Investors are spoilt for choice when it comes to ASX ETFs.
It seems like every month new options are coming onto the market. This allows investors to tap into broad based and thematic funds.
However three providers dominate the market: Vanguard, Betashares and iShares.
As of April 2026, funds under management were:
- Vanguard: $95.17b
- Betashares: $67.44b
- iShares: $57.79b.
Today, the spotlight is on the best performing funds from iShares.
This can be a great way to understand what themes, sectors, and regions have been driving returns. It can also help investors decide whether any of these ETFs deserve a place on your watch list.
iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)
This ASX ETF has surged 170% in the last 12 months, making it the best performing fund from iShares in that span.
The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index.
The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large and mid-capitalisation companies.
This ASX ETF has surged because it is heavily exposed to Korean semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which are benefiting from booming global demand for AI infrastructure and memory chips.
Investors have also piled into Korean equities because valuations were far cheaper than US tech stocks, triggering a broad rerating of the Korean share market.
It's no secret the ASX is thin when it comes to exposure to groundbreaking technology companies.
This fund from iShares could be an ideal complement to add the backbone of the global memory chip/semiconductor industry to your portfolio.
Another reason to add this fund to your portfolio would be to diversify away from Australian and US overexposure.
iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)
It has been a similar story for this Asian equities focussed ASX ETF.
The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Asia 50 Index, before fees and expenses. The index is designed to measure the performance of 50 of the largest Asian companies domiciled in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.
It has benefited from similar tailwinds to the previously listed, Korean focussed fund.
Over the last 12 months, these tailwinds have driven a 56% rise for this ASX ETF.
iShares Msci Emerging Markets Ex China ETF (ASX: EMXC)
Another high performing fund has been this emerging markets themed ETF.
This ASX ETF aims to provide investors with the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index, before fees and expenses.
The index is designed to measure the equity market performance in global emerging markets, excluding China.
It has attracted investors looking for emerging markets exposure without the risks tied to China, with strong performances from India, Taiwan, and South Korea helping drive returns higher.
It is up more than 40% in the last 12 months.
The post Here are the 3 best performing iShares ASX ETFs over the last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.
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