Over the last few months, thousands of Malaysian investors have discovered new ideas with ETF Explorer. Here’s what got backed, gained traction, and stood out.
Most popular ETFs | Q3 2026
#1 Semiconductors
Chosen by 38.4% 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.
#2 S&P 500
Chosen by 34.5% 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.
#3 Gold
Chosen by 14.1% 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.
#4 Artificial Intelligence
Chosen by 10.0% of investors | +67.6%² returns since inception
This asset class offers exposure to companies across the AI ecosystem and often appeals to investors comfortable with higher volatility.
#5 Nasdaq-100
Chosen by 6.8% of investors | +16.3%¹ 5Y returns
Captures 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq, with a strong tilt toward technology and innovation. It often appeals to investors looking for tech exposure.
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
Global Equities
+11.7%¹ 5Y returns | +17.9%¹ 1Y returns
The number of funded Global Equities portfolios grew by nearly 40% in Q3. Spanning 1,500+ companies across markets, it's often used as a simple way to diversify across countries and sectors in one holding.
Taiwan
+23.3%¹ 5Y returns | +91.0%¹ 1Y returns
Funded Taiwan portfolios grew by more than a third. Taiwan's market is heavily weighted toward technology. As the home to TSMC, one of the world's most advanced chip makers, the market is essential to the current AI supply chain.
S&P 500 UCITS
+13.5%¹ 5Y returns | +17.1%¹ 1Y returns
Funded S&P 500 UCITS portfolios also grew by about a third. 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.
Rising stars statistics are based on the growth of 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 fifty 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 clear, jargon-free explanations so you know exactly what each asset class represents and if it could fit your goals.
- Grow beyond local markets with instant access to the world's biggest opportunities. We’ve pre-selected a cost-efficient ETF per asset class to help you maximise your returns.
- Go from idea to investment in as little as 1 minute. Just pick, fund, and you’re done
We’re sharing this information to help you learn more about what other investors are doing. Some of these ETFs, particularly commodities, tech equities, and single-country funds, can experience significant price fluctuations and typically serve as a tactical addition to a diversified portfolio. Consider your own objectives, financial situation, and needs before investing.
StashAway reserves the discretionary right to change the underlying ETF for specific asset classes.
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.
² ETF listing date is 9 April 2025. While the ETF inception date is 29 January 2019, only listing-specific performance data is provided for accuracy.