Best Performing ETFs of the Last 10 Years: A Guide to Top-Performing Exchange-Traded Funds

Updated 13-7-2026

When it comes to long-term investing, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have emerged as a favorite choice for many investors due to their diversified nature, lower fees, and potential for strong performance. Over the last decade, certain ETFs have outperformed the broader market, delivering impressive returns to investors. In this article, we'll explore the top-performing ETFs of the last 10 years, analyzing their returns, sectors, and investment strategies to help you make informed investment decisions.

What Are ETFs and Why Do They Matter?

ETFs are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges, similar to stocks. They typically track an index, sector, commodity, or other asset classes. ETFs offer investors a diversified portfolio, low expense ratios, and liquidity, making them an appealing option for both novice and experienced investors. By purchasing shares of an ETF, investors gain exposure to a basket of securities in a specific market segment without having to buy individual stocks.

Comparison between ETF's and Mutual funds? Read here.

Why Look at 10-Year ETF Performance?

The last decade has been marked by significant market events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of technology (AI), and major shifts in global economic policies. By examining the performance of ETFs over the past 10 years, investors can better understand which sectors and industries have flourished and which have faced challenges.

Best Performing ETFs of the Last 10 Years

Below are some of the best-performing ETFs of the last 10 years, based on their total returns and long-term growth potential.

ETF	Sector	Region	10-year CAGR	10-year return	Expense ratio	ISIN	Date date	Sources
VGT	Information technology	United States	25.34%	≈857.0%	0.09%	US92204A7028	July 10, 2026	Vanguard · FinanceCharts
QQQ	Nasdaq-100; technology-heavy, multi-sector	Primarily United States	≈22.07%	634.60%	0.18%	US46090E1038	June 29, 2026	Invesco performance · Invesco fund details
XAR	Equal-weight aerospace and defense	United States	18.94%	≈466.6%	0.35%	US78464A6313	June 30, 2026	State Street
ARKK	Actively managed disruptive innovation	US-listed; domestic and foreign holdings	15.63%	≈327.3%	0.75%	US00214Q1040	July 10, 2026	ARK · FinanceCharts
ITA	Market-cap-weighted aerospace and defense	United States	15.44%	≈320.3%	0.38%	US4642887602	July 10, 2026	iShares · FinanceCharts
SPY	S&P 500 broad market	United States	15.35%	≈317.0%	0.0945%	US78462F1030	June 30, 2026	State Street
VTI	Total US stock market; all capitalizations	United States	15.05%	≈306.3%	0.03%	US9229087690	July 10, 2026	Vanguard · FinanceCharts
VT	Global all-cap equities	Global	≈12.72%	≈231.1%	0.06%	US9220427424	June 17, 2026	Vanguard · FinanceCharts
SCHD	Dividend equities with quality screens	United States	12.37%	≈221.0%	0.06%	US8085247976	June 30, 2026	Schwab
EEM	Large- and mid-cap emerging-market equities	Emerging markets	≈9.13%	≈139.6%	0.72%	US4642872349	July 10, 2026	iShares · FinanceCharts
PDBC	Diversified commodity-futures strategy; no K-1	Global commodities	7.19%	≈100.2%	0.59% net / 0.74% gross	US46090F1003	June 30, 2026	Invesco fund page
IBIT	Spot Bitcoin exposure	Global digital asset; US-listed	N/A	N/A	0.25%	US46438F1012	June 30, 2026	iShares

How to Choose the Best Performing ETFs for Your Portfolio

When selecting ETFs for long-term investment, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Sector Focus: Some ETFs, like QQQ and VGT, focus heavily on specific sectors like technology. If you believe a particular sector will continue to grow, sector-specific ETFs can provide higher returns, though they may carry more risk.

2. Expense Ratios: Lower expense ratios mean more of your investment goes toward generating returns. Vanguard and iShares ETFs are known for their low-cost offerings, making them a solid choice for cost-conscious investors.

3. Diversification: Broad market ETFs, like SPY and VTI, offer diversification across multiple sectors and industries. These funds are generally less risky than sector-specific ETFs and can be a great foundation for a balanced portfolio.

4. Growth vs. Stability: Growth-focused ETFs, like ARKK, have the potential for high returns but may also be more volatile. If you prefer stability, consider ETFs that track more established markets like the S&P 500 or the total U.S. stock market.

5. Risk Tolerance: Always assess your risk tolerance and investment time horizon before selecting an ETF. Emerging market ETFs and tech-focused funds are riskier but offer higher growth potential, while broad market ETFs tend to be safer with more moderate returns.

   
   

Conclusion

Remember, past performance is not a guarantee of future results. It’s essential to conduct thorough research, consider your investment goals, and assess the risk before investing in any ETF. By choosing the right ETFs and maintaining a diversified portfolio, you can potentially achieve strong returns over the long term.