The best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs of 2025

Vanguard is the ASX ETF provider with the most funds under management.

Many Vanguard funds make up important parts of investors' portfolios. In fact, the two largest ASX ETFs by market capitalisation are Vanguard funds. 

As today marks the last day of trading for 2025, here are the Vanguard ASX ETFs that brought the best returns this year. 

Vanguard Ftse Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)

As the name suggests, this fund offers exposure to companies in major European markets. 

It aims to track the return of the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. 

This includes more than 1,200 holdings (mainly large-cap) from approximately 16 countries

Its largest geographical exposure is to: 

• United Kingdom (23.2%)
• France (14.4%)
• Switzerland (14.1%)
• Germany (13.8%)

No individual holding makes up more than 3% of the fund. 

In 2025, diversification into the European market proved a great decision for investors. 

This ASX ETF rose by approximately 23% this calendar year. 

Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

Finishing the year in second place was the Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF. 

This fund provides investors exposure to securities listed in Asia excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

It tracks the return of the FTSE Asia Pacific ex Japan, Australia and New Zealand Index. 

At the time of writing, it is made up of more than 1,700 holdings, with its largest exposure being an 11.5% holding in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd. 

Roughly half of the fund is weighted towards companies in China and Taiwan. 

Investors who held this fund through the year enjoyed a rise of approximately 20%. 

Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU)

In third place was the Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF. 

The ETF provides exposure to many of the world's largest companies listed in major developed and emerging countries outside the US.

It seeks to track the return of the FTSE All-World ex US Index. 

At the time of writing, it is made up of more than 3,800 holdings. 

Its largest exposure geographically is towards: 

• Japan (15.3%)
• China (9.9%)
• United Kingdom (8.9%)

This fund could be ideal for an investor looking to diversify away from a US heavy portfolio. 

This strategy was worthwhile in 2025, as this fund rose approximately 19%. 

The post The best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Vanguard International Equity Index Funds - Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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