If you’re into investing, then you know that timing can be everything. But with the right strategy and a bit of patience, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) can provide a fantastic way to build wealth without the need to obsess over the stock market every day.
Looking at the second half of 2025, certain ETFs are showing promise due to market trends, technological advances, and global growth areas. And you don’t have to be a Wall Street insider to tap into the power of these investment vehicles.
Top 5 ETFs to Watch from July to December 2025
1. Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI): The Classic Powerhouse
Let’s kick things off with an all-time favourite: the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). If you’re not familiar with this one, VTI is the go-to ETF for broad exposure to the U.S. stock market. It tracks the performance of the CRSP US Total Market Index, which includes small, medium, and large companies—basically the entire U.S. stock market. It’s like getting a slice of everything the U.S. market has to offer, from tech giants like Apple to small start-ups in emerging sectors.
Why Watch VTI in the Second Half of 2025?
- Economic Growth: The U.S. economy is likely to experience solid growth as it recovers from any global economic slowdowns, and VTI is well-positioned to benefit from this growth. The diversity of stocks in VTI means you’re not reliant on any one sector, so if one area struggles, the others help keep the ETF steady.
- Long-term Investment: With VTI, you’re investing in the broader market. Historically, this has been a strong, reliable performer over time, with the power of diversification working in your favor.
- Lower Fees: VTI has an expense ratio of just 0.03%, which means more of your money goes into investments, not fees. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to gain exposure to the entire U.S. market.
Key Stats:
- Expense ratio: 0.03%
- Top holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla
- Why it’s great for 2025: With tech innovation booming and sectors like clean energy and healthcare on the rise, VTI offers exposure to these growing sectors while keeping things balanced.
If you’re someone who prefers a set-it-and-forget-it approach with solid, long-term growth, VTI is your jam. Think of it like the bread and butter of ETFs—it’s reliable, diversified, and perfect for anyone looking to build a strong investment foundation.
2. Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ): The Tech Titan
Ready to bet on tech in the second half of 2025? The Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) is one of the most popular ETFs for exposure to tech and growth stocks. It tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which includes some of the most innovative companies, including Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Nvidia, and more. If you want to ride the wave of technological innovation, QQQ is the place to be.
Why Watch QQQ in 2025?
- Tech Dominance: The tech sector is only expected to grow in 2025, with continued expansion in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, 5G, and semiconductors. QQQ gives you exposure to the companies leading the charge.
- Strong Performance: Over the last decade, QQQ has consistently outperformed the broader market. As long as the tech boom continues, this ETF is likely to keep delivering solid returns.
- High Growth Potential: QQQ focuses on growth stocks, meaning these companies are often at the cutting edge of new developments. If you’re looking for fast growth (and can handle the volatility), QQQ offers major upside potential.
Key Stats:
- Expense ratio: 0.20%
- Top holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta (Facebook)
- Why it’s great for 2025: Tech is the future, and QQQ gives you access to some of the biggest companies leading that charge. From AI to autonomous vehicles, these companies are at the forefront of the digital revolution.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of high-risk, high-reward investments and believes in the power of innovation, QQQ could be your ticket to tech-driven success in 2025.
3. ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK): The Disruptive Innovator
If you’re a fan of disruptive technologies and next-gen industries, then the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) should definitely be on your radar for the second half of 2025. Managed by ARK Invest and led by the legendary Cathie Wood, ARKK focuses on companies involved in innovative and disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, biotech, robotics, and blockchain. Think of it as investing in the cutting edge of the tech world.
Why Watch ARKK in 2025?
- Future-Oriented Investments: ARKK is all about the future—investing in companies that are transforming industries like autonomous vehicles, genomics, and space exploration. If you believe the future is AI-powered and biotech-driven, ARKK is for you.
- Active Management: Unlike most passive ETFs, ARKK is actively managed, meaning Cathie Wood and her team are handpicking stocks they believe will perform the best in disruptive sectors. This active approach means ARKK could outperform other ETFs if these innovations succeed.
- High Growth, High Risk: ARKK tends to be more volatile than some other ETFs, so if you’re looking for big returns (and can stomach some short-term swings), ARKK could deliver.
Key Stats:
- Expense ratio: 0.75%
- Top holdings: Tesla, Roku, Square, Teladoc Health, CRISPR Therapeutics
- Why it’s great for 2025: As industries like AI, biotech, and electric vehicles continue to grow, ARKK gives you exposure to the companies driving these changes. It’s a great way to get ahead of disruptive trends.
ARKK is high risk, high reward—perfect for investors who want to tap into the future and are willing to embrace the volatility that comes with it. If you’re looking to invest in cutting-edge innovation, ARKK could be your golden ticket.
4. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM): Global Growth, Baby
Looking to expand your horizons beyond the U.S.? The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) is your gateway to global growth.
EEM tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which includes countries like China, India, Brazil, and South Africa—all of which are expected to grow faster than developed markets in the coming years.
Why Watch EEM in 2025?
- Emerging Market Growth: Emerging markets have been growing rapidly, and with continued urbanisation, rising middle-class populations, and improving technology, countries like China and India are expected to continue their growth trajectory in 2025.
- Diversification: EEM provides you with exposure to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, helping to diversify your portfolio beyond U.S. stocks.
- Higher Risk, Higher Reward: While emerging markets offer incredible growth potential, they also come with higher risks, such as political instability and currency fluctuations. But if you’re looking to get in on the ground floor of these economies, EEM is a great way to tap into that growth.
Key Stats:
- Expense ratio: 0.68%
- Top holdings: Taiwan Semiconductor, Alibaba, Samsung, Tencent, Naspers
- Why it’s great for 2025: Emerging markets are set to lead global growth, and EEM provides a solid, diversified way to gain exposure to these fast-growing regions.
If you’re looking for higher growth potential and the chance to diversify globally, EEM is a great way to invest in the developing world, which could see significant economic improvements in 2025.
5. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY): The Safe Bet
Sometimes, the best choice is the classic choice. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) tracks the S&P 500, an index made up of the 500 largest companies in the U.S. If you want to keep things simple but still get exposure to the top-performing U.S. companies, SPY is where you want to be.
Why Watch SPY in 2025?
- Steady Growth: The S&P 500 has historically provided reliable, long-term growth, and its companies are the backbone of the U.S. economy. SPY is a great way to stay diversified while investing in the companies that dominate the market.
- Risk-Adjusted: While no investment is risk-free, SPY is generally considered a safe bet compared to sector-specific ETFs or individual stocks. It gives you exposure to blue-chip stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, while spreading out your risk across 500 companies.
- Low Fees: With an expense ratio of just 0.09%, SPY is one of the most cost-effective ETFs available.
Key Stats:
- Expense ratio: 0.09%
- Top holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Berkshire Hathaway
- Why it’s great for 2025: The U.S. stock market continues to perform well, and SPY gives you exposure to the economy’s largest and most stable companies. It’s perfect for investors who want steady, low-risk growth.
SPY is the set-it-and-forget-it option for investors who want consistent growth without the stress of choosing individual stocks. If you’re looking for reliable performance, SPY has been a go-to for years.
Which ETFs Should You Pick for 2025?
There you have it—the top 5 ETFs to watch for the second half of 2025. Whether you’re looking to tap into cutting-edge tech, global growth, or the reliable stability of the S&P 500, these ETFs offer diverse opportunities to grow your portfolio.
Remember, the key to successful investing is diversification. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and consider combining some of these ETFs to create a well-rounded investment strategy. Whether you’re all about the future of technology (QQQ, ARKK), or you prefer long-term growth with low fees (VTI, SPY), there’s something for every type of investor.
