10 Top Performing ETF to Buy This Quarter For Higher Gains

Have you ever felt like your money is just sitting there, not working as hard as it could be? You’re definitely not the only one, and the best part is, there’s a smart and effective way to turn things around.

More and more investors, especially those looking for both strong returns and peace of mind, are turning to high-performing ETFs. Why? Because they offer something rare: a chance to tap into big-picture growth stories, like artificial intelligence or clean energy, while still spreading out your risk.

Let me break it down simply. ETFs, or Exchange-Traded Funds, are like investment bundles, each one holds a mix of stocks or assets in a specific sector or theme. That means when you invest in a tech ETF, for example, you’re not just betting on one company like Apple or NVIDIA, you’re getting exposure to an entire slice of the tech world.

Why This Matters Right Now

You might be wondering, “Why are ETFs getting so much attention lately?” Well, think about everything that’s been shifting in the economy lately, from AI breakthroughs to the boom in clean energy, and even the rollercoaster ride of crypto. Smart investors are watching these trends and asking, “How can I get in on this growth without putting all my eggs in one basket?” That’s exactly where ETFs come in.

Some ETFs are laser-focused on hot sectors like semiconductors, healthcare innovation, or even inflation-protected assets like gold and copper. These funds are designed to move with the times, they ride the momentum where it’s happening.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: when you choose the right ETF, you’re not just investing, you’re positioning yourself to grow with the future of the economy.

What You’ll Learn Here

In this article, I’m going to walk you through 10 of the best-performing ETFs you can consider adding to your portfolio right now. And because I always like to give you a little extra, I’ve included 3 bonus ETFs that are currently beating the broader market, these are the ones flying just under the radar but packing real potential.

These picks aren’t just guesswork. They reflect what’s actually moving in the market right now, based on where the money is flowing and how economic trends are evolving.

So whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this list will help you focus on ETFs that are relevant, resilient, and built for growth.

One Last Word of Advice (From a Place of Experience)

In my 20s, I thought I had to pick individual “winner” stocks to get ahead, and I made some risky bets. What I didn’t understand at the time is that smart investing isn’t about trying to outguess the market every week. It’s about positioning yourself where growth is happening and staying diversified enough to weather whatever storms come along.

ETFs gave me a way to do that. They gave me a way to sleep better at night, knowing I wasn’t just gambling, I was building.

So before you dive in, take a moment to look under the hood. Read the fund’s prospectus, check what’s inside, and make sure it fits your vision of financial freedom. And always remember: past performance isn’t a promise, but it can be a clue.

What Is an ETF? Let’s Make It Simple.

Let’s be honest, the financial world can feel like it’s speaking a different language sometimes. You hear terms like ETF thrown around a lot, and maybe you’ve even considered investing in one. But what exactly is it? And why should you care?

An ETF, or Exchange-Traded Fund, is kind of like a pre-packed investment basket. Inside the basket? A mix of things like stocks, bonds, or even commodities like gold or oil. Think of it as buying a sample platter instead of ordering one item off the menu, you’re not putting all your money into just one stock. Instead, you’re getting broad exposure to an entire sector or theme.

Here’s the cool part: ETFs trade on the stock market just like individual stocks. That means you can buy and sell them during the day, in real time, rather than waiting until markets close like you would with mutual funds. For everyday investors like you and me, and for big institutions too, that kind of flexibility can make a huge difference.

You might be wondering, “Why are ETFs such a big deal?” The answer is simple: they’re usually low-cost, super transparent (you can see what’s inside them), tax-efficient, and easy to access. And in today’s economy, where markets move fast and uncertainty is part of the landscape, having an investment that’s both diversified and flexible is incredibly valuable.

A Personal Insight From Experience

Back during the 2020–2021 tech boom, I decided to allocate just 10% of my portfolio to a tech-focused ETF called SMH, which specializes in semiconductor stocks. That small move? It completely outpaced my broader index funds that year.

Here’s what I learned: when you choose a sector-specific ETF wisely, especially during a wave of economic momentum, it can help turbocharge your overall returns, without putting your entire portfolio at risk.

10 High-Performing ETFs to Watch This Quarter (And Why They Matter)

These aren’t just tickers on a chart, each of these ETFs reflects what’s really happening in the world right now. From AI breakthroughs to travel rebounds to inflation fears, these funds give you a front-row seat to some of the biggest trends shaping the market today.

1. Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (SPMO)

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to invest in what’s working right now,” this is that strategy in action.

SPMO focuses on high-momentum stocks within the S&P 500, the ones that have been showing strong performance and healthy earnings. It does particularly well during bull markets, often leaning into sectors like tech and consumer discretionary. With regular rebalancing and data-driven screening, this ETF helps you ride the wave of what’s hot without constantly checking the headlines.

2. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

When uncertainty creeps in, gold tends to shine, literally and figuratively.

GLD gives you direct exposure to physical gold without needing to store or insure a single ounce. With inflation, war headlines, and interest rate shifts dominating the news lately, it’s no surprise gold is making a comeback. I often tell clients, “You don’t invest in gold to get rich; you invest in it to stay calm when everything else is chaotic.” That’s exactly what GLD is designed for.

3. iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBTC)

Crypto still feels like the wild west, right? But this ETF makes it safer to explore.

IBTC gives you secure, regulated access to Bitcoin, no wallets, no passwords, no crypto exchange accounts. As institutional investors start to warm up to Bitcoin and more ETF approvals come through, this fund has outpaced traditional “risk-on” assets. If you’ve been curious about crypto but hesitant to dive in, this could be your bridge.

4. United States Copper Index Fund (CPER)

Have you ever been curious about what drives electric cars, fuels solar technology, or supports major infrastructure developments? Copper.

CPER lets you invest in copper prices through futures contracts, no mining stocks, just direct commodity exposure. With green energy and global infrastructure building on the rise, copper demand is ramping up fast. Think of CPER as a behind-the-scenes play on the future economy.

5. U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS)

After years of grounded flights, the skies are getting crowded again, and investors are noticing.

JETS focuses on airline stocks, travel booking platforms, and aircraft makers. It’s a way to invest in the comeback story of global travel. With oil prices easing and travel demand rising, this ETF captures the momentum without having to pick which airline will win.

6. Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU)

This one’s for when you just want steady, boring, dependable, and that’s a good thing.

XLU holds utility companies that keep the lights on and water running. These businesses don’t usually make headlines, but they tend to hold up well when the economy gets shaky. With stable dividends and regulated revenues, XLU is the financial equivalent of comfort food.

7. iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX)

Let’s be honest, market volatility is stressful. Imagine if you had the chance to profit from it too?

That’s what VXX is built for. It tracks short-term VIX futures, which tend to spike when investors get nervous. While it’s not something you want to hold forever, it can be a smart short-term hedge when you feel turbulence ahead. It’s like packing an umbrella, you hope you don’t need it, but you’re glad you brought it.

8. ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW)

Have you ever looked at all the buzz around AI, streaming, or blockchain and thought, “I want a piece of that, but I’m not sure how to invest wisely”?

That’s where ARKW comes in. This ETF is like a curated basket of companies building the future, think cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital media, and blockchain. Instead of trying to pick one big winner, you get exposure to a range of high-growth disruptors in one shot.

ARKW lets you lean into those future-facing trends without betting it all on a single startup. And honestly, when I first started investing in tech years ago, I wish someone had told me how helpful ETFs like this could be for managing risk while still riding the wave of progress.

9. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

Semiconductors are the unsung heroes powering everything from your phone to self-driving cars. And if you’ve been watching NVIDIA or AMD lately, you’ve probably seen just how explosive this space can be.

SMH gives you a front-row seat to that growth. It’s packed with major players in the chip-making world, companies at the heart of AI development, cloud computing, 5G, and even electric vehicles.

I remember back in 2021, I hesitated on semis because they seemed too technical and niche. But what I didn’t realize is they’re not just “tech”, they’re the infrastructure of modern innovation. If you’re bullish on the future, this ETF captures one of the most essential, and profitable, slices of it.

10. ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD)

Okay, let’s talk about leverage, and let me explain it like I would to a friend over coffee.

QLD is what’s called a leveraged ETF, which means it aims to deliver twice the daily returns of the Nasdaq-100 index. So, if the Nasdaq jumps 1%, QLD targets a 2% gain. Pretty exciting, right?

But here’s the deal: it cuts both ways. If the market dips, your losses are also amplified. That’s why I only recommend something like QLD for seasoned investors or those who are actively watching their portfolios. This isn’t the kind of fund you just invest in once and ignore.

That said, when mega-cap tech stocks are in rally mode, QLD can seriously juice your returns. I’ve seen aggressive traders use this to turbocharge short-term gains, but again, it’s about knowing your risk tolerance.

A Pro Tip to Wrap It All Together

I really wish I had known this when I first started investing:
It’s possible to find a balance between protecting your capital and seeking returns. You can have both, with strategy.

By combining sector ETFs (which target fast-growing areas like tech, crypto, or clean energy) with core index ETFs (that cover the whole market), you can build a portfolio that’s not only diversified but also forward-looking.

The key? Don’t chase hype. Instead, understand what each ETF is built to do, and make sure it matches your personal goals, timeline, and comfort with risk.

Fast Fact

If you’ve been wondering whether crypto still has momentum, here’s a clue: IBTC, the iShares Bitcoin Trust, has outperformed nearly every equity fund this year with over +45% returns as of Q2 2025.

Summary Table of Top Performing ETFs

Here is a summary table of all 10 top performing ETFs with their sector focus, estimated YTD performance, and expense ratios for quick comparison:

What does that tell us? Institutional money is no longer ignoring Bitcoin. And with ETFs like IBTC, you can now get exposure without the hassle of managing digital wallets or worrying about crypto exchanges. That’s a game-changer for everyday investors.

Let me leave you with this:
Investing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be thoughtful. If you can find ETFs that align with your beliefs about where the world is heading, whether it’s tech, clean energy, or digital currency, you’re not just chasing returns. You’re crafting an investment mix that aligns with your long-term vision.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed by the options, just remember: you’re not alone. We all start somewhere. The key is to keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep showing up for your financial future, even if it’s just one ETF at a time.

How to Select the Best ETFs for Higher Returns (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Let’s be honest, trying to choose the right ETF can feel like standing in a grocery aisle with hundreds of unfamiliar brands. Everything looks promising, but you’re not quite sure what’s actually good for you. I’ve been there too.

When I started investing in ETFs, I thought the “best” one was simply the one with the highest recent returns. Big mistake. Over time, I realized that selecting the right ETF, one that fits your life, your goals, and your risk comfort, is more of an intentional process than a race for the biggest number on a chart.

If only someone had shared this insight with me at the beginning…

Expense Ratio: Small Fees Add Up Over Time

Have you ever looked at a 0.5% fee and thought, “That’s basically nothing”? I used to. But here’s the truth: even a small expense ratio quietly chips away at your returns year after year, especially if you’re investing for the long haul.

It’s similar to a small puncture in a tire, easy to overlook but harmful over time. It won’t flatten your journey in a day, but if you don’t fix it, you’ll feel the drag. Lower-fee ETFs give your money more room to grow, and that makes a bigger difference than most people expect after 10, 20, or 30 years of compounding.

So when you compare ETFs, always check that expense ratio. All else equal, lower is better.

Liquidity & Volume: How Easy Is It to Get In (and Out)?

Imagine trying to sell something on eBay, but nobody’s buying. That’s kind of what it feels like when you invest in an ETF with low trading volume, it can be hard to exit quickly or at a fair price.

ETFs with higher volume tend to have tighter bid-ask spreads, which simply means you lose less money on each trade. It makes your buying and selling more efficient, especially if you ever need to exit quickly in a volatile market.

In short: popular ETFs with high volume are usually easier, cheaper, and less stressful to trade.

Know What You Actually Own: The Importance of Underlying Holdings

Here’s something I didn’t fully grasp at first, not all ETFs are created equal just because they share a similar theme. Two “tech ETFs” can have very different holdings, strategies, and levels of risk.

Always peek under the hood. What sectors are they leaning into? Who are the top holdings? Is the ETF passively tracking an index or actively managed by a team trying to beat the market?

Let’s say you want exposure to AI. One ETF might focus on chipmakers like NVIDIA and AMD, while another leans toward cloud providers or software innovators. Same theme, totally different approach.

Match the ETF to Your Risk Tolerance, Not Someone Else’s

If you’ve ever felt anxious watching your investments bounce up and down like a roller coaster, you’re not alone. I remember the first time my portfolio dropped 10% in a week, it rattled me. That’s when I realized: risk tolerance isn’t just about math. Ultimately, it comes down to your peace of mind.

Growth-focused ETFs often have higher returns and more volatility. Meanwhile, dividend-paying or bond-focused ETFs may be steadier but grow more slowly. Neither is wrong, it just depends on your comfort level and your timeline.

So ask yourself: Can I stomach big swings for potentially bigger gains? Or do I prefer a slower, steadier path to wealth?

Tax Efficiency: Keep More of What You Earn

If you’re investing in a taxable account, like a regular brokerage, taxes matter. A lot.

Some ETFs are designed to be tax-efficient, meaning they don’t trigger a lot of capital gains during the year. That’s especially helpful if you’re trying to minimize your yearly tax bill and let your money grow quietly in the background.

It’s one of those behind-the-scenes features that won’t make headlines, but it can quietly boost your long-term returns. Just like a smart accountant in your corner.

Performance History: Patterns Over Time Tell a Story

Now, you might be wondering, “Should I just pick the ETF that’s doing the best right now?” It’s tempting, I get it. But past performance doesn’t always predict the future.

Instead of looking at just one year, review how the ETF has performed across different market conditions, up markets, down markets, sideways ones. Has it held up in tough times? Does it bounce back quickly?

You’re looking for consistency and resilience, not just a hot streak.

A Friendly Warning: Don’t Chase the Shiny Objects

Let’s be real: we’ve all had that urge to chase a hot ETF because it just made 30% last quarter. But here’s what most people don’t realize, those same ETFs can be the first to tumble when the winds shift.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest in growth opportunities. It just means your picks need to align with your overall plan. Not someone else’s Twitter hype. Not what’s trending today.

Stick to your strategy. Let your goals lead the way, not your fear of missing out.

Final Thoughts: Building Wealth with ETFs Isn’t About Perfection, It’s About Alignment

Choosing the right ETFs isn’t just a numbers game. It’s about finding investments that match your goals, your values, and your level of comfort.

Whether you’re aiming for long-term growth, reliable income, or a hedge against inflation, there’s likely an ETF that fits the bill. The key is making sure it fits you, too.

So take your time. Do your homework. And remember: investing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being consistent.

And hey, if no one’s said this to you yet: you’re doing great just by showing up, asking questions, and trying to build a better financial future. Keep going. One smart move at a time.