Best ETFs

U.S. News has identified exchange-traded funds best suited for long-term investors seeking low-cost, diversified portfolios. Our rankings compare the cost and structure of hundreds of ETFs. Read more about our Best Fit ranking methodology.

Large-Cap

#1

iShares MSCI USA Index Fund (EUSA)

Performance (1-YR): 28.04% Expense Ratio: 0.15%

#2

iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (ITOT)

Performance (1-YR): 29.46% Expense Ratio: 0.07%

#3

Vanguard Russell 1000 ETF (VONE)

Performance (1-YR): 29.85% Expense Ratio: 0.12%

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Gold Oriented

#1

iShares COMEX Gold Trust (IAU)

Performance (1-YR): 12.52% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

#2

Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

Performance (1-YR): 34.69% Expense Ratio: 0.55%

#3

PowerShares DB Gold Fund (DGL)

Performance (1-YR): 13.87% Expense Ratio: 0.50%

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Emerging Markets

#1

BLDRS Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index Fund (ADRE)

Performance (1-YR): 9.52% Expense Ratio: 0.30%

#2

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE)

Performance (1-YR): 18.71% Expense Ratio: 0.15%

#3

iShares Emerging Markets High Yield Bond Fund (EMHY)

Performance (1-YR): 17.82% Expense Ratio: 0.65%

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Real Estate

#1

Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (SCHH)

Performance (1-YR): 26.76% Expense Ratio: 0.07%

#2

SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF (RWR)

Performance (1-YR): 26.38% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

#3

PowerShares KBW Premium Yield Equity REIT Portfolio (KBWY)

Performance (1-YR): 54.43% Expense Ratio: 0.35%

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Municipal Debt

#1

iShares S&P California Municipal Bond Fund (CMF)

Performance (1-YR): 4.92% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

#2

iShares S&P Short Term National Municipal Bond Fund (SUB)

Performance (1-YR): 0.31% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

#3

iShares S&P New York Municipal Bond Fund (NYF)

Performance (1-YR): 3.64% Expense Ratio: 0.25%

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Precious Metals

#1

Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

Performance (1-YR): 23.60% Expense Ratio: 0.65%

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Small-Cap

#1

SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SLY)

Performance (1-YR): 33.27% Expense Ratio: 0.20%

#2

PowerShares S&P SmallCap Information Technology Portfolio (PSCT)

Performance (1-YR): 26.92% Expense Ratio: 0.29%

#3

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA)

Performance (1-YR): 35.13% Expense Ratio: 0.08%

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Commodities

#1

iShares GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG)

Performance (1-YR): 0.10% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#2

PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (DBB)

Performance (1-YR): 8.66% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

#3

PowerShares DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC)

Performance (1-YR): 0.15% Expense Ratio: 0.75%

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China Region

#1

PowerShares Golden Dragon China Portfolio (PGJ)

Performance (1-YR): 14.44% Expense Ratio: 0.60%

#2

iShares MSCI China Index Fund (MCHI)

Performance (1-YR): 18.94% Expense Ratio: 0.61%

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Corporate Debt

#1

Guggenheim BulletShares 2013 Corporate Bond ETF (BSCD)

Performance (1-YR): 0.93% Expense Ratio: 0.24%

#2

SPDR Barclays Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (LWC)

Performance (1-YR): 8.72% Expense Ratio: 0.15%

#3

SPDR Barclays Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (ITR)

Performance (1-YR): 5.87% Expense Ratio: 0.15%

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Natural Resources

#1

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (XES)

Performance (1-YR): 32.38% Expense Ratio: 0.36%

#2

Vanguard Energy Index Fund (VDE)

Performance (1-YR): 26.81% Expense Ratio: 0.14%

#3

iShares MSCI Global Select Metals & Mining Producers Fund (PICK)

Performance (1-YR): 0.16% Expense Ratio: 0.39%

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Updated 05.21.2013

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Top Performing ETFs as of 05.03.2013

Guggenheim Solar ETF (TAN)

Global Equity | Natural Resources Funds

Total Return: 26.70%

Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF (GREK)

Global Equity | European Region Funds

Total Return: 16.89%

iShares S&P Global Clean Energy Index Fund (ICLN)

Global Equity | Natural Resources Funds

Total Return: 14.50%

* annualized