Annual Review: The Top 10 Soaring ETFs in the US Stock Market

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As 2024 draws to a close, the US capital markets reflect a year defined by innovation, volatility, and remarkable growth. Artificial intelligence (AI) remained the dominant narrative, fueling momentum across tech sectors, while shifting political dynamics—particularly surrounding the Trump trade—added further intrigue in the second half of the year. Against this backdrop, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) emerged as powerful tools for investors seeking exposure to high-growth trends.

One standout theme? Cryptos ETFs. With the SEC’s landmark approval of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs in January, the Bitcoin halving in April, and renewed market optimism following November’s election results, digital asset-related ETFs surged. But they weren’t alone—large-cap index ETFs also dominated, drawing massive inflows and solidifying their status as investor favorites.

Let’s explore the top-performing ETFs of 2024, uncover trends shaping investor behavior, and highlight opportunities ahead for 2025.

The Top 10 Highest-Gaining US ETFs: Cryptos Dominate

In a stunning display of momentum, all ten of the best-performing ETFs in the US market posted gains exceeding 100% year-to-date as of mid-December. Even more striking? Eight of the top ten are crypto-related ETFs, underscoring a seismic shift in institutional and retail investor appetite for digital assets.

1. $2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX.US): Up 215.15%

Leading the pack is the 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX.US), which delivered an eye-popping 215.15% return. As the first leveraged Bitcoin strategy ETF in the US, BITX aims to double the daily performance of the S&P CME Bitcoin Futures Daily Rolling Index. It achieves this by investing in cash-settled Bitcoin futures contracts—not direct Bitcoin holdings—making it a powerful tool for traders seeking amplified exposure to BTC price movements.

👉 Discover how leveraged crypto ETFs can boost your investment strategy in 2025.

2. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 3X Leveraged ETN (FNGU.US): Up 165.79%

Ranked second, FNGU.US surged 165.79%, driven by explosive growth in AI and mega-cap tech stocks. This 3x leveraged ETN tracks the performance of ten high-growth companies, originally inspired by the FANG acronym—Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN), Netflix (NFLX), and Alphabet (GOOGL)—later expanded to include Apple (AAPL).

Today’s portfolio also features fast-rising innovators like NVIDIA (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Broadcom (AVGO), ServiceNow (NOW), and CrowdStrike (CRWD)—all central to the AI infrastructure boom.

3. ProShares Trust Ultra Semiconductors (USD.US): Up 133.99%

Coming in third, USD.US gained 133.99%, capitalizing on the semiconductor sector’s pivotal role in AI development. With demand for advanced chips at an all-time high, this ETF offers amplified exposure to leading chipmakers—a strategic play on long-term technological transformation.

4–10: Cryptos ETFs Take Over

The remaining top performers are all crypto-focused:

These results confirm a clear trend: crypto ETFs are no longer niche products—they’re mainstream investment vehicles driving real returns.

Large-Cap Index ETFs: The ‘Money-Absorbing Champions’

While crypto ETFs led in performance, large-cap index ETFs dominated in capital inflows, earning their nickname as the “money-absorbing champions” of 2024.

According to Bloomberg data, funds tracking the S&P 500 Index attracted the most investor capital. The index—comprising 500 of the largest US-listed companies—remains a cornerstone of diversified portfolios and a favorite among long-term investors, including Warren Buffett.

Top Inflows: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO.US) Leads

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO.US) topped the list with a staggering $100.75 billion in net inflows year-to-date. Managed by Vanguard Group, VOO offers low-cost, broad exposure to US large-cap equities and continues to be a go-to choice for passive investors.

Other major S&P 500 ETFs also saw strong demand:

These funds benefit from liquidity, transparency, and consistent performance—key factors driving institutional and retail adoption.

NASDAQ 100 ETFs Also See Strong Demand

Tech-heavy NASDAQ 100 trackers also drew significant capital:

With giants like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA leading market gains, QQQ and QQQM remain top picks for investors bullish on innovation-driven growth.

👉 Explore how index ETFs can stabilize and grow your portfolio in volatile markets.

What’s Next for 2025? Wall Street’s Outlook

As we look ahead to 2025, Wall Street remains largely optimistic about US equity markets. Major banks project continued gains for the S&P 500:

This bullish sentiment suggests that both crypto ETFs and large-cap index funds will continue attracting capital—especially as macro conditions evolve with potential Fed rate cuts and stronger-than-expected earnings.

Core Keywords

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did crypto ETFs perform so well in 2024?
A: Several catalysts drove their surge: the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January opened the floodgates for institutional investment; the Bitcoin halving reduced supply; and positive political sentiment post-election boosted market confidence.

Q: Are leveraged ETFs like BITX or FNGU suitable for long-term holding?
A: Leveraged ETFs are designed for short-term trading due to daily rebalancing effects. Holding them long-term can lead to performance decay. They’re best used by active traders with clear risk management strategies.

Q: What makes VOO one of the most popular S&P 500 ETFs?
A: VOO combines low expense ratios (just 0.03%), high liquidity, and strong tracking accuracy. Its association with Vanguard—a trusted name in passive investing—also boosts investor confidence.

Q: How do crypto ETFs differ from direct cryptocurrency ownership?
A: Crypto ETFs provide exposure to digital asset price movements without requiring direct custody of coins. This makes them more accessible through traditional brokerage accounts and reduces security risks associated with wallets and private keys.

Q: Should I invest in QQQ or QQQM?
A: Both track the NASDAQ-100 Index. QQQ has higher liquidity and trading volume; QQQM has a lower expense ratio (0.15% vs. 0.20%). Choose based on your priorities: cost-efficiency (QQQM) or liquidity (QQQ).

👉 Compare top-performing ETFs and plan your 2025 investment strategy today.