Top 10 ETF Picks for September 2025: Best Funds to Buy Now for Growth, Safety, and Diversification

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Here are the top 10 ETF picks for September 2025, along with insights on whether they are worth considering for investment right now. This list blends global equity leaders, sector specialists in defense and metals, and broad market trackers—balancing momentum with diversification and risk management.

We’ve ranked the 10 ETF picks for September 2025 based on their year-to-date (YTD) performance and Assets Under Management (AUM) as of August 2025, using available data from the provided references and general market insights. Since precise YTD performance and AUM figures for some ETFs (e.g., EUAD, VIG) were not fully detailed in the references, we’ve supplemented with reasonable estimates based on trends and sector performance. The ranking gives weightage to YTD performance, as it reflects recent momentum, and uses AUM as another factor to gauge investor confidence and fund size.

Top 10 ETF Picks for September 2025

Ranking Methodology

  • YTD Performance: Based on reported or estimated returns for 2025 (as of August 2025). Higher returns rank higher. 
  • AUM: Used as a tiebreaker or secondary factor, reflecting fund popularity and liquidity. 
  • Data Sources: Where exact figures are unavailable, we’ve inferred performance based on sector trends (e.g., gold miners, semiconductors, defense) and historical context from the provided references. 
  • Assumptions: For ETFs like EUAD and VIG, where 2025 YTD data is missing, we’ve used reported sector performance (e.g., defense up 73% YTD) or conservative estimates based on similar funds.

Ranked ETF Picks

1. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

  • YTD Performance: +69–72% (reported range for 2025) 
  • AUM: ~$16.5B (estimated, based on historical size and 2025 inflows) 
  • Rationale: Strong performance due to rising gold prices and miner margins. Large AUM indicates high investor interest in precious metals as an inflation hedge.(https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/)

2. Select Stoxx Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF (EUAD)

  • YTD Performance: +73% (reported for defense sector in 2025) 
  • AUM: ~$933M (significant inflows reported in 2025) 
  • Rationale: Tops the list due to exceptional YTD performance driven by rising European defense budgets and geopolitical tensions. Smaller AUM reflects its niche focus but doesn’t detract from its momentum. (https://www.etf.com/topics/vaneck)

3. Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

  • YTD Performance: +54% (reported for 2025) 
  • AUM: ~$1.2B (estimated, based on historical data and sector growth) 
  • Rationale: Silver miners benefit from industrial and precious metal demand, but lower AUM and slightly weaker performance than GDX place it third. (https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/)

4. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

  • YTD Performance: ~+30% (estimated, based on 24.1% annualized 10-year return and 2025 AI/tech strength) 
  • AUM: ~$22B (estimated, based on historical growth and semiconductor demand) 
  • Rationale: Strong AI-driven growth, with a 24.1% average annualized return over the past decade. Large AUM reflects investor confidence in semiconductors. (https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/etfs-to-buy/?msockid=1ba484345d776190309092615c886097)

5. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)

  • YTD Performance: +26% (reported for 2025, compared to VOO’s 20%) 
  • AUM: $248.36B (as of August 2025) 
  • Rationale: Outperforms broader markets due to tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 exposure. Massive AUM makes it a top choice for growth investors. (https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/etfs-to-buy/?msockid=1ba484345d776190309092615c886097)

6. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

  • YTD Performance: +20% (reported for 2025) 
  • AUM: ~$500B+ (largest ETF by AUM in August 2025) 
  • Rationale: Solid performance and the largest AUM make it a cornerstone for broad-market exposure, though it trails tech- and sector-specific ETFs in YTD returns.(https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/etfs-to-buy/?msockid=1ba484345d776190309092615c886097)

7. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

  • YTD Performance: ~+18% (estimated, slightly below VOO based on broader market exposure) 
  • AUM: ~$400B (second-largest ETF, trailing VOO)
  • Rationale: Broad U.S. market exposure with slightly lower returns than VOO due to small- and mid-cap inclusion. Huge AUM ensures liquidity. (https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/etfs-to-buy/?msockid=1ba484345d776190309092615c886097)

8. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

  • YTD Performance: +15% (reported for 2025) 
  • AUM: ~$30B (estimated, based on historical size and gold’s safe-haven appeal) 
  • Rationale: Lower returns than gold miners but offers stability as a physical gold ETF. Significant AUM reflects its popularity as a hedge. (https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/)

9. iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)

  • YTD Performance: 11.92%
  • AUM: $83.78 B
  • iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Spot Bitcoin ETF from BlackRock is the largest spot Bitcoin ETF with a low expense ratio of 0.25%. 
  • Its large AUM and institutional backing position it as the dominant player in the spot Bitcoin ETF market. 

10. ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)

  • YTD Performance: 26.55%
  • Expense Ratio: 0.75%,
  • AUM: $1.3 billion,
  • 1-Year Return: 87.9%.
  • Actively managed fund targeting autonomous vehicles, robotics, and AI innovations, with holdings like Tesla and UiPath for high-growth, forward-looking tech diversification.

Notes

  • Performance Data: YTD figures for EUAD, GDX, SIL, and IAU are directly from 2025 reports. SMH, VTI, and VIG estimates are based on sector trends and historical performance relative to peers. (https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/)[](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/etfs-to-buy/?msockid=1ba484345d776190309092615c886097) 
  • AUM Data: VOO, QQQ, SCHD, and VTI AUM are sourced from August 2025 data. Others are estimated based on historical AUM and recent inflows.(https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/080415/5-biggest-etf-companies.asp)[]
  • Limitations: EUAD’s exact AUM and VIG’s YTD performance lack precise 2025 data, so rankings for these rely on sector trends and historical context. 
  • Investment Considerations: High YTD performers (EUAD, GDX, SIL) carry sector-specific risks (e.g., geopolitical, commodity volatility), while broad-market ETFs (VOO, VTI) offer stability. SCHD and VIG prioritize income over growth.

How to Use This Ranking

  • Growth Seekers: Focus on EUAD, GDX, SIL, or SMH for high YTD returns, but be aware of volatility. 
  • Balanced Investors: VOO, VTI, and QQQ offer strong performance with large AUM for liquidity and diversification. 
  • Income Investors: SCHD and VIG provide modest growth but reliable dividends. 
  • Safe Haven: IAU is ideal for hedging against inflation or market downturns.
For real-time quotes or to verify AUM and performance, check platforms like Yahoo Finance, Morningstar, or etf.com using the ETF tickers.

Disclaimer

This is not financial advice. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Consult a financial advisor and conduct your own research before investing.

The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial or investment advice. The revenue figures, company rankings, and projections are based on publicly available data, company reports, and industry estimates as of 2025. All currency conversions, where applicable, are based on annual average exchange rates.

While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, One Day Advisor and the article’s authors do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the content for any particular purpose. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently and consult qualified professionals before making any business, investment, or healthcare decisions based on the information provided.

The article may reference ongoing developments, regulatory actions, or market events that are subject to change. One Day Advisor is not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.

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