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.

Basic Materials

#1

Vanguard Materials Index Fund (VAW)

Performance (1-YR): 20.31% Expense Ratio: 0.14%

#2

SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME)

Performance (1-YR): 8.74% Expense Ratio: 0.35%

#3

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

Performance (1-YR): 12.85% Expense Ratio: 0.47%

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Commodities

#1

PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (DBB)

Performance (1-YR): 7.77% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#2

iShares GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG)

Performance (1-YR): 8.06% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#3

PowerShares DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC)

Performance (1-YR): 5.95% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

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Emerging Markets Debt

#1

SPDR Barclays Emerging Markets Local Bond ETF (EBND)

Performance (1-YR): 5.63% Expense Ratio: 0.50%

#2

Market Vectors Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (EMLC)

Performance (1-YR): 5.29% Expense Ratio: 0.49%

#3

iShares Emergine Markets Local Currency Bond Fund (LEMB)

Performance (1-YR): 6.08% Expense Ratio: 0.60%

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Gold Oriented

#1

PowerShares DB Gold Fund (DGL)

Performance (1-YR): 16.47% Expense Ratio: 0.50%

#2

iShares COMEX Gold Trust (IAU)

Performance (1-YR): 15.14% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

#3

Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

Performance (1-YR): 39.97% Expense Ratio: 0.55%

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Natural Resources

#1

Vanguard Energy Index Fund (VDE)

Performance (1-YR): 23.68% Expense Ratio: 0.14%

#2

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

Performance (1-YR): 35.80% Expense Ratio: 0.36%

#3

iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers Fund (PICK)

Performance (1-YR): 10.18% Expense Ratio: 0.39%

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Precious Metals

#1

Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

Performance (1-YR): 31.30% Expense Ratio: 0.65%

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Updated 06.17.2013

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Top Performing ETFs as of 06.05.2013

iPath Global Carbon ETN (GRN)

Commodity | Commodities Funds

Total Return: 34.69%

Guggenheim Solar ETF (TAN)

Global Equity | Natural Resources Funds

Total Return: 23.14%

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN)

Equity | Natural Resources Funds

Total Return: 19.18%

Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF (GREK)

Global Equity | European Region Funds

Total Return: 88.56%

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN)

Equity | Natural Resources Funds

Total Return: 67.23%

Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (GEX)

Global Equity | Natural Resources Funds

Total Return: 61.79%

* annualized