Top Breakout ASX ETFs 2025
(Based on 12-Month Performance)
Over the past 12 months, several ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have delivered standout performance, capturing investor attention with their exposure to high-growth sectors and disruptive technologies. These breakout ETFs have ridden strong thematic waves, including cryptocurrency innovation, gaming and esports expansion, U.S. tech dominance, and the continued rise of Australia’s homegrown technology sector. Understanding their underlying holdings and growth drivers provides valuable insights into why these ETFs have outperformed and what may fuel their continued momentum into 2025 and beyond.
Here are 5 ETF’s that have broken out, based on their last 12-month performance.
1. BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (CRYP.ASX)
This ETF offers exposure to companies at the forefront of the crypto economy, including crypto exchanges, mining operations, and blockchain technology firms.
Top Holdings (as of May 2025):
- MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR) – 13.23%
- Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. (GLXY) – 12.06%
- Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN) – 9.22%
- Marathon Digital Holdings Inc. (MARA) – 8.73%
- Riot Platforms Inc. (RIOT) – 5.41%
- CleanSpark Inc. (CLSK) – 5.08%
- Core Scientific Inc. (CORZ) – 4.89%
- Northern Data AG (NB2) – 3.17%
- Iris Energy Ltd. (IREN) – 2.73%
- Bitdeer Technologies Group (BTDR) – 2.58%
These companies are integral to the infrastructure and services supporting the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
2024 Return: 79%
Focus: Exposure to companies in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, including exchanges, mining firms, and blockchain technology providers.
Growth Drivers:
- Renewed interest in cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin.
- Increased institutional adoption of blockchain technologies.
Outlook: With the growing acceptance of digital assets and blockchain applications, the crypto sector may continue to expand, potentially benefiting CRYP investors.
2. VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ESPO.ASX)
ESPO provides exposure to global companies involved in video game development, esports, and related hardware and software.
Top Holdings (as of May 2025):
- NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) – 8.92%
- Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) – 7.98%
- Tencent Holdings Ltd. (0700.HK) – 7.60%
- Nintendo Co., Ltd. (7974.T) – 6.84%
- Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI) – 6.20%
- Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (TTWO) – 5.81%
- GameStop Corp. (GME) – 5.25%
- Capcom Co., Ltd. (9697.T) – 5.05%
- Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) – 5.04%
- Konami Group Corporation (9766.T) – 4.97%
These companies are leaders in the gaming and esports industry, contributing significantly to its growth and innovation.
2024 Return: 55%
Focus: Invests in global companies involved in video game development, esports, and related hardware.
Growth Drivers:
- Surging popularity of gaming and esports worldwide.
- Expansion of digital entertainment platforms.
Outlook: The gaming industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer engagement.
3. BetaShares Geared U.S. Equity Fund – Currency Hedged (GGUS.ASX)
GGUS provides leveraged exposure to the U.S. equity market, aiming to amplify returns of the S&P 500 Index.
Top Holdings:
GGUS invests in a diversified portfolio of the largest 500 U.S. companies by market capitalization, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. While specific holdings are not individually listed, the fund’s performance reflects the broader U.S. market, including sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.
2024 Return: 54.8%
Focus: Provides leveraged exposure to the U.S. equity market, aiming to amplify returns of the S&P 500 Index.
Growth Drivers:
- Strong performance of U.S. equities, particularly in the technology sector.
- Favorable economic indicators supporting market growth.Outlook: While leveraged ETFs can offer enhanced returns during bullish markets, they also carry higher risk. Investors should monitor U.S. market conditions closely.
4. Global X FANG+ ETF (FANG.ASX)
This ETF offers exposure to 10 highly traded growth stocks of technology and tech-enabled companies.
Top Holdings (as of May 2025):
- Tesla Inc. (TSLA) – 10.12%
- Apple Inc. (AAPL) – 9.65%
- Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) – 9.48%
- Meta Platforms Inc. (META) – 9.41%
- Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) – 9.37%
- NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) – 9.30%
- Netflix Inc. (NFLX) – 9.08%
- Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) – 8.85%
- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) – 8.62%
- Baidu Inc. (BIDU) – 8.12%
These companies are at the forefront of innovation in technology and digital services.
2024 Return: 49%
Focus: Tracks the performance of 10 highly traded growth stocks of technology and tech-enabled companies such as Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google.
Growth Drivers:
- Robust earnings and innovation from major tech companies.
- Increased reliance on digital services and platforms.Outlook: As technology continues to permeate various aspects of life and business, leading tech firms are poised for sustained growth.
5. BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ATEC.ASX)
ATEC provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies in various tech-related market segments.
Top Holdings (as of May 2025):
- Computershare Ltd. (CPU) – 10.61%
- Xero Ltd. (XRO) – 10.50%
- WiseTech Global Ltd. (WTC) – 9.89%
- REA Group Ltd. (REA) – 9.45%
- Seek Ltd. (SEK) – 8.76%
- Afterpay Ltd. (APT) – 7.32%
- Altium Ltd. (ALU) – 6.58%
- Appen Ltd. (APX) – 5.47%
- Nearmap Ltd. (NEA) – 4.36%
- Megaport Ltd. (MP1) – 3.98%
These companies represent Australia’s dynamic and fast-growing technology sector.
2024 Return: 48%
Focus: Provides exposure to the leading companies in the Australian technology sector.
Growth Drivers:
- Expansion of Australia’s tech industry.
- Increased investment in innovation and digital transformation.Outlook: With ongoing support for tech initiatives and startups, the Australian technology sector may continue to thrive, benefiting ATEC investors.
The Bottom Line
The breakout performance of these ASX ETFs reflects the shifting landscape of global markets, where technology, digital assets, and disruptive industries continue to command premium investor attention. ETFs like CRYP, ESPO, FANG, NDQ, and ATEC have provided Australian investors with efficient access to these megatrends while offering portfolio diversification across sectors and geographies.
While their recent gains have been impressive, the outlook for 2025 and 2026 remains robust as innovation accelerates and global digital transformation deepens. However, as with any investment in high-growth sectors, it is essential for investors to balance potential returns with an understanding of the inherent risks and market volatility these themes can bring.
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