These are 3 best-performing ASX ETFs so far in 2022

Some exchange-traded funds are producing big gains for investors this year.

| More on:
three men stand on a winner's podium with medals around their necks with their hands raised in triumph.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

With ASX investor interest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continuing to remain strong, it might be beneficial to take a look at some of the best-performing funds of 2022 thus far.

As most investors would know, this year has been an especially tough one.

Given the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has lost about 10.6% over the year to date, ASX 200 index funds would have suffered a similar fate. So let's take a look at which ASX ETFs have been winners for investors this year.

The 3 best-performing ASX ETFs of 2022 (thus far)

BetaShares Strong U.S. Dollar Fund (ASX: YANK)

This is a rather unique ETF in that it doesn't cover companies at all. Rather this fund has been designed to give exposure solely to the performance of the US dollar compared to the Aussie dollar. So if the US dollar rises against our own (and our dollar falls), the value of this fund is supposed to rise.

This fund also uses leverage to amplify these movements. So it's perhaps no surprise that the Strong Dollar ETF has had a cracking year.

This fund has given investors a return of 25.1% year to date, thanks to the rampant greenback that has come to dominate the currency markets this year.

BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF (ASX: FUEL)

This ETF, as its code so aptly implies, is a fund that tracks a basket of global energy companies. Its primary holdings are the US oil giants Chevron and Exxon Mobil, but also includes Royal Dutch Shell and BP.

As motorists everywhere would be painfully aware, 2022 has seen energy prices explode. This has been detrimental for energy users, but highly lucrative for energy shares like those above. So it's perhaps no surprise that this ETF has given investors a 32% return over the year to date.

Global X Ultra Short NASDAQ 100 Hedge Fund (ASX: SNAS)

Here we have another rather special ETF. This NASDAQ Hedge Fund is another ETF that uses leverage. But it is also an inverse ETF. This means that it has been engineered to rise in value when the index it tracks falls (and vice versa). In this case, it is the US-based NASDAQ-100 (NASDAQ: NDX).

As it happens, the NASDAQ 100 has had a shocker, falling by a nasty 31.46% on yesterday's pricing. But investors of this Ultra Short ETF will find that music to their ears. That's because this fall has enabled an eye-popping 76.3% increase in the value of this fund over 2022 thus far.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Chevron. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BP. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

An older gentleman leans over his partner's shoulder as she looks at a tablet device while seated at a table.
ETFs

What is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) dividend yield?

This fund is known for paying sizeable income. But how big?

Read more »

Man looking at an ETF diagram.
ETFs

Why these ASX ETFs could be strong buys in August

Let's see why these funds could be worth adding to a balanced investment portfolio.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Invested in ASX MOAT or other VanEck ETFs? It's dividend day!

Show us the money!

Read more »

female real estate agent stands proudly in front of house
ETFs

Can't break into the housing market? Here's 3 REIT ASX ETFs to consider

These three thematic funds focus on real estate 

Read more »

asx shares to buy and hold represented by man happily hugging himself
ETFs

5 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold forever

These funds could be destined to deliver strong returns over the next decade and beyond.

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
ETFs

The pros and cons of buying iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) units this month

Is this a good time to invest in this leading ETF?

Read more »

Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.
ETFs

5 ETFs to buy with $5,000 to build a winning portfolio

Let's see why these funds could help form a strong investment portfolio.

Read more »

A graphic illustration with the words NASDAQ atop a US city and currency
ETFs

5 reasons to buy the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF

This fund could be well worth a spot in your investment portfolio. But why?

Read more »