Top ETFs to watch in 2026
Discover the top ETFs to watch in 2026, and learn how to trade and invest in them with IG Singapore This article also explores different ETF types, benefits, risks, and key market trends.
Important to know
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute any form of investment advice. Please ensure that you understand the risks and consider your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before making a commitment to trade.
Key takeaways
- ETFs let traders access a basket of assets in a single trade, offering diversification and flexibility.
- Market trends in 2026 could benefit sector, commodity, and thematic ETFs.
- IG Singapore offers ETF trading through CFDs, as well as commission-free US stock and ETF investing options via its newly launched IG Markets app.
What is an ETF?
An exchange traded fund (ETF) is an investment product that tracks the performance of a group of assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or a mix of these. It trades on an exchange like a stock, meaning you can buy and sell shares in the ETF throughout the trading day.
For traders, ETFs can be a way to access multiple markets quickly, diversify exposure, and take positions on entire sectors or themes without selecting individual assets.
Different types of ETFs
Equity ETFs
Track a group of company stocks, often following an index such as the S&P 500 or Straits Times Index (STI). Useful for gaining exposure to broad markets or specific sectors.
Commodity ETFs
Get access to commodities like gold, oil, or agricultural products. These can help traders take positions on commodity price movements without needing futures contracts.
Bond ETFs
Hold baskets of government or corporate bonds. Traders might use them to position for changes in interest rates or economic conditions.
Sector ETFs
Focus on industries like technology, healthcare, or energy. Popular with traders who want targeted exposure to sectors expected to outperform.
Thematic ETFs
Invest in companies tied to specific trends, such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, or electric vehicles. These often appeal to traders seeking growth potential in emerging areas.
Quick fact
Global ETF inflows hit a record US$1.27 trillion as of November 2025, making 2025 the strongest year ever for ETF demand.
Why trade and invest in ETFs in 2026?
ETFs remain a leading choice for Singapore market participants, offering flexibility for traders and diversification for investors. Their ability to provide both broad market coverage and targeted sector exposure makes them relevant across strategies.
In 2026, global macroeconomic shifts, sector rotations, and technological breakthroughs are still expected to create opportunities for both trading and investing in ETFs:
Sector leadership as industries like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and defence are expected to continue attracting capital inflows.
Commodity volatility to be driven by supply chain realignments, geopolitical tensions, and renewed demand from emerging markets.
Interest rate dynamics are forecasted to keep shaping bond ETF performance as central banks balance inflation control with growth stability.
As Scott Dennis noted in his 2026 ETF Industry Outlook published on Advisor Perspectives, “as we look ahead to 2026, we anticipate continued innovation and expansion in the ETF space, offering investors an even broader array of choices and opportunities”.
For traders, ETF CFDs on IG Singapore allow tactical positioning — going long when expecting price appreciation or short when anticipating declines.
For investors, ETFs invested through the IG Markets mobile app provide cost-efficient access to diversified portfolios, steady dividend streams, and exposure to long-term growth themes.
Risks of trading/ investing in ETFs
While ETFs offer diversification, they also carry risks:
- Market risk – the value of the ETF will move with its underlying assets.
- Tracking error – some ETFs may not perfectly follow the index or asset they aim to replicate.
- Liquidity risk – less popular ETFs can have wider bid-ask spreads.
- Leverage risk – leveraged ETFs amplify gains and losses, making them more volatile.
Understanding these risks can help you choose ETFs that align with your strategy and risk tolerance.
Top 3 ETFs for traders to watch
ETF
|
52-week low share price*
|
52-week high share price*
|
Available for CFD trading with IG?
|
|
US$299.90
|
US$509.70
|
✔
|
Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST)
|
S$0.74
|
S$1.08
|
✔
|
Lion-Nomura Japan Active ETF (JJJ)
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S$1.09
|
S$1.70
|
✔
|
*as of 11 June 2026
1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
Key information about this ETF:
- Net assets (10 June 2026): US$150 billion
- Latest price: US$390.44, up ~30% in the past 12 months.
- 10-day average daily trading volume: ~6.6 million traded daily.
- 52-week trading range: US$299.90 to US$509.70
- Main drivers: Fed rate decisions, CPI data, USD strength, geopolitical risk.
About the ETF: SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) continues to rank among the most liquid ETFs (with an estimated 6.6 million shares traded daily) worldwide, serving as a key instrument for Singaporeans seeking direct exposure to gold’s price action.
Suggested GLD trading strategies:
1. GLD can be used to hedge equity positions during volatile periods.
For example, a trader holding long positions in US equities may buy GLD CFDs to offset downside risk ahead of inflation data. It also serves as a proxy for gold futures, allowing traders without access to commodities markets to participate in bullion moves. GLD’s correlation with USD and Treasury yields makes it a useful tool for macro hedging strategies.
2. Traders have also used it for short‑term plays…
Particularly around CPI releases, Fed meetings, and USD moves. GLD’s intraday moves remain wide, offering scope for short-term scalping and momentum plays. Bollinger Bands and Relative Strength Index (RSI) have historically been popular tools for timing entries. Breakouts above US$400 often trigger heavy volume, making GLD suitable for scalping and swing trades.
►► What else to know: GLD is traded on both SGX (as GSD) and NYSE Arca. The ETF is accessible via IG’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)-recognised trading and investing platforms. It has a gross expense ratio of 0.40% per annum.
2. Lion-OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (SGX:HST)
Key information about this ETF:
- Net assets (10 June 2026): ~US$3 billion
- Latest price: S$0.77, down ~10% in the past 12 months
- 10‑day average daily trading volume: ~4.2 million units traded daily
- 52‑week trading range: S$0.74 to S$1.08
- Main drivers: China’s regulatory stance, AI adoption, earnings from major tech firms
About the ETF: The main objective of the Lion‑OCBC Securities Hang Seng TECH ETF (HST) is to ‘replicate as closely as possible, before expenses, the performance of the Hang Seng TECH Index using a direct investment policy of investing in all, or substantially all, of the underlying Index Securities’.
Top holdings as of its April 2026 factsheet include Meituan (8.8%), BYD (8.5%), Alibaba (7.5%), and Tencent (7.3%).
Suggested HST trading strategies:
1. HST is sometimes used for event‑driven trades around quarterly earnings and regulatory announcements.
Traders can exploit swing trades within the S$0.74–S$1.08 band, using technical setups like descending triangles and breakout patterns.
Liquidity of ~4.2 million units daily (10-day trading volume as of 10 June 2026) suggests support for short‑term positioning, though volatility requires careful risk management.
For example, traders may buy HST ahead of Tencent earnings to capture sector‑wide momentum, or short the ETF when Beijing signals tighter regulation.
►► What else to know:
HST is SGX-listed, denominated in SGD, CPFIS (CPF Investment Scheme)-eligible, and available via IG Singapore’s trading platforms and investing mobile app. The ETF charges a management fee of 0.45% per annum, does not currently distribute dividends, and has a quarterly rebalancing frequency.
3. Lion-Nomura Japan Active ETF (SGX:JJJ)
Key information about this ETF:
- Net assets (April 2026): ~S$65 million
- Latest price (11 June 2026): S$1.50, up ~36% in the past 12 months
- Average daily trading volume: ~61,000 units traded daily
- 52‑week trading range: S$1.09 to S$1.70
- Main drivers: Japanese corporate earnings, monthly AI‑driven rebalancing, Nikkei 225 performance
About the ETF:
The Lion‑Nomura Japan Active ETF (JJJ) is Singapore’s first AI‑powered ETF, launched by Lion Global Investors in partnership with Nomura Asset Management. Its stated objective is to ‘achieve long-term capital growth through investment in an actively managed portfolio of Japanese equity securities, diversified across sectors and market capitalisation’.
Suggested JJJ trading strategies:
1. Market participants often monitor JJJ’s monthly rebalancing announcements, as they can coincide with changes in sector weightings.
Historical trading data shows that price movements have tended to cluster around key levels such as S$1.50, with periods of consolidation followed by directional moves.
2. Because JJJ is cross‑listed in SGD and USD, some investors also compare its performance against the Nikkei 225 to assess relative strength.
►► What else to know:
1. JJJ is denominated in both SGD and USD, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. It is MAS‑recognised, ensuring compliance with Singapore’s regulatory framework, and is available via IG’s MAS‑approved trading platforms and investing mobile app.
2. The ETF charges a management fee of 0.50% per annum and does not currently distribute dividends, focusing instead on capital appreciation through active rebalancing.
Top 3 ETFs for investors to watch
ETF
|
Dividend yield (trailing 12 months)*
|
Share price change (past 52 weeks)*
|
Available on IG Markets Singapore app
|
iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF (CSPX)
|
1.09%
|
+23.0%
|
✔
|
Amova-StraitsTrading Asia ex Japan REIT ETF (CFA)
|
5.30%
|
+1.6%
|
✔
|
SPDR Straits Times Index ETF (ES3)
|
3.61%
|
+27.13%
|
✔
|
*as of 11 June 2026
1. iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF (CSPX)
Key information about this ETF:
- Total expense ratio: 0.07% per annum
- Net assets (9 June 2026): ~US$147 billion
- Latest price (11 June 2026): US$787.92, up ~23% in the past 12 months
- Average daily trading volume: ~158,000 units traded daily
- 52‑week trading range: US$630.72 to US$888.76
- Main drivers: US corporate earnings, Federal Reserve policy, technology sector performance
About the ETF: The iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF (CSPX) is managed by BlackRock and domiciled in Ireland. Its stated objective is to ‘track the performance of an index (S&P 500) composed of 500 large cap US companies’.
Top holdings: According to the BlackRock fund page and the official iShares fact sheet, top holdings as of April 2026 include Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, and Alphabet, reflecting the dominance of US technology and consumer sectors.
Suggested CSPX investment strategies:
1. CSPX is often used as a core building block in diversified portfolios.
Long‑term investors may allocate a significant portion of equity exposure to CSPX, given its broad coverage of the US market. Some investors combine CSPX with regional ETFs (ie. ES3 for Singapore or CFA for Asia REITs) to balance global exposure with local relevance.
2. Dollar‑cost averaging is another common approach, allowing investors to smooth entry points over time.
3. CSPX is also suitable for retirement accounts and passive strategies, where low fees and tax efficiency compound returns.
►► What else to know:
1. CSPX is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in USD, GBP, and EUR counters, making it accessible to international investors. It can be accessed via the IG Markets Singapore mobile app.
2. It is UCITS‑compliant, ensuring regulatory safeguards for European and Asian investors.
3. The ETF pays dividends semi‑annually, which can be reinvested to compound returns.
2. Amova-StraitsTrading Asia ex Japan REIT ETF (SGX:CFA)
Key information about this ETF:
- Management fee: 0.50% per annum
- Net assets (11 June 2026): ~S$712 million
- Latest price (11 June 2026): S$0.79, up ~1.6% in the past 12 months
- Average daily trading volume: ~1.9 million units traded daily
- 52‑week trading range: S$0.77 to S$0.85
- Main drivers: Asia property cycles, interest rate environment, regional REIT earnings
About the ETF:
The Amova‑StraitsTrading Asia ex Japan REIT ETF (CFA) is managed by Amova Asset Management in partnership with Straits Trading. Its stated objective is to ‘replicate as closely as possible, before expenses, the performance of the FTSE EPRA Nareit Asia ex Japan REITS 10% Capped Index’.
Top holdings: According to the latest fund factsheet, top holdings include CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, Link REIT, Keppel DC REIT, and Mapletree Logistics Trust.
Suggested CFA investment strategies:
1. CFA has been used in the past by investors seeking steady income from quarterly distributions.
Long‑term investors may allocate CFA as part of an income‑oriented portfolio, balancing it with equity ETFs like ES3 or CSPX for growth exposure. Dividend reinvestment is a common approach, compounding returns over time.
2. Some investors have also used CFA to diversify property exposure beyond Singapore, given its regional allocation.
Because REITs are sensitive to interest rates, CFA is typically considered in the context of broader macroeconomic conditions.
►► What else to know:
1. CFA is SGX‑listed, denominated in SGD, and distributes dividends quarterly.
2. It is CPFIS‑eligible, making it suitable for Singapore investors who wish to deploy CPF savings into income‑generating assets.
3. SPDR Straits Times Index ETF (SGX:ES3)
Key information about this ETF:
- Management fee: 0.28% per annum
- Net assets (11 June 2026): ~S$3.25 billion
- Latest price (11 June 2026): S$5.09, up ~27% in the past 12 months
- Average daily trading volume: ~1.5 million units traded daily
- 52‑week trading range: S$3.93 to S$5.24
- Main drivers: Singapore banking sector earnings, domestic economic growth, interest rate environment
About the ETF: The SPDR Straits Times Index ETF (ES3) is managed by State Street Global Advisors. Its stated objective is to ‘replicate as closely as possible, before expenses, the performance of the Straits Times Index (STI)’.
Top holdings: According to the latest fund factsheet, top holdings include DBS Group Holdings, Oversea‑Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), United Overseas Bank (UOB), Singtel, and Keppel Corporation.
Suggested ES3 investment strategies:
1. ES3 has historically been used by investors seeking broad exposure to Singapore’s economy.
Long‑term investors may allocate ES3 as a core holding in a Singapore‑centric portfolio, balancing it with global ETFs like CSPX for international diversification. Dividend reinvestment is a common approach, compounding returns over time.
2. Some investors also use ES3 to gain indirect exposure to the financial sector, given the heavy weighting of banks in the STI.
Because ES3’s performance is closely tied to Singapore’s macroeconomic conditions, it is often considered alongside domestic growth forecasts and interest rate trends.
►► What else to know:
1. ES3 is SGX‑listed, denominated in SGD, and distributes dividends semi‑annually.
2. It is CPFIS‑eligible, making it suitable for Singapore investors who wish to deploy CPF savings into equity exposure.
How to trade and invest in ETFs with IG Singapore
CFD trading
- Create a live or demo account
- Find an opportunity from one of our 5,400+ ETFs with our market screener
- Click ‘buy’ to go long or ‘sell’ to short
- Set your position size
- Take steps to manage your risk
- Open and monitor your position
Investing
- Open an account via IG Markets Singapore app
- Search for an ETF that you're watching on the app
- Choose the ETF you want to buy
- Determine how many shares you want to purchase
- Place your order
- Monitor your investment and collect any dividends
FAQs about ETFs
What is an ETF and how does it work?
An exchange traded fund (ETF) is a fund that holds a basket of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, and trades on an exchange like a stock. Its price changes throughout the day based on the value of its underlying holdings.
How are ETF CFDs different from ETFs?
With an ETF CFD, you trade the price of the ETF without owning the fund itself. This lets you go long or short and use leverage, but you also take on higher risk. IG Singapore offers ETF trading only through CFDs, and ETF investing via the IG Markets mobile app.
Are ETFs a good choice for beginners in Singapore?
Yes, ETFs can be a simple way to access multiple markets in one trade, which can help with diversification. However, beginners should learn how ETFs work, understand the risks, and start with smaller trade sizes.
Can I trade/ invest in US and global ETFs with IG Singapore?
Yes, IG Singapore offers CFD trading on many popular ETFs from US, European, and Asian markets, allowing you to trade in different time zones and sectors.
You can also invest in ETFs directly via the IG Markets mobile app.
What is the minimum size to trade ETFs with IG Singapore?
The minimum depends on the ETF’s market price and contract size. Because CFDs use leverage, you only need to deposit a fraction of the total trade value as margin.
Do ETF CFDs pay dividends?
ETF CFDs don’t pay dividends directly. Instead, if you hold a CFD when the ETF pays a dividend, your account will be credited if you are long, or debited if you are short.
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