2 ETFs to Access the World's Best-Performing Stock Markets In 2026

Summary

The performance of the U.S. stock market has been solid so far in 2026. After being down as much as 7% through late March, the S&P 500 Index has rebounded sharply. Overall, the index’s total return on the year sits near 10%. From 2015 to 2025, the index’s average annual return was approximately 14.5%. Thus, the S&P 500 will need a strong back half of the year to meet or eclipse this figure. Despite providing investors with solid returns, the U.S. has been far from the best geography to invest in during 2026. Two Asian stock markets have stood far above all others this year, delivering gains of 50% or more. Unsurprisingly, the artificial intelligence (AI) trade is driving these countries' success. Here are the ETFs that provide direct exposure and the factors to monitor going forward. EWT Soars as TSMC and Other AI Players Put Up Large GainsTaiwan is home to the world's second best-performing stock market in 2026, and one of the most common ways to gain exposure is the iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF NYSEARCA: EWT. The fund’s return sits near 50% for the year. iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF TodayEWTiShares MSCI Taiwan ETF$100.53 +4.59 (+4.78%) As of 11:05 AM Eastern52-Week Range$57.56▼$112.78Dividend Yield2.80%Assets Under Management$9.78 billion EWT’s anchor holding is none other than the Taiwanese shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing NYSE: TSM, the world’s dominant force in advanced chip fabrication. TSMC accounts for a massive portion of EWT, with a weighting near 22%. With this, and TSMC’s Taiwanese shares up about 50% in 2026, the stock has been by far the largest contributor to EWT’s return. TSMC has had a very strong year, recently posting its fifth consecutive quarter of record revenue and profits. The company also greatly increased its 2026 growth guidance from more than 30% to more than 40% in U.S. dollar terms. It also significantly increased its capital expenditure (CapEx) guidance and is planning an additional $100 billion investment in Arizona to build manufac...