SGX's Top 10 ETFs in First Half of 2025

Returns range from 8.9% to 17% against US S&P 500's over 8%

- 

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) have recorded net inflows of $700 million in the first half of 2025, according to the local bourse's latest ETF Market Highlights report.

This is supported by $1.2 billion in net creations across 22 ETFs, alongside $500 million in net redemptions from 13 ETFs.

As at June, Singapore's ETF market comprised 47 listings with total assets under management (AUM) reaching $14.3 billion, up 32 per cent year on year.

Equity and gold ETFs led the growth, with turnover increasing by 69 per cent and 62 per cent respectively. Retail segment turnover also saw strong momentum, climbing 67 per cent.

Inflows for Singapore-focused ETFs stood at $568 million, driven by declining Singapore dollar rates and robust market momentum. In particular, the combined AUM of the SPDR Straits Times Index ETF and Nikko AM Singapore STI ETF hit a record high of $2.8 billion in June.

Here are the top 10 SGX-listed ETFs in terms of total returns in the first half of 2025. As a gauge, the US S&P 500 is up more than 8 per cent in 2025.

1. SPDR GOLD SHARES The SPDR Gold Shares ETF tracks the performance of gold bullion, with its underlying index being LBMA Gold Price PM.

This being so, it provides investors with direct exposure to gold prices without the need to hold physical metal. Its return rate was the highest among all SGX-listed ETFs for the half year at 17 per cent.

With growing geopolitical uncertainties and robust safe-haven demand, the ETF saw record inflows and AUM, as holdings surged 75 per cent year on year to reach $2.4 billion in June.

2. PHILLIP SING INCOME ETF The top Singapore equity ETF for the first half of 2025 offers exposure to 30 high-yielding SGX-listed stocks screened for quality and financial health. Its interest is in income-focused strategies and has a dividend yield of 3.6 per cent.