10 Best Asia ETFs to Watch Right Now [2025]

Check out this list of the top Asia ETFs to watch

Share price data as of 9 April 2025. ETF 5 year performance data as of 31 March 2025. Source: Stake, Google Finance, ETF providers.

*The ETF list is ranked by assets under management. When deciding what funds to feature, we analyse the financials, recent news, liquidity and volume, and whether or not they are actively traded on Stake.

💡 Related: List of the best Chinese ETFs to watch

Decide if these Asia ETFs can help diversify your portfolio

1. iShares MSCI Japan ETF ($EWJ)

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF provides access to a diverse portfolio of Japanese stocks and tracks the MSCI Japan Index. Its top 5 holdings include Toyota Motor ($TM), Sony Group ($SONY), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group ($MUFG), Hitachi and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group ($SMFG). 

$EWJ has delivered a total return of -4.38% in the year to 9 April 2025, but has delivered an annual average total return of 8.57% over the past 5 years. It has an expense ratio of 0.5%.

The ETF would suit investors with the risk tolerance to invest in mid and large-sized Japanese companies.

2. iShares MSCI India ETF ($INDA)

The iShares MSCI India ETF provides access to a diverse portfolio of Indian stocks and tracks the MSCI India Index. The top 5 holdings include HDFC Bank ($HDB), Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank ($IBN), Infosys ($INFY) and Bharti Airtel. 

$INDA has delivered a total return of -1.91% in the year to 9 April 2025, but has delivered an annual average total return of 17.95% over the past 5 years. It has an expense ratio of 0.62%. 

The ETF would suit investors with a risk tolerance for investing in mid and large-sized Indian companies.

3. Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF ($VPL)

The Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF tracks the performance of the FTSE Developed Asia Pacific All Cap Index. The ETF holds stocks of companies located in Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore. Top 5 holdings include Toyota Motor, Samsung Electronics, Commonwealth Bank ($CBA), Sony and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

$VPL has delivered a return of -5.54% in the year to 9 April 2025, but has delivered an annual average total return of 8.84% over the past 5 years. It has an expense ratio of 0.07%. 

The fund may appeal to investors who want access to a portfolio of well-established and profitable companies across the region.

4. iShares MSCI China ETF ($MCHI)

The iShares MSCI China ETF seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI China Index. The index tracks large and mid-sized Chinese equities. The ETF’s top 5 holdings include Tencent ($TCEHY), Alibaba ($BABA), Xiaomi, Meituan and PDD ($PDD). 

$MCHI is up 19.46% over one year but has delivered an average annual return of -0.95% over the 5 years to 28 February 2025. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.59%. 

While the ETF tracks a benchmark commonly followed by fund managers, retail investors need to be aware that its top 2 holdings – Tencent and Alibaba - have a combined 27% weighting.

5. iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF ($IPAC)

The iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF tracks the MSCI Pacific Investable Market Index. Top 5 holdings include Toyota Motor, Commonwealth Bank, Sony Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial and BHP Group ($BHP). 

$IPAC is up 8.09% over one year but has delivered an average annual return of 9.31% over the past 5 years. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.19%. 

This fund would suit investors who want access to a portfolio of profitable companies across the pacfic region.

6. Franklin FTSE India ETF ($FLIN)

The Franklin FTSE India ETF provides exposure to mid and large-cap companies in India and tracks the FTSE India Capped Index. Top 5 holdings include HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, Infosys and Bharti Airtel. 

$FLIN is down 2.59% over one year but has delivered an average annual return of 19.90% over the past 5 years. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.19%.

The ETF would suit investors who can tolerate the risk of investing in emerging market stocks.

7. iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF ($EPP)

The iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF has exposure to companies in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore by tracking the MSCI Pacific ex Japan Index. Top five holdings include Commonwealth Bank, BHP, Hong Kong’s AIA Group ($AAGIY), CSL ($CSL) and Westpac ($WBC). Other top ten holdings include Singapore’s DBS Group and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing.

$EPP is up 8.34% over one year but has delivered an average annual return of 9.83% over the past 5 years. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.48%.

The ETF may suit Australian investors who want to invest conservatively beyond the ASX and into some established Asian companies.

8. iShares Asia 50 ETF ($AIA)

The iShares Asia 50 ETF offers exposure to large, established companies by tracking the S&P Asia 50 Capped Index. Top five holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ($TSM), Tencent, Alibaba, Samsung and Meituan. 

$AIA is up 7.22% over one year and has delivered an average annual return of 7.47% over the past 5 years. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.50%.

Investors seeking broad diversification should note the two largest holdings have a 25% weighting in the ETF.

9. VanEck Vietnam ETF ($VNM)

The VanEck Vietnam ETF seeks to replicate the performance of the MarketVector Vietnam Local Index, which tracks securities of publicly traded companies that are locally incorporated in Vietnam. Top 5 holdings include Vingroup, Vinhomes, Hoa Phat Group, Vietnam Dairy Products and Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam. 

$VNM is down 13.96% over one year but has delivered an average annual return of 5.10% over the 5 years. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.70%.

This is an ETF for investors with a high risk tolerance. Vietnamese stocks are less liquid than larger Asian markets so ensure you do your due diligence before you consider investing.

10. SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF ($GMF)

The SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF seeks to provide investment results that track the total return performance of the S&P Emerging Asia Pacific BMI Index. Top 5 holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Tencent, Alibaba, HDFC and Reliance Industries. 

$GMF is up 2.81% over one year and has delivered an average annual return of 8.86% over the past 5 years. It has an annual expense ratio of 0.49%.

🌏 Related: Top emerging market ETFs on the ASX to invest in

How to invest in Asia ETFs?

Investing in Asia ETFs is easy if you have a brokerage account that offers access to U.S. and Australian stocks. There are plenty of tools that provide basic information on U.S.-listed Asia ETFs. Consider your investment objectives and risk appetite. Investing in some Asian markets offers the potential for higher returns but with more risk. Follow our step-by-step guide below:

1. Find a stock investing platform

To invest in Asia ETFs, you’ll first need to find an investing platform that offers access to exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq and the ASX. There are several share investing platforms available, of which Stake is one.

2. Fund your account

Next, open an account by completing an application with your personal and financial details. You’ll then need to fund your account with a bank transfer, debit card, or even Apple/Google Pay.

3. Search for the fund 

Find the ETF by name or ticker symbol. Always conduct your own research to ensure that the investment is suited to your risk tolerance and financial goals. 

4. Set a market or limit order and buy the shares

You can buy stock almost instantly at the current price by using a market order during the trading day. Alternatively, enter a limit order to purchase your stock when it reaches a specific price. Consider dollar cost averaging to spread out your risk, which involves buying at consistent intervals.

5. Monitor your investment

Once you own the stock, monitor its performance over time. Check your portfolio regularly to ensure that your investment remains aligned with your financial goals.

What ASX Asia ETFs can I invest in?

Australian investors can also access Asia ETFs on the ASX. 

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF ($ASIA) tracks the Solactive Asia Ex-Japan Technology & Internet Tigers Index. The index comprises the 50 largest technology and online retail stocks in Asia (ex-Japan), including technology giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu ($BIDU) and JD.com ($JD). The ETF has an annual fee of 0.67%.

The Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF ($VAE) tracks the FTSE Asia Pacific ex Japan, Australia and New Zealand Net Index. It invests in 12 markets across Asia, with China, Taiwan, Korea, and India making up around 80% of the exposure. It has an investment management fee of 0.40%.

The Platinum Asia Fund Complex ETF ($PAXX) is a feeder fund into the underlying fund, the unlisted Platinum Asia Fund that primarily invests in listed securities of Asian companies (excluding Japan). The portfolio consists of 30 to 80 securities that Platinum believes to be undervalued. The ETF charges 1.10% of net asset value, plus 15% of outperformance over its benchmark. 

Benefits and risks of investing in Asia through ETFs

Understand the benefits of risks before you consider investing in the Asia market:

Benefits

The benefits of investing in Asia ETFs include diversification across economies and sectors. This includes access to faster growing regions of the global economy. Investing in these markets via ETFs is more cost-efficient than buying individual stocks or managed funds. ETFs offer simplicity as they can be sold through a brokerage account. They also offer transparency as they publish their holdings. 

Risks

Investing in Asia comes with the risk of geopolitical tensions, especially as trade tensions rise. There is also diversification risk as some pan-Asian ETFs focus on larger markets. There is also regulatory risk from the companies held in ETFs as some countries do not have the same governance and accounting standards. While the ETF may be liquid, there may be less liquidity in stocks from smaller markets.

Disclaimer

The information contained above does not constitute financial product advice nor a recommendation to invest in any of the securities listed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. When you invest, your capital is at risk. You should consider your own investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may receive back less than your original investment. As always, do your own research and consider seeking appropriate financial advice before investing.

Any advice provided by Stake is of general nature only and does not take into account your specific circumstances. Trading and volume data from the Stake investing platform is for reference purposes only, the investment choices of others may not be appropriate for your needs and is not a reliable indicator of performance.

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