Stocks and Shares ISA ETFs give UK investors a way to invest tax-efficiently in funds that track markets, sectors, bonds and other asset classes.
This guide looks at 10 of the most popular Stocks and Shares ISA ETFs on InvestEngine this tax year, based on ETFs bought in ISAs between 14 August 2025 and 14 August 2026. It explains what each ETF gives investors exposure to, how ISA investing works and the main risks to consider.
Capital at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. This article is for general information only and is not personal advice.
Most popular Stocks and Shares ISA ETFs: quick answer
Here are 10 of the most popular ETFs bought in Stocks and Shares ISAs on InvestEngine.
| ETF | Type | May be suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard S&P 500 | US equity | Large US company exposure |
| Vanguard FTSE All-World | Global equity | Developed and emerging market exposure |
| Invesco FTSE All-World | Global equity | Broad global stock market exposure |
| iShares Physical Gold | Gold | A way to make gold part of their portfolio |
| Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets | Emerging market companies | A range of companies in emerging markets |
| Vanguard FTSE Developed World | Developed market companies | A range of companies in developed markets |
| Amundi Smart Overnight Return GBP Hedged | Overnight Rate ETF | Funds that aim to track the Bank of England’s SONIA rate |
| Vanguard FTSE 100 | UK equity | Focused exposure to the UK market |
| Invesco Nasdaq 100 | US equity | Nasdaq 100 exposure |
| iShares MSCI Emerging Markets IMI | Emerging market equity | Broad emerging market exposure |
What is a Stocks and Shares ISA ETF?
A Stocks and Shares ISA ETF is an exchange-traded fund held inside a Stocks and Shares ISA. The ETF provides investment exposure, while the ISA is the account wrapper that can protect eligible returns from UK income tax and capital gains tax.
ETFs can track:
- Stock market indices such as the S&P 500 or FTSE All-World
- Bonds or money market-style indices
- Investment factors such as quality, momentum or minimum volatility
- Regions, sectors or asset classes
ISA and tax rules can change, and benefits depend on personal circumstances.
Why ETFs are popular inside Stocks and Shares ISAs
ETFs are popular with ISA investors because they can offer:
- Diversification: one ETF can hold hundreds or thousands of securities
- Low ongoing costs: many ETFs track indices at relatively low charges
- Choice: investors can access global shares, US shares, bonds, money market-style ETFs and factors
- Tax efficiency: eligible ETFs can be held inside an ISA
- Long-term investing: ETFs can be used as core holdings or smaller portfolio additions
This does not mean ETFs are low risk. Their value can fall, and different ETFs carry different risks.
The 10 most popular Stocks and Shares ISA ETFs
1. Vanguard S&P 500
Vanguard S&P 500 aims to replicate the performance of the S&P 500 index, giving exposure to large US companies.
May be useful for: investors looking for US stock market exposure.
2. Vanguard FTSE All-World
Vanguard FTSE All-World invests across developed and emerging markets worldwide.
May be useful for: investors looking for broad global equity exposure.
3. Invesco FTSE All-World
Invesco FTSE All-World aims to track the FTSE All-World index.
May be useful for: investors looking for broad global stock market exposure.
4. iShares Physical Gold
iShares Physical Gold aims to track the spot price of gold by holding physical gold.
May be useful for: investors looking to add gold exposure as part of a diversified portfolio.
5. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets gives exposure to companies across emerging markets.
May be useful for: investors looking for emerging market equity exposure.
6. Vanguard FTSE Developed World
Vanguard FTSE Developed World invests across developed markets around the world.
May be useful for: investors looking for broad developed-market equity exposure.
7. Amundi Smart Overnight Return GBP Hedged
Amundi Smart Overnight Return GBP Hedged aims to deliver short-term returns linked to SONIA, the Sterling Overnight Index Average.
May be useful for: investors looking for short-term, cash-like ETF exposure, while understanding this is still an investment product.
8. Vanguard FTSE 100
Vanguard FTSE 100 tracks the FTSE 100 index, giving exposure to large UK-listed companies.
May be useful for: investors looking for UK equity exposure.
9. Invesco Nasdaq 100
Invesco Nasdaq 100 tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, giving exposure to large non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange.
May be useful for: investors looking for Nasdaq 100 exposure.
10. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets IMI
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets IMI gives exposure to large, mid and small-cap companies across emerging markets.
May be useful for: investors looking for broad emerging market exposure.
What are the risks with ISA ETFs?
- Market risk: ETF values can rise and fall.
- Currency risk: Overseas ETFs can be affected by exchange rates.
- Concentration risk: Some ETFs focus on one country, sector or investment style.
- Commodity risk: Gold ETCs can be affected by changes in the gold price and currency movements.
- Emerging market risk: Emerging market ETFs can be more volatile and may be affected by political, currency and liquidity risks.
- Bond risk: Bond ETFs can be affected by interest rates and inflation.
- Money market-style risk: Cash-like ETFs are not the same as cash savings and can still carry investment risk.
- Tax rule risk: ISA rules and allowances can change.
How to buy ISA ETFs with InvestEngine
InvestEngine is a UK-based ETF investing platform, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, built for long-term investors who want to create DIY ETF portfolios.
With InvestEngine, you can buy and sell ETFs with 0% dealing fees and 0% platform fee on DIY portfolios. ETF costs apply.
You can invest through a Stocks and Shares ISA, SIPP, GIA or Business Account.
How it works
- Create an InvestEngine account
- Choose your account type
- Search for the ETF you want
- Choose how much to invest
- Set up a one-off investment or regular Savings Plan
FAQs
What are the most popular Stocks and Shares ISA ETFs?
Popular ISA ETFs on InvestEngine include S&P 500 ETFs, FTSE All-World ETFs, gold ETCs, emerging market ETFs, developed world ETFs, FTSE 100 ETFs, Nasdaq 100 ETFs and money market-style ETFs.
Can ETFs be held in a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Yes. Eligible ETFs can be held in a Stocks and Shares ISA.
Are ISA ETFs risky?
Yes. ETFs can fall in value, and investors may get back less than they invest.
Does InvestEngine charge dealing fees for ETFs?
InvestEngine charges 0% dealing fees for buying and selling ETFs. DIY portfolios also have 0% platform fees. ETF costs apply.
In summary
Stocks and Shares ISA ETFs can help UK investors build diversified portfolios inside a tax-efficient account. The most popular ISA ETFs on InvestEngine include US equity ETFs, global equity ETFs, gold exposure, emerging market ETFs, developed world ETFs, UK equity ETFs, Nasdaq 100 ETFs and money market-style ETFs.
Capital at risk. ETF costs apply. Tax treatment depends on your personal circumstances and may change in future. This communication is for general information only and does not constitute personal advice.