Over the last few months, thousands of Singapore investors have discovered new ideas with ETF Explorer. Here’s what got backed, gained traction, and stood out.
Most popular ETFs | Q3 2026
#1 S&P 500
Chosen by 28.9% of investors | +13.8%¹ 5Y returns
As the world’s most-recognised index, the S&P 500 is often used by investors seeking steady, long-term exposure to US market growth.
#2 Singapore
Chosen by 25.5% of investors | +17.9%¹ 5Y returns
With its mix of dividend-paying companies, local banks, and REITs, this ETF is a match for investors looking to put money close to home.
#3 Semiconductors
Chosen by 24.2% of investors | +37.4%¹ 5Y returns
Semiconductors are one of the decade’s strongest growth themes. They attract investors comfortable with higher volatility in pursuit of returns.
#4 Gold
Chosen by 22.0% of investors | +18.7%¹ 5Y returns
Gold has long been the go-to safe-haven asset. It’s often used to help stabilise portfolios through periods of market uncertainty.
#5 Global Equities
Chosen by 14.8% of investors | +11.7%¹ 5Y returns
This investment, spanning 1,500+ companies across markets, is often used as a simple way to diversify across countries and sectors.
Most Popular ETFs investor statistics are based on the number of unique ETF Explorer investors between 1 July and 30 September 2026.
The rising stars of Q3
S&P 500 UCITS
+13.5%¹ 5Y returns | +17.1%¹ 1Y returns
The number of funded portfolios grew by more than 80% this quarter. The asset class tracks the same US companies as the S&P 500, but through an Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETF. For non-US investors, these funds generally face a lower withholding tax on US dividends.
Pharmaceuticals
+10.7%¹ 5Y returns | +23.7%¹ 1Y returns
Funded portfolios grew by almost half in Q3. This ETF holds large global drugmakers, including Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis. Demand for their medicines tends to hold up through economic cycles.
Cybersecurity
+16.7%¹ 5Y returns | +36.4%¹ 1Y returns
The number of funded Cybersecurity portfolios grew by 24% in Q3. Security spending scales with the complexity of the digital infrastructure being defended. As AI broadens the attack risks, cybersecurity faces growing structural demand.
Rising stars statistics are based on the growth in the number of funded StashAway ETF Explorer portfolios, comparing 1 April - 30 June 2026 versus 1 July - 30 September 2026, and considering only asset classes with more than a hundred funded portfolios in Q3. Asset classes that are part of the 'Most popular ETFs' have been excluded from this list.
With ETF Explorer, it’s easier than ever to build your portfolio:
- Browse 90+ expert-vetted ETFs. Filter to your preferences and get jargon-free explanations, so you know exactly what each asset class can do for your portfolio.
- Invest with cash or SRS. ETF Explorer is the only platform to invest not only your cash but also your SRS in US- and UCITS-listed ETFs.
- Go from idea to investment in as little as 1 minute. Just pick, fund, and you’re done.
StashAway reserves the discretionary right to change the underlying ETF for specific asset classes.
* The ETF Explorer Regular Investing Advantage applies only to buy order fees for the qualifying ETF Explorer portfolio. Sell order fees and operational fees still apply as usual. Regular Investing Advantage is governed by these terms and conditions.
¹ Annualised performance is as of 30 September 2026 and assumes that dividends were reinvested. All returns shown are in terms of the currency denomination of the underlying fund and calculated before fees and taxes. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Source: Bloomberg.