Best high performing ETF in year 2025 this year so far

``` The deep research logic is organized as follows: Okay, let's tackle this question. The user is asking for the best high-performing ETF in 2025 so far. First, I need to check the references provided. Looking at Reference 1, there's a table of ETFs sorted by percentage change in 2025. The top ETFs are PTIR.O and PLTU.O, both with over 180% returns. Then there's GDXU.P at 168.58%, KORU.P at 146.2%, and others. I should verify if these ETFs are leveraged. From Reference 2, PTIR is a 2x leveraged ETF on PLTR. Similarly, PLTU.O is a 2x leveraged ETF on PLTR as well. GDXU.P is a 3x leveraged ETF on gold miners. KORU.P is a 3x leveraged ETF on South Korea. The user is asking for the best performer, so PTIR.O and PLTU.O are tied at the top. However, PTIR.O has a slightly higher return (186.78% vs. 184.46%). But I need to check if there are any other factors. Looking at Reference 11, PLTU.O's holdings are 74.78% in USD and 25.22% in Palantir. That's a high concentration, which is risky. PTIR.O, from Reference 2, has 100% of assets in the top 10 holdings, which is also concentrated. Also, leveraged ETFs have daily rebalancing risks. Reference 9 mentions that daily rebalancing can lead to compounding losses over time. So, while these ETFs have high returns, they come with significant risks. The user might be looking for the highest return, but as an analyst, I should highlight the risks. The top two ETFs are both 2x leveraged on PLTR, but PTIR.O has a slight edge in return. However, the user might prefer the ETF with the highest return regardless of the risks. I should structure the answer with a conclusion first, then detailed analysis, including the top ETFs, their leverage, concentration, and risks. Also, include a table from Reference 1 and a visualization as per the requirements. Make sure to cite the references correctly and include the visualization right after the relevant section. Also, use markdown tables and bold the key points. I need to ensure the answer is comprehensive, starts with a conclusion, and follows the logic and format requirements. Also, check if there are any other high performers beyond the top two, but PTIR.O and PLTU.O are clearly the top based on the data. ``` ### **Conclusion** The **GraniteShares 2x Long PLTR Daily ETF (PTIR.O)** and **Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X Shares (PLTU.O)** are the **top-performing ETFs in 2025** so far, with **186.78%** and **184.46%** year-to-date returns, respectively . However, their **extreme leverage** (2x daily rebalancing) and **concentration risks** (100% assets in top holdings) pose significant volatility challenges . --- ### **Analysis** #### **1. Top ETFs by 2025 Performance** The following table highlights the **highest-performing ETFs** in 2025, focusing on **yearly percentage change** and **leverage factors**: | ETF Code | ETF Name | Last Price | Last Change | Yearly % Change [2025-07-29] | Leverage Factor | Key Risks | |----------|-----------------------------------------------|------------|-------------|----------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | PTIR.O | GraniteShares 2x Long PLTR Daily ETF | $25.08 | -2.18% | **186.78%** | 2x daily | 100% concentration in PLTR, daily rebalancing decay | | PLTU.O | Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X Shares | $79.25 | -2.02% | **184.46%** | 2x daily | 25.22% exposure to PLTR, 74.78% USD cash | | GDXU.P | MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs | $73 | +2.9% | 168.58% | 3x daily | Gold price volatility, sector-specific risks | | KORU.P | Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X | $84.94 | +3.06% | 146.2% | 3x daily | Geopolitical risks (e.g., U.S.-South Korea trade tensions) | ETFs Sorted by Percentage Change in 2025 |code|etf code|etf name|Last Price|Last Change|Yearly Percentage Change[20250729]|market_code| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |PTIR|PTIR.O|GraniteShares 2x Long PLTR Daily ETF|25.08|-2.184087|186.781533|185| |PLTU|PLTU.O|Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X Shares|79.25|-2.015331|184.45800400000002|185| |GDXU|GDXU.P|MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs|73|2.903862|168.579838|169| |KORU|KORU.P|Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3X Shares|84.94|3.05751|146.202899|169| |NUGT|NUGT.P|Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares|76.96|2.449414|118.885097|169| |DFEN|DFEN.P|Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares|58.5|-1.398955|112.649945|169| |JNUG|JNUG.P|Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2X Shares|75.97|1.374433|108.19402600000001|169| |MEXX|MEXX.P|Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X Shares|17.4546|4.518562999999999|92.231278|169| |UBRL|UBRL.O|GraniteShares 2x Long UBER Daily ETF|28.72|-7.706447|78.718108|185| |GDMN|GDMN.B|WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund|50.83|1.360985|78.169582|171| #### **2. Key Observations** - **Leverage Risks**: Both PTIR.O and PLTU.O are **2x leveraged ETFs** tracking Palantir Technologies (PLTR), with **daily rebalancing** that amplifies volatility . Their **100% concentration** in PLTR (PTIR.O) or partial exposure (PLTU.O) makes them highly sensitive to PLTR’s stock price swings. - **Sector-Specific Risks**: GDXU.P and KORU.P face sector-specific risks. Gold miners (GDXU.P) are tied to **gold price fluctuations** and operational risks , while South Korea (KORU.P) is exposed to **geopolitical tensions** (e.g., U.S.-South Korea trade disputes) . - **Market Context**: The **high returns** reflect **speculative trading** in leveraged ETFs, driven by **short-term momentum** rather than fundamental stability. #### **3. Why PTIR.O Leads** - **Return Edge**: PTIR.O outperforms PLTU.O by **2.32%** (186.78% vs. 184.46%) . - **Concentration**: PTIR.O’s **100% assets in PLTR** aligns with its **2x leverage** strategy, maximizing upside but also amplifying downside risks. - **Liquidity**: PTIR.O has **below-average liquidity** (daily volume not disclosed), while PLTU.O’s volume is also limited . --- ### **Conclusion** While **PTIR.O** and **PLTU.O** are the **highest-performing ETFs in 2025**, their **extreme leverage** and **concentration risks** make them **highly speculative**. Investors should prioritize **short-term trading** over long-term holding and monitor **daily rebalancing impacts** closely. For **less risky exposure**, consider **GDXU.P** (gold miners) or **KORU.P** (South Korea), though they also carry sector-specific risks.