The PowerShares NASDAQ Internet Portfolio (NasdaqGS: PNQI), with an average return of 28.09%, may be a tech-focused internet stock ETF, but the fund has also played off the rise in online consumer commerce, or e-commerce.
The PowerShares Dynamic Pharmaceuticals Portfolio (NYSEArca: PJP) has returned an average 27.3% since the financial downturn. PJP takes a smart-beta approach to selecting pharmaceutical components based on price momentum, earnings momentum, quality, management action, and value.
The consumer discretionary sector has been among the leaders in the bull run. The Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (NYSEArca: VCR), SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEArca: XRT) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLY) also appear among the top performing ETFs, returning an average 26.96%, 26.93% and 26.77% over the past seven years, respectively.
Lastly, First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (NYSEArca: FBT) returned an average 26.62%. FBT tracks a group of biotech firms involved in recombinant DNA technology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, monoclonal antibody-based technology, lipid/liposome technology, and genomics. The sector has benefited from breakthrough drugs, merger & acquisition activity and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.