If you are looking for the ETFs that have performed best since the beginning of 2026, you are in the right place.
In this article, I review the 10 best-performing ETFsβ5 listed in the United States and 5 listed in Canadaβbased on their year-to-date (YTD) performance.
I also include fund flow data, which reveals where institutional and retail investors are actually putting their money.
Whether you manage a TFSA, an RRSP, or a non-registered account, this ranking provides a clear picture of the sectors dominating the markets in 2026.
Top 5 Best-Performing U.S. ETFs Since the Beginning of 2026
1. DRAM β Roundhill Memory ETF (+157.48% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | Roundhill |
| Current Price | 75.39 USD |
| Assets Under Management | 23.36B USD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +18.33B USD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
DRAM has surged from a niche thematic ETF to the top-performing ETF of 2026, delivering an impressive +157.48% year-to-date return.
Its focus on memory semiconductorsβincluding DRAM, NAND Flash, and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM)βhas proven exceptionally well timed. HBM has become a critical component powering NVIDIA’s AI GPU ecosystem, driving explosive demand for manufacturers such as Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung.
Fund Flows
One of the most striking aspects of DRAM’s performance is the +18.33 billion USD in net inflows recorded year-to-date.
This level of capital inflow suggests that the rally is being driven primarily by institutional investors, rather than short-term retail speculation.
Point to Watch
DRAM is a highly concentrated thematic ETF with significant volatility. It is better suited as a satellite position than as a core portfolio holding.
2. PSI β Invesco Semiconductors ETF (+114.00% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | Invesco |
| Current Price | 173.13 USD |
| Assets Under Management | 2.79B USD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +434.95M USD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
PSI has more than doubled in value during 2026, posting a remarkable +114.00% YTD return.
Unlike SMH or SOXX, which weight holdings based on market capitalization, PSI uses the Dorsey Wright momentum methodology to select and weight semiconductor companies.
This allows the fund to rotate more dynamically within the sector and capture leadership changes more quickly than traditional passive semiconductor ETFs.
Fund Flows
Net inflows of +434.95 million USD demonstrate continued investor interest, particularly from investors seeking semiconductor exposure with a momentum strategy rather than heavy concentration in companies such as NVIDIA and TSMC.
3. AIS β VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (+112.73% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | VistaShares |
| Current Price | 82.33 USD |
| Assets Under Management | 914.41M USD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +544.5M USD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
AIS is a relatively new ETF that has quickly established itself as one of the standout performers of 2026.
Rather than focusing exclusively on semiconductors, the fund invests across the entire artificial intelligence value chain, including semiconductor manufacturers, software platforms, data infrastructure providers, and AI-native applications.
Its investment thesis is straightforward: artificial intelligence is a multi-year structural supercycle rather than a short-term investment trend.
Fund Flows
AIS has attracted approximately +544.5 million USD in net inflows year-to-date while delivering an impressive +112.73% return.
The strong inflows suggest that investors are seeking broader AI exposure beyond chip manufacturers alone.
4. FTXL β First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (+108.75% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | First Trust |
| Current Price | 276.78 USD |
| Assets Under Management | 2.75B USD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | -29.2M USD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
FTXL has generated an impressive +108.75% year-to-date return by applying a fundamentally driven investment process to the Nasdaq semiconductor universe.
Instead of weighting companies purely by market capitalization, the ETF selects holdings based on factors such as sales growth, cash flow, and return on assets. This quality-focused methodology has performed exceptionally well as AI-driven demand has rewarded financially strong semiconductor companies.
Fund Flows
One interesting aspect of FTXL is that, despite its outstanding performance, the ETF has experienced net outflows of approximately 29.2 million USD year-to-date.
This likely reflects profit-taking by investors who have benefited from the rally and are reallocating capital elsewhere rather than a loss of confidence in the semiconductor sector.
Point to Watch
Strong historical performance does not guarantee future returns. Investors should recognize that semiconductor ETFs remain cyclical and can experience significant volatility.
5. EWY β iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (+100.38% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issuer | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Current Price | 202.38 USD |
| Assets Under Management | 23.18B USD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% |
| Number of Holdings | 80 |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +4.19B USD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
EWY is the standout non-semiconductor ETF among the top-performing U.S. ETFs of 2026.
The fund tracks the MSCI South Korea Index, providing diversified exposure to approximately 80 leading Korean companies across multiple sectors of the economy.
South Korea’s exceptional market performance has been closely linked to its dominant role in the global technology supply chain. While the ETF benefits from significant exposure to industry leaders such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, it also captures broader economic growth across financials, industrials, consumer companies, and other sectors.
As a result, EWY offers investors exposure to the artificial intelligence supply chain while maintaining greater diversification than a pure semiconductor ETF.
Fund Flows
With 23.18 billion USD in assets under management and +4.19 billion USD in year-to-date net inflows, EWY is one of the largest and most liquid country ETFs available.
The strong inflows indicate that investors are increasingly allocating capital to South Korean equities as a strategic way to participate in the long-term growth of AI hardware and semiconductor manufacturing.
Who Is It Best Suited For?
EWY is well suited for investors seeking diversified exposure to South Korea’s economy while benefiting from the country’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and the global AI supply chain.
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Top 5 Best-Performing Canadian ETFs Since the Beginning of 2026
1. XCHP β iShares Semiconductor Index ETF (+107.33% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Current Price | 152.14 CAD |
| Assets Under Management | 327.36M CAD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +160.98M CAD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
XCHP has more than doubled in value during 2026, delivering an impressive +107.33% year-to-date return and becoming the best-performing Canadian ETF of the year.
The ETF tracks a global semiconductor index and offers exposure similar to U.S.-listed SMH while trading in Canadian dollars, eliminating the need for currency conversion and reducing foreign exchange friction for Canadian investors.
Fund Flows
Net inflows of +160.98 million CAD confirm that Canadian investors have been actively adding to their positions rather than simply holding existing units.
These inflows have helped increase the fund’s assets under management to 327.36 million CAD.
Tax Considerations
For Canadian investors, XCHP may offer a tax advantage over U.S.-listed semiconductor ETFs. When held in a TFSA or RRSP, investors avoid the complexity of purchasing U.S. securities directly while maintaining exposure through a Canadian-listed ETF.
2. CHPS β Global X Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor Index ETF (+58.53% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | Global X |
| Current Price | 90.68 CAD |
| Assets Under Management | 396.33M CAD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +119.09M CAD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
CHPS focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and semiconductors, investing in chip designers, advanced manufacturers, and semiconductor equipment companies that directly benefit from the AI investment cycle.
Although its +58.53% YTD return trails XCHP, its stronger AI focus and larger asset base of 396.33 million CAD have made it one of the most popular thematic ETFs available to Canadian investors.
Fund Flows
The ETF has attracted approximately +119.09 million CAD in net inflows during 2026, demonstrating continued investor confidence in the long-term AI semiconductor investment thesis.
Who Is It Best Suited For?
CHPS is ideal for investors seeking targeted exposure to companies at the heart of the artificial intelligence revolution through a Canadian-listed ETF.
3. ZVU β BMO MSCI USA Value Index ETF (+50.03% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | BMO |
| Current Price | 57.40 CAD |
| Assets Under Management | 200.28M CAD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +83.73M CAD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
ZVU is one of the biggest surprises in this year’s ranking.
Tracking the MSCI USA Value Index, the ETF has returned +50.03% year-to-date, benefiting from the rotation toward undervalued U.S. companies as valuations became stretched in portions of the growth market.
With 152 holdings and a low 0.34% expense ratio, ZVU offers diversified exposure to U.S. value stocks at a very competitive cost.
Fund Flows
The ETF has attracted +83.73 million CAD in net inflows, suggesting that Canadian investors are increasingly complementing their growth holdings with high-quality value exposure.
Who Is It Best Suited For?
ZVU is well suited for investors looking for broad U.S. value exposure in Canadian dollars with a low-cost, diversified approach.
4. XEMC β iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (+41.80% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Issuer | iShares (BlackRock) |
| Current Price | 85.73 CAD |
| Assets Under Management | 148.38M CAD |
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +63.11M CAD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
XEMC provides exposure to emerging market equities while excluding China, a positioning that has resonated strongly with investors throughout 2026.
Its +41.80% YTD return suggests that the ex-China emerging markets strategy has benefited from improving economic conditions across several developing markets while avoiding geopolitical uncertainty associated with China.
Fund Flows
The ETF has attracted approximately +63.11 million CAD in new investments, reflecting growing demand among Canadian investors for internationally diversified portfolios with reduced geopolitical risk.
Point to Watch
Emerging market ETFs can experience higher volatility than developed markets and remain sensitive to geopolitical developments, currency fluctuations, and changes in global economic conditions.
5. FINN β Fidelity Global Innovators ETF (+36.84% YTD)
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Fidelity |
| Current Price | 32.35 CAD |
| Assets Under Management | 2.788B CAD |
| Expense Ratio | 1.17% |
| Number of Holdings | 109 |
| Fund Flows (YTD) | +587.22M CAD |
Why It Has Performed So Well
FINN is the largest ETF in the Canadian top five by assets under management, with 2.788 billion CAD invested across a diversified portfolio of 109 global innovative companies.
Unlike the semiconductor-focused ETFs ranked above it, FINN provides broad exposure to innovative businesses spanning multiple industries, including technology, healthcare, communications, and other sectors driving long-term global growth.
Its +36.84% year-to-date return reflects the continued strength of innovation-oriented companies in 2026 while offering investors a more diversified approach than single-sector thematic funds.
Fund Flows
FINN has attracted approximately +587.22 million CAD in net inflows during 2026, the highest among the Canadian ETFs in this ranking.
Combined with its 2.788 billion CAD in assets under management, these inflows highlight strong investor confidence in Fidelity’s actively managed innovation strategy.
Who Is It Best Suited For?
FINN is well suited for investors seeking diversified exposure to innovative global companies through an actively managed ETF, rather than concentrating exclusively on semiconductor or AI-related stocks.
Comparison Table: The 10 Best ETFs of 2026
| Ticker | Market | YTD Return | AUM | MER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRAM | πΊπΈ | +157.48% | 23.36B USD | 0.65% |
| PSI | πΊπΈ | +114.00% | 2.79B USD | 0.56% |
| AIS | πΊπΈ | +112.73% | 914.41M USD | 0.75% |
| FTXL | πΊπΈ | +108.75% | 2.75B USD | 0.60% |
| XCHP | π¨π¦ | +107.33% | 327.36M CAD | 0.40% |
| EWY | πΊπΈ | +100.38% | 23.18B USD | 0.59% |
| CHPS | π¨π¦ | +58.53% | 396.33M CAD | 0.73% |
| ZVU | π¨π¦ | +50.03% | 200.28M CAD | 0.34% |
| XEMC | π¨π¦ | +41.80% | 148.38M CAD | 0.35% |
| FINN | π¨π¦ | +36.84% | 2.788B CAD | 1.17% |
What These Performances Tell Us About 2026
Semiconductors and AI Dominate the U.S. Rankings
Four of the five top U.S. ETFs are directly tied to semiconductors or artificial intelligence. DRAM, PSI, AIS, and FTXL all reflect the structural demand for AI hardware infrastructure β chips, memory, and the companies designing and manufacturing them. The volume of fund flows confirms this is not speculative: DRAM alone has attracted +18.33B USD in new capital year-to-date.
South Korea Is a Proxy for the AI Supply Chain
EWY’s presence in the U.S. top 5 at +100.38% is not a coincidence. South Korea is home to Samsung and SK Hynix, two of the world’s largest memory chip manufacturers and direct beneficiaries of the AI-driven demand surge. Investors who missed pure semiconductor ETFs found an indirect but powerful entry point through Korean equity exposure.
Fund Flows Reveal Where Conviction Is Strongest
Performance tells you what happened. Fund flows tell you what investors believe will keep happening. DRAM’s +18.33B USD, EWY’s +4.19B USD, and FINN’s +587.22M CAD are the three standout inflow figures in this ranking. FTXL’s -29.2M USD outflow despite +108.75% returns is the one contrarian signal worth monitoring β some investors are locking in gains even at these levels.
Canadian Investors Are Diversifying Beyond Semiconductors
While XCHP and CHPS lead the Canadian ranking, the presence of ZVU, XEMC, and FINN in the top 5 shows that Canadian DIY investors are building balanced portfolios. The +587.22M CAD flowing into FINN alone suggests strong demand for actively managed global innovation exposure alongside passive semiconductor positions.
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How to Integrate These ETFs Into Your Portfolio
Growth Profile (5+ Year Horizon)
Allocate 5% to 10% of your portfolio to semiconductor exposure through XCHP in a TFSA or RRSP. For additional AI infrastructure exposure, a 3% to 5% position in AIS or PSI (held in an RRSP to avoid U.S. withholding tax) adds diversification across the AI value chain.
Diversification Layer
ZVU offers 152 holdings of U.S. value equities at only 0.34% MER β an efficient way to reduce semiconductor concentration. FINN provides active global innovation exposure with 109 holdings and strong institutional backing based on its fund flow data. Together, these two can anchor a more balanced growth portfolio.
Tactical Profile (AI Thesis)
DRAM is strictly a satellite position β maximum 3% to 5% of your total portfolio. Its 12-holding concentration and volatility profile make it unsuitable as a core holding regardless of its 2026 performance. FTXL’s negative fund flows despite strong returns are worth watching before adding a new position.
Which Account Should You Use?
Choosing the right account can improve your after-tax returns just as much as selecting the right ETF.
RRSP: The Best Choice for U.S.-Listed ETFs
For U.S.-listed ETFs such as DRAM, PSI, AIS, FTXL, and EWY, the RRSP is generally the most tax-efficient account for Canadian investors.
Under the CanadaβU.S. Tax Treaty, U.S. dividends paid to securities held directly in an RRSP are exempt from the 15% U.S. withholding tax. While many of these ETFs focus primarily on capital appreciation rather than dividend income, avoiding this withholding tax can still improve long-term returns through compounding.
The RRSP is particularly attractive for investors with a long investment horizon who intend to hold U.S. equities or ETFs for many years.
TFSA: Ideal for Canadian-Listed ETFs
For Canadian-listed ETFs such as XCHP, CHPS, ZVU, XEMC, and FINN, the TFSA is generally the preferred account.
These ETFs trade in Canadian dollars, making them easy to purchase without converting currency. In addition, all capital gains, distributions, and future withdrawals from a TFSA are tax-free, making it an excellent vehicle for long-term growth.
Because these funds are listed in Canada, investors also avoid many of the administrative considerations associated with holding U.S.-listed securities directly.
What About a Non-Registered Account?
A taxable (non-registered) account can also be appropriate, particularly once your TFSA and RRSP contribution room has been fully used.
However, investors should remember that:
- Capital gains are taxable when securities are sold.
- Dividends may be subject to different tax rules depending on whether they originate from Canadian or foreign companies.
- Foreign withholding taxes may apply to international investments.
For most Canadian DIY investors, maximizing TFSA and RRSP contribution room before investing in a taxable account remains the most tax-efficient strategy.
Conclusion
The 10 best-performing ETFs of 2026 tell a clear story: artificial intelligence and semiconductor infrastructure have been the defining investment themes of the year, on both sides of the border. DRAM’s +157.48% return and +18.33B USD in fund inflows represent the most dramatic data point β a fund that has gone from niche thematic product to institutional-grade position in a single year.
For Canadian DIY investors, XCHP remains the most accessible and tax-efficient entry point into the semiconductor rally, while FINN’s fund flow leadership confirms that globally diversified innovation exposure continues to attract serious capital.
Before investing in any of these ETFs, make sure it aligns with your overall investment strategy, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
