Top 10 ETFs to Buy in South Africa for 2025
Choosing the right ETF in South Africa can be the difference between steady wealth growth and missed opportunities. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are popular among South African investors for their low fees, diversification benefits, and easy access to both local and global markets. With the South African market showing resilience and international markets offering additional growth potential, now is the ideal time to look at the very best ETFs to consider for your portfolio in 2025.
Comparison Section
| ETF Name | Type | Main Index Tracked | Key Focus | Notable Features | Typical TER (%) | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satrix Top 40 ETF | South African Equity | FTSE/JSE Top 40 | Large SA companies | People’s Choice & Tracking Efficiency Award 2025, JSE cornerstone | 0.14 | Approx. 3.5% |
| Satrix MSCI World ETF | Global Equity | MSCI World | Developed markets | Foreign exposure, currency hedge, top capital raising | 0.35 | Approx. 1.7% |
| Satrix Capped All Share ETF | South African Equity | FTSE/JSE Capped All Share | Broad SA market | First of its kind, high tracking accuracy | 0.18 | Approx. 3.2% |
| Satrix Capped INDI ETF | Sector Equity | FTSE/JSE Capped Industrial 25 | SA Industrials | Top 5-year total returns 2025 | 0.33 | Approx. 2.8% |
| Satrix Namibia Bond ETF | Bonds (Foreign) | Namibia Bond Index | Southern Africa bonds | Top 3-year returns (foreign bonds) | 0.60 | Approx. 6.1% |
| CoreShares S&P 500 ETF | Global Equity | S&P 500 | US blue chips | Dollar exposure, global diversification | 0.25 | Approx. 1.4% |
| Satrix Global Aggregate Bond ETF | Global Bonds | Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate | Global bond exposure | Low risk, foreign currency exposure | 0.40 | Approx. 2.5% |
| Sygnia Itrix MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | Emerging Market Equity | MSCI Emerging Markets | Growth markets | China, India, Brazil exposure | 0.35 | Approx. 2.1% |
| 1nvest SWIX 40 ETF | South African Equity | FTSE/JSE SWIX 40 | SA top shares (weighted) | Well-balanced across sectors | 0.20 | Approx. 3.6% |
| iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) | South African Equity (offshore) | MSCI South Africa | JSE-focused, USD listed | International access, US dollar traded | 0.57 | Approx. 2.9% |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Invest in ETFs in South Africa
- Decide on Your Investment Goals
Think about what you want to achieve: local income, global growth, or sector exposure. - Choose a Reputable Platform
Popular options include EasyEquities, SatrixNOW, and most major bank investment platforms. - Register and Verify Your Account
Submit FICA documents (ID, proof of address) to activate your account. - Deposit Funds
Transfer rands from your local bank account to your investment platform wallet. - Select Your Preferred ETF(s)
Use the platform’s search and comparison tools to find ETFs that fit your strategy. - Place Your Order
Specify how many ETF units you want to buy and confirm the order during JSE trading hours. - Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly review your portfolio and adjust as needed to stay aligned with your goals.
Pros and Cons
Broad diversification with a single investment
Lower fees compared to unit trusts and active funds
Easy access to global and local markets directly from South Africa
Transparent, as ETFs track well-known indices
Highly liquid and easy to trade on the JSE
Market risk: Value fluctuates with the underlying index
Currency risk: Global ETFs expose you to dollar or euro strength/weakness
Some ETFs have higher tracking errors than others
Dividends may be lower than with direct share ownership
Choice overload: Too many options can be overwhelming
Before/After Scenario
After: Sipho learned about ETFs and, after a little research, decided to split his R100,000 between the Satrix Top 40 ETF, Satrix MSCI World ETF, and Satrix Global Aggregate Bond ETF. Within a year, his mixed portfolio outperformed his old savings account. He now feels more confident about his financial future and checks his investments just once a month, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with broad diversification and professional fund management.
Conclusion: Taking Action with the Best ETFs in South Africa
ETFs offer South Africans a simple, affordable way to invest both locally and globally, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor. With choices like the Satrix Top 40 ETF for local blue-chip exposure, the Satrix MSCI World ETF for global growth, and the Sygnia Itrix MSCI Emerging Markets ETF for high-growth regions, your portfolio can be diversified and future-proof. Take the first step: open a local brokerage account, compare the top ETFs, and start building your wealth for 2025 and beyond.
Related: How to Invest R100 in South Africa: Beginner’s Guide