices higher and projected volume growth from the SCCO’s Tia Maria project, which could contribute around 10% growth over the next few years.
According to Insider Monkey’s Q4 database, 33 hedge funds were bullish on Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO), an increase from 25 funds in the preceding quarter. Fisher Asset Management held the biggest position in the company, with 2.9 million shares worth over $268.2 million.
Overall, Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSE:COPX) ranks first on our list of the best global ETFs. While we acknowledge the potential of COPX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than COPX but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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