Here Are SGX’s Top 10 Dividend and Best-Performing ETFs in the Volatile First Quarter

Why It Matters

The surge underscores Singapore’s growing role as a regional ETF hub and signals that investors are turning to diversified, yield‑oriented products to navigate global volatility.

Key Takeaways

• SGX ETFs reached record $14 billion AUM in Q1 2026
• Turnover jumped 117% to $47 million, led by gold, equity ETFs
• Gold ETFs grew 164% while equity ETFs rose 141% quarter‑on‑quarter
• Geopolitical tensions in Iran and US‑Venezuela markets spurred heightened ETF trading
• Dividend‑paying ETFs featured prominently among top‑traded funds, attracting yield‑seeking investors

Pulse Analysis

Singapore’s ETF market demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first quarter of 2026, with total assets under management climbing to an estimated $14 billion. This milestone reflects both inflows from regional investors and a broader shift toward passive investment vehicles that offer exposure to diversified asset classes. The surge in average daily turnover to about $47 million—more than double the prior quarter—signals heightened trading activity, driven primarily by gold and equity ETFs that have become focal points for risk‑averse capital.

The performance of sector‑specific ETFs tells a deeper story. Gold‑linked funds posted a staggering 164% increase, while equity‑focused ETFs surged 141% in the same period. These gains were largely fueled by geopolitical shocks, including the Iran conflict and escalating US‑Venezuela tensions, which injected volatility into commodity and energy markets. Investors responded by reallocating to assets perceived as safe havens or offering upside potential, reinforcing the role of ETFs as agile tools for rapid portfolio adjustments.

For market participants, the data highlights two key trends: a growing appetite for dividend‑paying ETFs and an expectation that Singapore will continue to serve as a strategic gateway for Asian investors. High‑yield funds attracted income‑focused investors seeking stable cash flows amid uncertainty, while the overall trading boom suggests that liquidity will remain abundant. Looking ahead, sustained geopolitical uncertainty and potential policy shifts could keep the demand for diversified, dividend‑rich ETFs robust, positioning SGX as a pivotal platform for both regional and global capital flows.