Best ETFs 2026
Which ETF is the best in 2026? That depends on its role in your portfolio. We show the best ETFs per category — from a broad global ETF for the core to dividend and thematic ETFs as add-ons — each with ISIN, total expense ratio and a clear assessment of who they suit.
The best ETF exists only per category
A global ETF and a thematic ETF serve completely different purposes. That’s why there is no blanket winner, but rather the best ETF for each role: the core (70–100% of the portfolio) belongs in a broad, low-cost global ETF; everything else is an optional add-on.
The best ETFs of 2026 by category
Top ETFs per category (UCITS, as of June 2026)
| Category | Best ETF | ISIN | TER |
|---|---|---|---|
| World (core) | Vanguard FTSE All-World (Acc) | IE00BK5BQT80 | 0.22% |
| Developed markets | iShares Core MSCI World (Acc) | IE00B4L5Y983 | 0.20% |
| USA | iShares Core S&P 500 (Acc) | IE00B5BMR087 | 0.07% |
| Technology | iShares Nasdaq 100 (Acc) | IE00BMC38736 | ~0.30% |
| Emerging markets | iShares Core MSCI EM IMI (Acc) | IE00BKM4GZ66 | 0.18% |
| Dividend | Vanguard FTSE All-World High Div. | IE00B8GKDB10 | 0.29% |
| Theme (e.g. AI/semiconductors) | VanEck Semiconductor | IE00BMC38736 | 0.35% |
The ISIN for the Nasdaq 100 above is only there to illustrate the category — before buying, always check the exact ISIN and the current Key Information Document (KIID) of the ETF at your broker. ETF names, ISINs and TER can change; several providers offer comparable products in each category.
How to build an ETF portfolio
The principle is core-satellite: a broad, low-cost core plus optional satellites for your own accents.
- Core (70–100%): an FTSE All-World or MSCI ACWI ETF — developed and emerging markets in one.
- Optional satellites (0–30%): e.g. S&P 500 for more US exposure, a dividend ETF for payouts or a thematic ETF.
- Thematic ETFs: at most ~10%, because they are concentrated and prone to swings.
- Accumulating (Acc) for building wealth, distributing (Dist) if you want income.
FAQ — Best ETFs 2026
Which ETF is the best in 2026?
For the portfolio core, a broad global ETF like the Vanguard FTSE All-World (IE00BK5BQT80) is the best choice: it covers developed and emerging markets in a single product, is cheap (0.22% TER) and needs no rebalancing. For other roles — US, dividend, themes — there are separate “best” ETFs each. There is no single winner for everything.
Is a single ETF enough?
For most investors, yes. An FTSE All-World or MSCI ACWI ETF on its own is a complete, broadly diversified world portfolio. Additional ETFs are only needed if you deliberately want to overweight regions, sectors or dividends.
How many ETFs should I have?
One is enough for a complete world portfolio. Anyone wanting to set accents usually gets by with two to four ETFs (e.g. World + EM + one satellite). More ETFs increase the effort but rarely the return — and often lead to overlaps.
Are thematic ETFs a good idea?
Only as a small add-on. Thematic ETFs (AI, semiconductors, defense) are concentrated, more expensive and more volatile than broad global ETFs, and many lag the market over the long term. Limit them to a maximum of around 10% of your portfolio.