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

By Editorial Team - October 02, 2025

Here are the top 10 ETF picks for October 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 October 2025 based on their year-to-date (YTD) performance and Assets Under Management (AUM), using available data from the provided references and general market insights. 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.

These ETFs target high-growth areas like gold mining, crypto, technology, and sustainable themes, based on top-performing indices and expert picks for Q4 momentum. These ETFs have delivered strong returns over recent months and 2025 year-to-date, spanning sectors like gold mining, uranium, defense, AI, and blockchain:

Ranking Methodology

YTD Performance: Based on reported or estimated returns for 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.

Ranked ETF Picks October 2025

1. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

YTD Performance: +90–135% (predicted range for October 2025) (TradingView)
Core gold miners index; updated data shows explosive growth on metal prices. Expense Ratio: 0.51%. Recent Performance: YTD +125.30%. 1M +10.9%.
AUM: ~$16.5B (estimated, based on historical size and 2025 inflows)
Rationale: Strong performance has been driven by rising gold prices and expanding miner profit margins. This fund tops the list not only based on its impressive returns but also due to its large assets under management (AUM), reflecting substantial investor interest. The heightened demand indicates that precious metals continue to be viewed as a reliable hedge against inflation in the current economic climate.
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is listed on both the NYSE Arca exchange (as GDX) and the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) (as GDX.MX).
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: High
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (targeting continued gold rally into year-end amid economic uncertainty)

Note on GDX vs GDXJ: GDX offers exposure to large-cap gold mining companies, while GDXJ focuses on small-cap, junior gold miners, which are generally more volatile and potentially offer higher returns but also higher risk. GDX tracks the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, whereas GDXJ follows the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, making GDXJ the more speculative choice for investors seeking higher leverage to the gold price.

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

EUAD is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides targeted exposure to European companies involved in the aerospace and defense sectors. Launched on October 18, 2024, by Tuttle Capital Management, it tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense Index, which includes firms engaged in manufacturing, servicing, supplying, and distributing civil and military aerospace equipment, systems, technology, and defense services. The fund is non-diversified, focusing on a narrow set of industrials stocks (100% sector allocation), primarily headquartered in Europe. It holds about 15 securities, weighted by market cap, and is designed for investors seeking growth from rising European defense spending amid geopolitical tensions, NATO commitments, and rearmament efforts.
YTD Return: +92.47% (outperforming broader markets due to sector tailwinds). (TradingView)
1-Month Return: ~+15% (estimated from recent momentum in defense stocks; exact figure varies by source).
1-Year Return: +92.47% (since inception aligns closely with YTD).
AUM: ~$1.2B (significant inflows reported in 2025)
EUAD is poised for continued outperformance in Q4 2025, as Europe's defense sector enters a "super cycle" fueled by NATO pledges, EU rearmament initiatives, and rising global tensions. Pairing it with U.S.-focused defense ETFs like SHLD could provide balanced exposure. However, risks include geopolitical de-escalation, supply chain issues, or market volatility. It's suitable for growth-oriented portfolios but carries concentration risk due to its narrow focus.
Rationale: 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.
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 6 months (leveraging ongoing rearmament trends and sector momentum)

3. ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL)

Leveraged play on gold futures; amplifies gains in precious metals rally.
Expense Ratio: 0.95%.
Recent Performance: YTD +94.05%

4. Direxion Daily FTSE China Bull 3X Shares (YINN)

Triple-leveraged China exposure; benefits from stimulus and recovery bets.
Expense Ratio: 1.35%.
Recent Performance: YTD +93.73%.

4. iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING)

Broad gold miners focus with global diversification; strong safe-haven appeal.
Expense Ratio: 0.39%.
Recent Performance: YTD +71.7%. 1M +12.5%.

5. abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT)

Direct platinum exposure; industrial demand boosts performance.
Expense Ratio: 0.60%.
Recent Performance: YTD +68% (approximate from sector trends).

6. 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.
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: High
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (capitalizing on silver supply deficits and industrial demand surge)

7. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

YTD Performance: ~ +30–36% (reported range for 2025) (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. (fool.com)
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 6 months (positioning for recovery from recent selloffs and long-term AI growth)

8. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

YTD Performance: +46% (reported range for Oct 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/)
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (serving as a safe-haven hedge amid ongoing market volatility)

9. iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)

YTD Performance: +20-25% (reported range for Oct 2025)
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.
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy now (or on any dip to $107,000–$108,000) and hold for 3–4 weeks, targeting $118,000–$125,000 by end of October.

10. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)

YTD Performance: +17% (reported for 2025, compared to VOO’s 20%)
AUM: $248.36B (as of October 2025)
Rationale: Outperforms broader markets due to tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 exposure. Massive AUM makes it a top choice for growth investors. (fool.com)
Final recommendation: Buy

Confidence Level: Medium
Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (benefiting from Nasdaq bull market and tech sector rebound)

Notes

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.
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.
Safe Haven: IAU is ideal for hedging against inflation or market downturns.
Strategy: Use dollar-cost averaging (DCA)—invest a fixed amount weekly or monthly to smooth out price volatility. This approach reduces stress and builds wealth steadily.
For real-time quotes or to verify AUM and performance, check platforms like Yahoo Finance, Trading View, 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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