Investor focus on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital infrastructure shaped capital flows across technology markets in 2025, lifting a small group of specialized exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to the top of the performance tables.
Notably, analysis of performance indicates that the leading technology ETFs combine strong returns with targeted exposure to the fastest-growing areas of the sector. Below are the top five ETFs in this category.
CoinShares Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI)
One of the clearest beneficiaries was the CoinShares Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI), which targets publicly listed companies involved in Bitcoin (BTC) mining and supporting infrastructure, including operators of large-scale computing facilities.
Improving margins among miners, combined with the growing use of mining hardware for high-performance computing and AI workloads, helped drive strong investor interest. Over the year, the fund has climbed 68.95%, ending at $37.49, while assets under management reached roughly $207 million.
VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS)
Artificial intelligence exposure beyond crypto-linked infrastructure also proved lucrative. In this case, the VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF (AIS) tracks companies positioned to benefit from the long-term expansion of AI, spanning software developers, semiconductor firms, and>Sustained corporate spending on AI solutions and accelerating cloud adoption supported its holdings throughout the year.
AIS closed at $35.99, a year-to-date gain of 50.91%, managing approximately $94.5 million in assets.
Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF (SHOC)
In the third spot, the Strive U.S. Semiconductor ETF (SHOC) focuses on U.S.-based chip designers, manufacturers, and equipment suppliers, capturing demand tied to artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced computing.
Notably, strong earnings growth across the sector and improved forward guidance reinforced confidence in the space. SHOC gained 44.50% in 2025 and last traded at $66.15.
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL)
Broader exposure to the chip industry was delivered by the First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL), which tracks a Nasdaq-listed index of semiconductor companies. Large-cap chipmakers benefited from aggressive capital expenditure plans and persistent AI-driven demand, helping sustain momentum across the fund.
As of press time, the ETF had rallied 43.86% YTD, closing at $125.12, with assets totaling about $1.25 billion.
Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT)
Rounding out the group, the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) targets companies directly involved in generative artificial intelligence and its enabling technologies, including software platforms, cloud providers, and specialized hardware firms.
Rapid commercialization of generative AI across industries fueled strong inflows during the year. The fund ended the last session at $58.10, posting a 43.60% year-to-date increase and holding roughly $982.9 million in assets.
Collectively, the leading technology ETFs of 2025 reflected a convergence of themes rather than a single trend, with AI adoption, semiconductor demand, digital infrastructure investment, and renewed risk appetite all contributing to outsized gains.
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