10 Best ETFs to Buy in 2025
Our shortlist of liquid, low-cost ETFs across global equities, bonds, commodities, and themes. Selection criteria, TER, liquidity, and portfolio role.
Selection Criteria (What We Look At)
- TER (ongoing charges, lower is better)
- Liquidity (AUM, spreads, trading venue)
- Index quality (coverage, methodology, replication)
- Domicile & UCITS (for EU investors)
- Tracking difference & consistency
Global Equity Picks
| Ticker / Name | Index | TER | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| VWCE — Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS | FTSE All-World | ~0.22% | Core global equity |
| EUNL — iShares Core MSCI World UCITS | MSCI World | ~0.20% | Developed mkts core |
Bond Picks
| Ticker / Name | Exposure | TER | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGGG — iShares Core Global Aggregate Bond UCITS | Global IG aggregate | ~0.10% | Core bonds |
| Vanguard USD Treasury 20+Y UCITS | Long duration Treasuries | ~0.10–0.12% | Duration hedge |
Commodities & Gold
| Ticker / Name | Exposure | TER | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMOD — Invesco Bloomberg Commodity UCITS | Diversified commodities | ~0.19–0.25% | Inflation hedge |
| SGLN — iShares Physical Gold ETC | Physical gold | ~0.12–0.15% | Crisis hedge |
Thematic & Sector Ideas (Use Sparingly)
- Clean energy (long-term decarbonization trend)
- AI/automation (productivity wave)
- Healthcare (defensive growth)
Keep them < 10–20% of the equity sleeve to avoid concentration risk.
How to Use These ETFs in a Portfolio
- Start with a core (global equity + aggregate bonds)
- Add gold/commodities for inflation resilience
- Use themes in small satellite positions
- Rebalance 1–2× per year
FAQ
Accumulating or Distributing?
Depends on tax and cash-flow needs. Accumulating reinvest; distributing pays out.
Can I buy fractional shares?
Some brokers allow fractional UCITS — check your platform.
What about withholding tax?
Consider fund domicile, treaty benefits, and your residency.
Educational only — not financial advice. Investing involves risk, including loss of capital.