U.S. stocks concluded 2024 strongly, with the S&P 500 gaining over 23%. While many index-tracking funds experienced similar returns, several actively managed ETFs in Europe surpassed them. Notably, JPMorgan’s US Research Enhanced Index Equity ETF emerged as the best performer, achieving a 30.3% return for the year. This fund blends active and passive investment management, focusing on U.S. companies aligned with the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. It is listed in Germany under the ticker JEUS. Invesco’s Quantitative Strategies ESG Global Equity Multi-Factor ETF followed closely, returning 29.9%. This ETF boasts a global investment strategy with a heavy U.S. allocation and has consistently outperformed its MSCI World Total Return benchmark for four years. Other top-performing ETFs for 2024 included Ossiam US ESG Low Carbon Equity Factors UCITS ETF, JPMorgan’s Japan Research Enhanced Index Equity, and Fidelity Sustainable Research Enhanced US Equity UCITS ETF. This performance reflects a growing trend in the market favoring actively managed ETFs that prioritize sustainability and climate-conscious investing.
