10 best ETFs for the future: My ETF recommendation for 2025

ETFs are the perfect investment for most investors, but which fund is the right one? Looking at past performance alone is not enough, because future success is by no means guaranteed!

I have compiled my personal selection of the best ETFs with the highest returns – for both short-term strategies and long-term investments.

What distinguishes the ‘best ETFs for the future’?

2025 has been quite a rollercoaster ride for stocks so far. This is unlikely to change much in the coming months. US technology stocks continue to record tremendous growth, but corrections are becoming more frequent and there is a threat of the AI bubble bursting.

Enormous growth is alternating with sharp declines. Many investors are therefore shying away from individual stocks. Exchange-traded funds are often the better alternative because they offer a number of advantages:

• You invest in dozens or even hundreds of companies, commodities, cryptocurrencies and more
• This makes them less sensitive to fluctuations, as changes in one asset have only a minor impact on the ETF as a whole.
• There is a wide range of funds available. For example, you can invest in different regions through a European, North American or Asian ETF, or focus on specific sectors.
• The costs are significantly lower than for comparable active funds, as there is no need to pay fund managers. The composition is automatic
• Exchange-traded funds are suitable for different strategies. You can receive regular payments with dividend ETFs, bet on price growth and even profit from falling prices with short versions!

The selection is huge, often making it difficult for investors to find the right product. Of course, you could choose the best

In addition, different funds are appropriate for different investment periods. The risks also vary greatly.

• The best ETF is therefore always one that fits your investment strategy and planned investment period.

For long-term wealth accumulation, a product with manageable risk and reliable returns may be ideal. If, on the other hand, you want to ‘gamble’ in the short term, there are plenty of funds with high volatility available.

Therefore, determine in advance the factors that are important to you:

• Return (obviously!)

• Risk

• Should your ETF be accumulating or distributing?

• Planned investment period

Always keep an eye on the diversification of your portfolio and don’t put all your eggs in one basket (sector, region). The best ETF for the future is therefore always one that meets your financial goals.

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1. 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP

In an ETF comparison, the 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP stands out with an extremely high return: since its launch in 2022, it has already generated over 400%! Here, you invest exclusively in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

The 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP has recorded significant gains in the past.

• As is usual with cryptocurrencies, the downturns were also significant, costing the ETP many percentage points in the meantime.
• Future developments are entirely dependent on the crypto market, which in turn has a strong correlation with the major tech stocks.
• So if you are already invested in cryptocurrencies or technology companies, this product could lead to clustering.
• However, if you want to get started with digital currencies and can bear the considerable risk, this is the right place for you.

It is an ETP, an ‘exchange-traded product’, as it contains only a single asset. Unlike exchange-traded funds, there is no diversification, which increases both opportunities and risks.

The Bitcoin ETP presented here is issued by 21Shares, a Swiss provider of crypto ETPs. Unfortunately, not all brokers offer this specific product, but there are many comparable ETPs from other issuers.

Scalable Capital is particularly well suited for investing in this blockchain ETF. You can even buy it via a savings plan! Scalable also performs very well in my crypto savings plan comparison and in the general broker comparison.

2. iShares Blockchain Technology UCITS ETF USD

Want to benefit from the crypto trend without directly investing in risky currencies? Then iShares Blockchain Technology could be right for you! It tracks companies that work with and profit from blockchain and cryptocurrencies, either directly or indirectly. These include crypto exchanges such as Coinbase and chip manufacturers such as Nvidia.

It’s a worthwhile investment: since its launch in 2022, the blockchain ETF has already achieved a return of over 140%. Growth is naturally slower than with cryptocurrencies themselves, but it is likely to be more reliable.

The iShares Blockchain Technology is slightly more expensive with ETF costs of 0.50%, but this is hardly significant considering the expected returns. Getting started is simple: you can find the fund at all major brokers. It is available as a savings plan at Scalable Capital and Trade Republic, for example.

3. Amundi MSCI Semiconductors ESG Screened UCITS ETF Acc

Is the best ETF for you one with the highest possible return? Then the Amundi MSCI Semiconductors ESG Screened should be on your top 10 list! With over 900% since its launch in 2007 and over 230% in the last five years, it has been extremely profitable.

• It includes the most important companies in the semiconductor industry, both from industrialised and emerging countries.

• Artificial intelligence and the popularity of cryptocurrencies have fuelled demand for computer chips in recent years. Manufacturers of graphics cards and other components are benefiting enormously from this, and with this ETF, you can share in their success.

• There have been repeated setbacks, most recently causing price slumps in spring 2025. More and more investors are afraid of the AI bubble bursting.

Despite the risk of short-term losses, computer chips are probably one of the safest investment areas in the long term, as we will only be using more of them in the future. Even if the current AI hype were to evaporate, the companies in this exchange-traded fund still have excellent prospects for the future.

The ETF is available for a fair 0.35 per cent per annum and is issued by Amundi. You can find it in the portfolios of numerous brokers. These include Trade Republic, for example, which you can learn more about in my Trade Republic review.

4. Amundi ETF Leveraged MSCI USA Daily UCITS ETF EUR

In fourth place on our list of the 10 best ETFs for the future, you will find the first fund that has nothing to do with cryptos, technology or blockchain: the Amundi ETF Leveraged MSCI USA Daily is a leveraged product that tracks the performance of the 600 leading US stocks.

All price movements are amplified by a factor of two. This means that if the value of the stocks included increases by 2%, this ETF rises by 4%. Conversely, if the companies lose 1%, the ETF also falls by 2%.

This increases your chances, but also your risks! If you can live with the risk of loss, exciting returns await you: Since its launch in 2009, the Amundi Leveraged MSCI has gained an incredible 5,300%! In other words, it has increased fifty-five-fold.

In the short term, however, there have also been repeated sharp setbacks, such as a 20% slump in spring 2025. Nevertheless, it is an extremely attractive offer that you can find at all major brokers.

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5. VanEck Video Gaming and eSports UCITS ETF

You don’t have to be a gamer to recognise the quality of VanEck Video Gaming and eSports. Since its inception in 2019, this ETF has generated an impressive 260% return! This is unlikely to change in the future:

• The video game industry has been growing steadily for years
• It is no longer a niche market: video games have long since become mainstream, thanks in particular to mobile gaming
• Gamers are a loyal target group who usually pursue their hobby throughout their lives

It is therefore likely to be one of the best ETFs for the future, as further continuous growth is very likely. An exciting side effect: with this fund, you are adding around 30% of Japanese companies to your portfolio! In most cases, this should also improve your diversification.

6. iShares EURO STOXX Banks 30-15 UCITS ETF

The iShares EURO STOXX Banks 30-15 is for risk-tolerant investors: here, you invest in the largest European banks. The financial sector has always been a guarantee for high returns, but it is also extremely crisis-prone.

European financial institutions have easily outperformed their competitors from the US and other countries in recent months. A strong return of 83% last year makes the iShares EURO STOXX Banks 30-15 one of the best ETFs in our ranking!

However, you should note the following:

• In addition to strong gains, there have also been significant losses. In April 2025, around half of this ETF was wiped out within a few days
• Further crises could also cause massive losses in the future
• The significant price gains have so far offset the setbacks
• With an investment, you are betting that profits will continue to outweigh losses in the future

You can find this fund at all well-known brokers. Among others, you can purchase it through ING, which is also included in this ETF as a bank!

7. WisdomTree S&P 500 3x Daily Leveraged

Seventh place is another example of high returns and high risk: the WisdomTree S&P 500 3x Daily Leveraged is a triple leveraged fund and one of the best options for risk-tolerant investors.

The results of the most important US index, the S&P 500, are amplified threefold here. As always, both gains and losses are multiplied as a result!

The result is hardly surprising:

• If it’s worth it, then it’s worth it! Since its inception in 2016, there has been a 670% gain
• Bad years were very painful: In 2022, investors lost over 54%!
• Further developments depend on the US economy

With this fund, you are speculating in an extreme form on the development of the US economy and especially technology stocks: there is a strong concentration on Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta and Co.

If you expect the AI bubble to burst soon or fear the effects of Trump’s trade wars, you should steer clear of WisdomTree S&P 500 3x Daily Leveraged.

8. VanEck Defense UCITS ETF

War is always a good thing! Moral considerations aside, the VanEck Defense UCITS is one of the best ETFs for anyone looking for high, reliable growth. Since its inception in 2023, you could have earned a 170% return!

The stable increase in value is particularly attractive. This is because past crises and bear markets have had comparatively little impact on defence companies. Other investors have also noticed this: with around €6 billion, VanEck Defense is a very large fund.

The signs point to continued returns in the future:

• NATO countries are massively rearming, particularly to counter Russian aggression
• None of the major crises of our time (the war in Ukraine, genocide in Gaza, the crisis in Syria, possible war with Iran, etc.) show any signs of ending
• Demand for defence equipment continues to grow accordingly

9. iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF

Many investors believe they need to find absolute insider tips and set themselves apart from the ‘broad masses’. This is a widespread misconception that often ends in dubious investments and heavy losses. The best proof of this is the iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF. With over €100 billion in assets, it is one of the largest exchange-traded funds in the world!

It invests in the S&P 500, the most important stock index in the United States. And it’s worth it: over the past five years, it has generated returns of over 100%.

Despite sharp declines during the COVID crisis, the S&P 500 is showing very good overall performance.

This may not earn it the title of ‘best ETF in terms of returns’, but it does offer very good and fairly consistent results. There may be occasional price slumps – such as on 5 August 2024, when the index lost around 8 per cent – but in the long term, the S&P 500 always goes up.

There are currently some forecasts predicting a weakening US economy or even a real recession in the coming months. If this scenario materialises, the iShares Core S&P 500 is also likely to lose value. This would be the best time to buy additional shares at a particularly favourable price!

• This fund is therefore particularly well suited for long-term wealth accumulation and is one of the most popular savings plan options.

• Due to its simple functionality and good return opportunities, the iShares Core S&P 500 is also an ideal ETF for beginners.

• If you are prepared to take on significantly higher risk or are not looking to build up long-term wealth, however, completely different products come into play. The 21Shares Ethereum Staking ETP tops the list in terms of pure returns and could win the title of ‘Best ETF’ in this category.

Strictly speaking, however, this is not an ETF, as it only contains a single product – the cryptocurrency Ethereum. This entails a very high level of risk and corresponding price fluctuations. You will also find funds with high returns but considerable risks in the semiconductor sector.

10. xTrackers MSCI World Momentum

The xTrackers MSCI World Momentum is a type of ETF variant of the popular trend-following strategy: it focuses on companies that are currently experiencing strong upward momentum. This concept has been a resounding success: since the beginning of 2014, it has generated returns of over 280%!

This is a very active strategy. Companies whose growth is slowing down are quickly replaced by new, up-and-coming firms. This keeps the ETF dynamic and allows it to adapt quickly to the current economic situation. As a result, it has been able to deliver solid performance even in times of crisis.

The best ETFs for the future: My ETF recommendation

Want to build long-term wealth and wondering which ETF is best for the future? My recommendation is clear: don’t experiment! With a fund that tracks the S&P 500, you’re on the safe side and can expect steady growth.

An all-world product can also be a sensible basis for a long-term portfolio – especially if you don’t believe that the US economy can maintain its leading position in the long term. With such an ETF, you are prepared for the future and will also benefit when other nations take on a greater role.

Once this foundation has been laid, you can add other, riskier products:

• The 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP and other crypto ETFs offer extreme returns, but also serious risks!
• Technology stocks such as the Amundi MSCI Semiconductor are the most lucrative non-crypto products. They promise the highest returns – as long as the AI boom continues.
• The European financial sector has performed exceptionally well in recent months and is currently offering enormous profits.
• With leveraged products such as the Amundi ETF Leveraged MSCI USA Daily, you can double your results.

Here, too, a good mix is advisable in order to minimise risks and build a lucrative ETF portfolio. Pay particular attention to possible US concentration: a large number of products currently focus on companies from the United States and their enormous returns.

However, this price rally could be followed by a sharp decline. Therefore, do not put all your eggs in one basket!

93/100

Points

Up to 20 free shares (until 31.12.2025)

15 trading venues, 1,500+ ETFs, 40,000+ shares

Median of €79 - €529 of free shares (until 31.12.2025)

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Conclusion: Best ETF 2025 – something for everyone

There is no single product that deserves the title of ‘Best ETF 2025’. Instead, we have a range of excellent exchange-traded funds at our disposal that are particularly well suited to different strategies and use cases.

The best ETF for the future is likely to be a classic such as the iShares Core S&P 500 or the Vanguart FTSE All World High Dividend. These securities have proven themselves millions of times over and, despite minor crises and slumps, offer fantastic returns in the long term.

If you are prepared to take on significantly higher risk or are not aiming to build up long-term wealth, however, completely different products come into question. The 21Shares Ethereum Staking ETP tops the list in terms of pure returns and could win the title of ‘Best ETF’ in this category.

Strictly speaking, however, it is not an ETF, as it contains only a single product – the cryptocurrency Ethereum. This is associated with a very high risk and corresponding price fluctuations. You will also find funds with high profits but considerable risks in the semiconductor, defence and European banking sectors.

Leveraged ETFs offer special opportunities: they multiply profits, but also losses. In an ETF comparison, they achieve outstanding results – even if there are significant setbacks in times of crisis!

FAQ – Frequently asked questions