Largest Exchange-Traded Funds Ranked: Assets-wise Leading Exchange-Traded Funds Globally
In the world of investment, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a popular choice for both novice and seasoned investors. Here's a rundown of some of the largest ETFs as of September 2, 2025, based on their net assets, along with their key features and average annual returns.
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) - Net Assets: $100 billion - Tracks: S&P MidCap 400 Index, which includes mid-cap stocks issued in the U.S. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 12.5% - Expense Ratio: 0.05%
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) - Net Assets: $106.8 billion - Tracks: Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped Index (Hedged), offering broad exposure to bonds issued outside the U.S. - Average Annual Return (5 years): -0.1% - Expense Ratio: 0.07%
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) - Net Assets: $85.3 billion - Tracks: S&P SmallCap 600 Index, which includes small-cap stocks issued in the U.S. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 11.3% - Expense Ratio: 0.06%
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) - Net Assets: $107.8 billion - Tracks: The price of gold bullion minus the expense ratio of the fund. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 11.4% - Expense Ratio: 0.40%
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) - Net Assets: $101.4 billion - Tracks: MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index, which includes the stocks of large-, mid- and small-cap companies in emerging markets. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 5.7% - Expense Ratio: 0.09%
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) - Net Assets: $116.4 billion - Tracks: Russell 1000 Growth Index, which includes U.S. large- and mid-cap growth stocks in the Russell 1000 index. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 14.7% - Expense Ratio: 0.18%
The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) - Net Assets: $83.9 billion - Tracks: Technology Select Sector Index, which includes stocks in the areas of software and services, IT consulting services, semiconductor equipment, and computer and peripherals. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 16.8% - Expense Ratio: 0.08%
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) - Net Assets: $109.6 billion - Tracks: S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, which includes U.S. stocks that have a history of increasing their dividends over time. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 12% - Expense Ratio: 0.05%
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) - Net Assets: $114.9 billion - Tracks: MSCI US Investable Market Index (IMI)/Information Technology 25/50, which includes large-, mid- and small-cap U.S. stocks in the information technology sector. - Average Annual Return (5 years): 16.6% - Expense Ratio: 0.09%
iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) - Net Assets: $81 billion - Tracks: The price performance of Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency. - Average Annual Return (5 years): N/A - Expense Ratio: 0.25%
It's worth noting that BlackRock, through its iShares brand, manages the largest ETF on the list, the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF, with assets amounting to approximately 95.1 billion euros, according to Morningstar.
Each of these ETFs offers a unique opportunity for investors, catering to various investment strategies and risk appetites. Before investing, it's always advisable to conduct thorough research and consult with a financial advisor.
