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Energy emerges as top theme of 2021: June ETF Market Analysis
Energy and energy infrastructure was the highest-performing segment of the ETF markets in the first half of 2021. 17 of the 20 top performing ETFs globally tracked the energy theme.
By Trackinsight
July 7, 2021
- Energy
- Oil & Gas
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Data from Trackinsight, the first global ETF analysis platform, reveals that energy and energy infrastructure was the highest-performing segment of the ETF markets in the first half of 2021.
17 of the 20 top performing ETFs (excluding leveraged ETFs) globally tracked the energy theme, returning between 50% to 87% to investors in just 6 months. The top 20 best-performing funds have added $1.1 Billion in new assets since the start of the year with two funds, the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF and the KraneShares Global Carbon ETF contributing a combined $770 Billion towards the total.
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Despite much hype and strong inflows in 2021, clean energy and ESG-screened energy funds do not feature in the top 20 performers of 2021, which consists largely of traditional fossil-fuel derived energy funds.
Energy prices have rising steadily, with everything from electricity to natural gas rising hitting recent record highs due to supply constraints and a breakdown of talks at OPEC to agree on oil production levels. Some analysts have predicted that oil could exceed $100 per barrel this year.
The world’s best performing ETF of 2021 continues to be the Breakwave Dry Bulk Shipping ETF, which has returned over 11% in June and an astonishing 264% year-to-date. This ETF tracks the price of shipping goods and materials – a cost that has risen dramatically this year given restrictions on port capacity, accelerating consumer demand and low availability of shipping containers.
Anaelle Ubaldino, Head of ETF Research and Investment Advisory at Trackinsight commented:
“The diversity and coverage of the ETF markets makes them an excellent lens through which investors can easily identify and participate in the main economic trends. We have seen new themes emerge on almost a monthly basis, but energy, especially traditional fossil-fuel based energy, has been consistently strong throughout the year so far. With energy prices surging, this theme may well have further to run.”
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About Trackinsight
Since our founding in 2016, we have been at the forefront of the industry, delivering accessible, comprehensive, and reliable tools to support the evolving needs of investors.
Over the past decade, Trackinsight has expanded its operations across six countries, serving thousands of professional investors. We’ve consistently innovated to provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the changing demands of the ETF market.
In 2024, Kepler Cheuvreux, a leading independent European financial services firm, acquired a majority stake in Trackinsight, becoming the company's principal shareholder.
This strategic partnership solidifies Trackinsight's position as a premier provider of ETF selection and analysis tools, while strengthening Kepler Cheuvreux’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the ETF sector.
Together, we are committed to offering advanced services that empower professional investors, advisors, institutions, and issuers. This new step enables us to deliver even more comprehensive and innovative technological solutions, driving ETF investing to new heights.
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