Top ETFs of 2025: Gold, Semiconductors & Defense Winners | GDXJ, SMH, SOXX, SHLD, ITA, GLD, SOXL [NyI0xk9wT6s]
Gold, semiconductors, and defense emerged as the dominant ETF themes of 2025. Gold miner ETFs such as GDXJ and GDX delivered nearly 150% returns, clearly outperforming all other ETF categories. Even on a dollar cost averaging basis, gold remained the strongest-performing theme. Leveraged gold ETFs like JNUG and NUGT also led the leveraged ETF space in DCA returns. Semiconductors continued their leadership, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure and advanced chips. Semiconductor ETFs SOXX and SMH topped the non-leveraged equity basket, while SOXL led leveraged equity ETFs with more than 85% dollar cost averaging returns. Within equities, metals and mining ETF XME and defense technology ETF SHLD were surprise outperformers. The broader defense theme remained resilient throughout the year, with ITA benefiting from sustained global defense spending. Major index leveraged ETFs tied to the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500 also had a strong year. TQQQ, SPXL, and UPRO posted solid absolute and dollar cost averaging returns. TQQQ continues to lead on a ten-year DCA basis and ranks second only to USD, the NVDA-heavy two-times leveraged ETF. Smart beta ETFs also outperformed traditional index ETFs. SPMO and MTUM beat the main index funds, with SPMO completing ten years and delivering a stellar 2025 return of 27%. As we begin 2026, it remains to be seen whether gold, semiconductors, and defense will continue to lead, or if a new market theme emerges. This video is for information and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Leveraged ETFs: