2025 has been another busy year for pensions.
One of the biggest pension announcements came from Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget. She confirmed that from April 2029, only the first £2,000 of salary-sacrificed pension contributions will avoid National Insurance.
The State Pension also dominated headlines.
Under the ‘Triple Lock’ government guarantee, the new State Pension is expected to rise by over £550 a year from next April, with the basic rate expected to climb by over £430. It means from 2027 the headline State Pension rate is expected to breach the income tax personal allowance threshold of £12,570.
To add to this, the Pension Committee work and the Pension Investment Review continued to rumble on in the background.
But, amidst all these pension changes and speculation, what have InvestEngine Self-Invested Personal Pension investors been buying in 2025?
What were the most popular pension ETFs in 2025?
This list of ‘Top ETFs’ is based on the most bought ETFs on InvestEngine’s platform. Top ETFs have been calculated by most bought (by number of clients) between 1 January 2025 and 20 December 2025.
This ETF offers investors the opportunity to invest in a wide range of companies from across the globe, including both developed and emerging markets. It aims to mirror the performance of the FTSE All‑World index, providing diversified exposure to the world’s stock markets.
This ETF might appeal to those looking to spread their investment across different countries and sectors, potentially reducing risk while potentially benefiting from broad global market growth.
This ETF is designed to give investors access to a broad range of companies from across the globe, providing exposure to both developed and emerging markets.
It aims to track the performance of an index that includes large and medium‑sized companies from over 20 countries, offering a diverse mix of industries and sectors.
The goal is to reflect the overall performance of the global stock market, so the value of this ETF can rise or fall depending on how these global companies perform.
Because this ETF includes a wide range of companies from different parts of the world, it can be suitable for investors who are looking for diversified international exposure. It could appeal to those who want to invest in global economic trends, without focusing on specific countries or regions.
This ETF aims to achieve short-term returns higher than the benchmark rate SONIA with lower volatility. SONIA stands for ‘Sterling Overnight index Average’, and is the average interest rate banks lend money to each other overnight.
The ETF is aimed at investors looking for a less-volatile investment, but with a little more growth than just holding cash. It invests in very short‑term, high‑quality debt from governments and companies, making it less risky.
This fund could appeal to investors who need their money to be relatively accessible and want to avoid the ups and downs of the stock market.
This ETF offers investors broad exposure to a diverse range of companies across both developed and emerging markets worldwide. It includes a variety of large and mid‑sized companies from numerous sectors, like technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer goods.
By tracking a specific index, this ETF aims to reflect the overall performance of global stock markets, encompassing companies from regions including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Investors could find this ETF appealing if they’re looking to diversify their portfolios and invest in a wide array of global investment opportunities. It’s suitable for individuals who want to participate in the growth potential of both developed and emerging economies while spreading their investment risks.
This ETF invests in a broad selection of companies from developed markets around the world, providing exposure to a diverse range of industries and regions. It tracks an index that includes large and mid‑sized companies across North America, Europe, and the Asia‑Pacific region.
This ETF could appeal to investors looking for global diversification through a single investment, allowing them to gain exposure to well‑established companies in developed economies. Investors who want a simple and diversified way to participate in the global economy may find this fund an attractive option.
What to consider before buying an ETF
When comparing ETFs, it’s worth digging a little deeper than recent returns.
Start by looking at what the fund actually tracks.
A global index like the FTSE All-World spreads your money across thousands of companies, while something more focused, like the S&P 500, tilts heavily toward the US and big tech names. Knowing the index helps you understand where your money is really going.
Costs matter too. Most ETFs are already low cost, but even a small difference in fees can add up over time, especially if you’re investing regularly. Larger funds also tend to trade more smoothly, which can save you money when buying or selling.
Finally, think about how the ETF fits into your wider portfolio.
Is it a core holding you plan to build around, or a focused addition that targets a theme like gold or technology?
Getting that mix right can make a big difference to how your portfolio performs and how comfortable you feel holding it through market ups and downs.
For more information on each ETF, check out its factsheet where you can also find its Key Investor Information Document.
What are the risks of buying ETFs?
ETFs make investing simple, but they still come with risk. Markets move, and prices can fall just as easily as they rise. Even broad funds can drop in value during periods of uncertainty, as seen earlier this year when rate cuts and economic data caused sharp swings across global indices.
Some ETFs are concentrated in certain regions or sectors, which can amplify both gains and losses. Diversification helps smooth the ride, but it can’t remove risk completely. Currency movements can also affect returns on international funds, even when the underlying companies are performing well.
The key is to take a long term view. If you understand what you own and why, short term market moves become less stressful and your investing decisions more consistent which is often what matters most in the end.
How to buy ETFs easily with InvestEngine
InvestEngine makes it straightforward to invest in top ETFs, whether you’re building a long term portfolio or adding a few new funds for diversification.
Why use InvestEngine?
✅ No trading or platform fees
Buy and sell ETFs commission free, so more of your money stays invested and working for you (ETF costs apply).
✅ Powerful portfolio tools
Track your holdings, compare ETFs, and rebalance whenever you need all in one simple dashboard.
✅ Automate your investing
Set up a Savings Plan to invest regularly, choosing how much and how often. It’s an easy way to stay consistent and build wealth over time.
✅ Flexible account options
Invest through an ISA, SIPP, general investment account, or Business account, all with no platform fees on DIY portfolios.
With these tools, InvestEngine makes it easy to own the ETFs that have led the market in 2025 and prepare your portfolio for the opportunities ahead in 2026.
Important information
Capital at risk. The value of your investments may go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest.
Remember, because ISA, pension and tax rules change, any benefits will depend on your personal circumstances. Scottish tax rules are also different.
ETF costs apply. If in doubt, you may wish to consult a professional adviser for guidance.
Tax treatment depends on your personal circumstances and may change in future. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.