August proved a good month for precious metal prices, so it’s little wonder that our top performing ETF list is dominated by equity ETFs that are related to the sector.

Number one on the list is the iShares Gold Producers ETF (IAUP), with a one-month rise of almost 23%. Top holdings in the fund include Newmont, Agnico Eagle Mines and Barrick Mining Corp.

The VanEck Gold Miners UCITS ETF (GDGB) takes the number two spot with a similar gain and very similar makeup of holdings.

Third we turn to the VanEck Space Innovators UCITS ETF. Suitably given the ticker JEDI, the fund rose over 10% and has risen over 45% YTD, driven largely by a huge rally for largest holding Rocket Lab USA.

Next up is the L&G Battery Value-Chain ETF (BATG/BATT), which provides investors with exposure to companies that produce metals that are primarily used for manufacturing batteries and companies that develop and manufacture battery technology. The ETF rose over 8% for the month and top holdings include SolarEdge Technologies, and the Australian mining companies Mineral Resources Ltd, Liontown Resources Ltd and Pilbara Minerals Ltd.

Fifth on the list is the iShares MSCI China UCITS ETF (CNYA is the GBP-denominated ticker), reflecting a solid bounce for Chinese tech names through the month of August.

Taking the next spot is the L&G Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (AIAI/AIAG), which has a clutch of interesting names in the AI space such as Astera Labs, Nebius Group, AMD, Tempus AI and Nvidia.

Seventh is the Global X Uranium UCITS ETF (URNU), which has enjoyed positive momentum since Q1 as nuclear energy starts to become more part of the global conversations around energy independence and the retreat from fossil fuels.

The last three provide access to some interesting trends – the VanEck Video Gaming and eSports UCITS ETF (ESGB), the iShares Global Clean Transition UCITS ETF (INRG), and the iShares Ageing Population UCITS ETF (AGED/AGES).

Find out what our most popular single stocks were last month