IC Top 50 ETFs 2026: How we pick the best tracker funds

With thousands of exchange traded funds (ETFs) available to UK investors, our Top 50 ETFs list aims to give you a practical place to start in order to choose the right ones for your needs. Now in its 13th year, we review and adjust it annually to make sure it keeps pace with a fast-changing market.

As has been the case in the past, the list is divided into three sections, reflecting the role we think the funds included in each should play in a portfolio.

Head to our core section for a selection of broad offerings covering all major markets – many investors won’t need to look further than this to build a well-rounded portfolio. The satellite section comprises a range of trackers for more specific necessities, including income and smaller companies, which you can add as smaller positions to give your portfolio a boost. Finally, in the niche section we discuss ETFs investing in very specific areas, namely commodities, property and infrastructure, and certain thematic trends.