Best ETFs

U.S. News has identified exchange-traded funds best suited for long-term investors seeking low-cost, diversified portfolios. Our rankings compare the cost and structure of hundreds of ETFs. Read more about our Best Fit ranking methodology.

Agriculture

#1

PowerShares Global Agriculture Portfolio (PAGG)

Performance (1-YR): 10.47% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#2

Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (MOO)

Performance (1-YR): 7.68% Expense Ratio: 0.59%

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Basic Materials

#1

Vanguard Materials Index Fund (VAW)

Performance (1-YR): 7.20% Expense Ratio: 0.19%

#2

iShares S&P Global Materials Sector Index Fund (MXI)

Performance (1-YR): 20.09% Expense Ratio: 0.48%

#3

iShares Dow Jones US Basic Materials Sector Index Fund (IYM)

Performance (1-YR): 14.24% Expense Ratio: 0.47%

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Commodities

#1

GreenHaven Continuous Commodity Index Fund (GCC)

Performance (1-YR): 17.24% Expense Ratio: 0.85%

#2

PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (DBB)

Performance (1-YR): 17.92% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#3

iShares GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG)

Performance (1-YR): 7.65% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

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Gold Oriented

#1

iShares COMEX Gold Trust (IAU)

Performance (1-YR): 4.19% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

#2

PowerShares DB Gold Fund (DGL)

Performance (1-YR): 2.92% Expense Ratio: 0.50%

#3

Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ)

Performance (1-YR): 39.52% Expense Ratio: 0.60%

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Natural Resources

#1

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (XES)

Performance (1-YR): 16.01% Expense Ratio: 0.36%

#2

iShares S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index Fund (IGE)

Performance (1-YR): 15.84% Expense Ratio: 0.48%

#3

Vanguard Energy Index Fund (VDE)

Performance (1-YR): 8.18% Expense Ratio: 0.19%

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Precious Metals

#1

PowerShares DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP)

Performance (1-YR): 1.58% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#2

iShares Silver Trust (SLV)

Performance (1-YR): 16.53% Expense Ratio: 0.50%

#3

Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

Performance (1-YR): 23.23% Expense Ratio: 0.65%

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Updated 05.14.2012

Top Performing ETFs as of 04.04.2012

PIMCO 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Fund (ZROZ)

Fixed Income | U.S. Treasury Funds

Total Return: 46.69%

Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund (EDV)

Fixed Income | U.S. Treasury Funds

Total Return: 43.48%

iPath US Treasury 10-year Bull ETN (DTYL)

Fixed Income | U.S. Treasury Funds

Total Return: 39.76%

iShares COMEX Gold Trust (IAU)

Commodity | Gold Oriented Funds

Total Return: 19.77%

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

Commodity | Gold Oriented Funds

Total Return: 19.76%

iShares Silver Trust (SLV)

Commodity | Precious Metals

Total Return: 18.83%

* annualized