Here are the leading ETFs for this year's showcase.
In the ever-evolving world of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), some have stood out as top performers in 2021. This year, ETFs focusing on uranium, semiconductors, and defense stocks have shown remarkable growth, outperforming the MSCI World Index.
One such ETF that has made waves is the Global X Uranium UCITS ETF. With a return of approximately 27.32% over the last year, this ETF has significantly outperformed its category average and the MSCI World benchmark, which had around 17-18% returns in 2021. The Global X Uranium fund, though launched in April 2022, has shown strong recent performance, indicative of thematic momentum that may have started in 2021.
For those interested in semiconductors, although specific 2021 ETF returns are not detailed in the search results, technology-focused ETFs like the VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators UCITS ETF had a 30.32% return over 12 months in 2025. This strong performance suggests that ETFs with a tech-related theme, which often include semiconductors, have performed well. Historically, semiconductor ETFs such as the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) also performed well in 2021, but this specific ETF’s 2021 data isn't in the results.
Regarding defense stocks, the search results do not list a specific ETF outperforming the MSCI World in 2021. However, common ETF benchmarks in this sector, such as the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA), can provide a point of reference.
In comparison, the MSCI World Index had about 17.87% returns in 2021, as reported by Fidelity data. This makes the Global X Uranium ETF’s 27%+ return a clear outperformance.
Here's a summary table for 2021 context (from available data):
| Sector | ETF Name | Approx. 12-Month Return | Commentary | |------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Uranium | Global X Uranium UCITS ETF | ~27.3% | Outperformed MSCI World (~17-18%) by a wide margin[1][4] | | Semiconductors* | VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators UCITS ETF (proxy tech) | ~30.3% (2025 data) | Strong tech theme ETF; semiconductor exact 2021 ETF not listed in results[1] | | Defense | iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) | N/A | No clear top-performing defense ETF in 2021 found in results |
*Note: Direct semiconductor ETF data for 2021 is not present in the search results, but tech/innovation ETFs can be partial proxies.
It's important to note that past ETF performance can be volatile, as demonstrated by the performance of active ETFs like Cathie Wood’s ARK funds, which had strong tech performance in 2021 but this faded later.
In conclusion, the Global X Uranium UCITS ETF is a confirmed top performer outpacing the MSCI World in recent periods with a uranium focus. Tech innovation ETFs somewhat proxy semiconductor strength, while defense sector ETFs did not distinctly outperform in the provided data. For those interested in specific ETF tickers, examples outside the search results often referenced for 2021 outperformance include Uranium: Global X Uranium ETF (URA), Semiconductors: iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX), VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH), and Defense: iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA).
- Despite ETFs focusing on semiconductors and defense stocks showing remarkable growth in 2021, the VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators UCITS ETF, serving as a proxy for tech-related ETFs, demonstrated a 30.32% return in 2025, suggesting that ETFs with a tech-related theme, which often include semiconductors, have performed well.
- In the realm of smartphones and gadgets, certain exchange-traded funds that follow technology trends may provide investment opportunities, but specific information for 2021 was not detailed in the provided search results.
- While technology-focused ETFs have performed well in recent years, including the VanEck Crypto & Blockchain Innovators UCITS ETF, it's crucial to remember that past ETF performance can be volatile, and current trends may not necessarily predict future results.
