2019 has been an exciting year for stocks and ETFs, especially the semiconductor and real estate industries, with markets continuing to rally back despite news events and economic uncertainty, making this the longest bull run in history. While many naysayers continue to doubt this market, bears have been crushed, as the current bull market, which began on March 9, 2009, has garnered an impressive 470% gain for the S&P 500 through the end of November.
Here are the 10 best performing (non-leveraged) ETFs of 2019 as of end of trading Dec. 3, 2019, according to XTF.com data.
1. Market Vectors-Rupee/USD ETN (INR) – up 68.83% YTD
The Market Vectors-Indian Rupee/USD ETN seeks to track the performance of the S&P Indian Rupee Total Return Index (SPCBINR), less investor fees. Investors may trade the ETN on an exchange at market price or receive, at maturity or upon early redemption, a cash payment from the issuer based on Index performance, less investor fees. The ETN has 55 basis point fee and has made sizable returns this year to earn the top spot.
2. Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) – up 52.35% YTD
Started in 2008, the Invesco Solar ETF (the “Fund”) is based on the MAC Global Solar Energy Index (the “Index”). The Fund will invest at least 90% of its total assets in the securities, American depositary receipts (ADRs) and global depositary receipts (GDRs) that comprise the Index. The Index is comprised of companies in the solar energy industry. The index is computed using the net return, which withholds applicable taxes for non-resident investors. The Fund and the Index are rebalanced quarterly, and have a 0.50% management fee.
3. iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) – up 49.86% YTD
The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the home construction sector. The fund provides exposure to U.S. companies that manufacture residential homes, and offers targeted access to domestic home construction stocks for a 42 basis point fee.
4. VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) – up 48.19% YTD
The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is a benchmark ETF that seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index (MVSMHTR), which is intended to track the overall performance of companies involved in semiconductor production and equipment. The ETF is often referenced by analysts, tracks many of the largest companies in the industry, and has a 0.39% fee.
5. SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) – up 48.02% YTD
The SPDR® S&P Semiconductor ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of the S&P® Semiconductor Select IndustryTM Index (the “Index”). The fund aims to provide exposure to the semiconductors segment of the S&P TMI, which comprises the Semiconductors sub-industry, which provides the potential for diluted industry exposure across large, mid and small cap stocks. Investors could have earned a handsome yield YTD for a 35 basis point fee.
6. Aberdeen Standard Physical Palladium Shares ETF (PALL) – up 47.06% YTD
Aberdeen Standard Physical Palladium Shares ETF are issued by Aberdeen Standard Palladium ETF Trust. The investment objective of the Trust, is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of palladium, less Trust’s expenses. The Shares are designed for investors who want a cost-effective and convenient way to invest in physical palladium for a 60 basis point fee.
7. iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) – up 45.89% YTD
The iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. equities in the semiconductor sector. The fund offers exposure to U.S. companies that design, manufacture, and distribute semiconductors, and provides targeted access to domestic semiconductor stocks for a 0.46% expense ratio.
8. Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) – up 45.29% YTD
The Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (Fund) is based on the WilderHill Clean Energy Index (Index). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is composed of stocks of companies that are publicly traded in the United States and engaged in the business of advancement of cleaner energy and conservation. The Fund and the Index are rebalanced and reconstituted quarterly, and have a 71 basis point fee.
9. Pacer Benchmark Industrial Real Estate SCTR ETF (INDS) – up 44.97% YTD
Rounding out the top ten, the Pacer Benchmark Industrial Real Estate SCTR ETF is a strategy-driven exchange traded fund (ETF) that aims to offer investors exposure to U.S. companies that generate the majority of their revenue from real estate operations in the industrial sector. Publicly Traded REITs have traditionally been good sources of income for investors and may be capital appreciation vehicles as well. The fund uses REITS and dividends to offer investors a nearly 50% return on their investment YTD for 2019.
10. First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) – up 44.75% YTD
The First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF is an exchange-traded fund. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield, before the Fund’s fees and expenses, of an index called the Nasdaq US Smart Semiconductor Index. The Fund seeks to replicate the holdings and weightings of the Nasdaq US Smart Semiconductor Index so as to generate performance results 95% correlated to that of the Nasdaq US Smart Semiconductor Index. The Nasdaq US Smart Semiconductor Index is a modified factor weighted index created and administered by Nasdaq, Inc. (“Nasdaq”) designed to provide exposure to US companies within the semiconductor industry. Nasdaq selects the 30 most liquid eligible semiconductor securities from the NASDAQ US Benchmark Index and then ranks those securities.
For more market trends, visit ETF Trends.
