Here are the 3 best-performing ASX ETFs of 2022

Here are 2022's best ETFs.

| More on:
ETF written in gold with dollar signs on coin.

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

2022 was a rather rough year for ASX shares and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). Over the year just passed, the ASX 200 fell by a depressing 5.5%, ensuring that any ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking the ASX 200 Index would have fallen by a similar amount

But that doesn't mean all ASX ETFs had a rough year. So let's check out the three best-performing ETFs from last year. Just to be clear, we'll go off the change in unit prices alone over the year here.

The top 3 ASX ETFs of 2022 revealed

BetaShares U.S. Equities Strong Bear Fund (ASX: BBUS)

First up is this inverse ETF from BetaSahres. Inverse ETFs are designed to rise in value when the value of the index they track falls. In the Strong Bear Fund's case, the returns are also leveraged. This means that a 1% fall in the US market will generally give this ETF a boost of between 2% and 2.75%.

The US markets had an even worse year than the ASX 200 in 2022, with the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) falling by more than 19%. So it's perhaps no surprise that this ETF had a cracking year.

Strong Bear Fund units started 2022 at $8.22, but finished up at $10.82, meaning investors enjoyed a total capital gain of 31.63% for the year.

BetaShares Global Energy Companies ETF (ASX: FUEL)

Another fund from BetaShares, this one is a little different. The Global Energy Companies ETF is not an inverse or leveraged fund. It simply tracks a basket of global energy giants operating in the oil and gas industries. These include well-known names like Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP and Chevron.

2022 saw oil and gas prices skyrocket thanks to a potent mix of geopolitical and economic challenges. This resulted in a very pleasing year for these kinds of companies.

We can see this reflected in the Global Energy Companies ETF's unit price. This ETF started last year at a price of $4.69 but finished up at $6.46. That's a gain worth 37.74%.

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

Our final and best-performing ETF of 2022 is another inverse, leveraged fund. The Global X Ultra Short Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund is designed to move in the opposite direction to the US NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX).

The Nasdaq 100 is an index that reflects 100 of the largest companies on the tech-heavy NASDAQ exchange over in the US.

The Nasdaq 100 had a horrible 2022, falling by almost 33% last year. That's a perfect storm for a cracking year for this ETF. The Ultra Short Nasdaq Fund started 2022 off at $3.04 per unit but ended the year at $5.53. That's a gain worth a stellar 81.9%.

Should you invest $1,000 in The Lottery Corporation Limited right now?

Before you buy The Lottery Corporation Limited shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and The Lottery Corporation Limited wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

A happy young couple lie on a wooden deck using a skateboard for a pillow.
ETFs

3 high-conviction ASX ETFs to buy and hold forever

These funds could be quality picks for investors looking for buy and hold options.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
ETFs

5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy now

Here are five funds that could be top picks for Aussie investors this month.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
ETFs

Should you invest $3,000 into these top ASX ETFs this month?

Is now a good time to buy these funds? Let's find out.

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a piggybank.
ETFs

Is it too late to buy the VTS ETF and MOAT ETF after the rebound?

Was the best time to buy these ETFs last month?

Read more »

Hologram of a man next to a human robot, symbolising artificial intelligence.
ETFs

AI, cybersecurity, and defence: 3 megatrend ASX ETFs to watch now

Want to invest in some of the most exciting megatrends? Check out these funds.

Read more »

A business woman flexes her muscles overlooking a city scape below.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that could be strong buys in May

Looking for some investment ideas? Here are three to consider in May.

Read more »

Army man and woman on digital devices.
ETFs

3 reasons why Vaneck Global Defence ETF could beat the ASX 200 over the next year

Let's take a look at why this fund could be a top pick for investors.

Read more »

Five young people sit in a row having fun and interacting with their mobile phones.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold until 2035

Check out these funds if you are looking to make buy and hold investments.

Read more »