The FTSE 100 index is the bellwether of the UK stock market, representing the performance of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For investors seeking exposure to the UK’s leading businesses, FTSE 100 ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) offer a diversified and cost-effective investment solution. These ETFs track the FTSE 100 index, providing a simple way to invest in a broad portfolio of blue-chip UK stocks.
Currently, a range of ETFs are available that track the FTSE 100, offering investors various options to suit their preferences. With expense ratios ranging from a very competitive 0.07% to 0.20% per annum, these ETFs are significantly more cost-effective than many actively managed investment funds.
Alt text: Chart showing the growth of FTSE 100 ETFs over one year, illustrating investment performance in the UK stock market.
Understanding the Costs: FTSE 100 ETF Expense Ratios
One of the primary advantages of ETFs, particularly FTSE 100 ETFs, is their low cost. The Total Expense Ratio (TER), which encompasses the annual costs of managing the fund, for FTSE 100 ETFs is notably low, ranging from just 0.07% to 0.20% annually. This contrasts sharply with actively managed funds, which typically carry significantly higher fees that can erode investment returns over time. For investors conscious of minimizing investment costs, FTSE 100 ETFs present an attractive option. You can use a cost calculator to estimate your potential savings by choosing ETFs over higher-fee alternatives.
Top Performing FTSE 100 ETFs (1-Year Return as of January 31, 2025)
When evaluating investment options, performance is a key consideration. The following table highlights the top-performing FTSE 100 ETFs based on their one-year fund return as of January 31, 2025:
| Rank | ETF | 1-Year Return |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Acc | 20.44% |
| 2 | Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Dist | 20.39% |
| 3 | iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (Dist) | 20.39% |
View all FTSE 100 ETFs ranked by fund return
Largest FTSE 100 ETFs by Fund Size (EUR)
Fund size can be an indicator of an ETF’s popularity and liquidity. Here are the largest FTSE 100 ETFs ranked by fund size in Euros:
| Rank | ETF | Fund Size (m EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (Dist) | 14,253 |
| 2 | Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Distributing | 4,602 |
| 3 | iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Acc) | 2,846 |
Explore all FTSE 100 ETFs ranked by fund size
Cheapest FTSE 100 ETFs by Total Expense Ratio
For investors prioritizing cost-efficiency, the ETFs with the lowest TER are particularly appealing. Below are the most affordable FTSE 100 ETFs based on their total expense ratio:
| Rank | ETF | TER |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HSBC FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP | 0.07% p.a. |
| 2 | iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (Dist) | 0.07% p.a. |
| 3 | iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Acc) | 0.07% p.a. |
Discover all FTSE 100 ETFs ranked by total expense ratio
Comparing FTSE 100 ETFs: Key Factors
Beyond returns and costs, several other factors are crucial when selecting a FTSE 100 ETF. To facilitate informed decision-making, a comprehensive comparison of all FTSE 100 ETFs, including details on fund size, expense ratio, fund age, profit utilization (distributing or accumulating), fund domicile, and replication method, is essential.
Compare FTSE 100 ETFs in Detail
Chart Comparison of FTSE 100 ETFs
| Provider/ISIN | Fund size (m EUR) | TER (%) | Use of profits | Fund domicile | Replication method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (Dist) IE0005042456 | 14,253 | 0.07% p.a. | Distributing | Ireland | Full replication |
| Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Distributing IE00B810Q511 | 4,602 | 0.09% p.a. | Distributing | Ireland | Full replication |
| iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Acc) IE00B53HP851 | 2,846 | 0.07% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Full replication |
| Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (GBP) Accumulating IE00BFMXYP42 | 1,817 | 0.09% p.a. | Accumulating | Ireland | Full replication |
| HSBC FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP IE00B42TW061 | 624 | 0.07% p.a. | Distributing | Ireland | Full replication |
| Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Acc LU1650492173 | 316 | 0.14% p.a. | Accumulating | Luxembourg | Unfunded swap |
| Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Dist LU1650492256 | 105 | 0.14% p.a. | Distributing | Luxembourg | Unfunded swap |
| UBS ETF (LU) FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (GBP) A-dis LU0136242590 | 84 | 0.20% p.a. | Distributing | Luxembourg | Full replication |
| Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Income 1D LU0292097234 | 76 | 0.09% p.a. | Distributing | Luxembourg | Full replication |
| Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF 1C LU0838780707 | 74 | 0.09% p.a. | Accumulating | Luxembourg | Full replication |
Source: justETF.com; As of 28.02.25
Performance Overview: FTSE 100 ETF Returns
Analyzing the historical returns of FTSE 100 ETFs is crucial for understanding their performance characteristics. The following table compares the returns of various FTSE 100 ETFs over different timeframes, including monthly, quarterly, annual, and year-to-date figures. All return figures are calculated in EUR and include dividends, providing a comprehensive view of investment performance for EUR-based investors considering exposure to the UK market. When evaluating performance data, it’s important to consider the reference date to ensure accurate comparisons. For further analysis, you can utilize chart comparison tools to visualize ETF performance trends.
| ETF | 1 Month (%) | 3 Months (%) | 6 Months (%) | 1 Year (%) | 3 Years (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Acc | 5.33% | 7.80% | 6.27% | 20.44% | 28.72% |
| Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Dist | 5.32% | 7.74% | 6.21% | 20.39% | 28.62% |
| iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (Dist) | 5.33% | 7.68% | 6.10% | 20.39% | 29.04% |
| HSBC FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP | 5.32% | 7.71% | 6.20% | 20.37% | 28.97% |
| Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Distributing | 5.34% | 7.72% | 6.18% | 20.37% | 28.96% |
| iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Acc) | 5.32% | 7.72% | 6.19% | 20.36% | 28.96% |
| Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF 1C | 5.32% | 7.76% | 6.17% | 20.36% | 28.89% |
| Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (GBP) Accumulating | 5.30% | 7.71% | 6.15% | 20.35% | 28.92% |
| Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Income 1D | 5.24% | 7.68% | 6.13% | 20.21% | 28.73% |
| UBS ETF (LU) FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (GBP) A-dis | 5.31% | 7.69% | 6.09% | 20.16% | 28.44% |
| ETF | 2025 (%) | 2024 (%) | 2023 (%) | 2022 (%) | 2021 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (GBP) Accumulating | 6.95% | 14.79% | 9.97% | -0.88% | 26.54% |
| HSBC FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP | 6.73% | 14.76% | 9.99% | -0.89% | 26.61% |
| iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF GBP (Acc) | 5.91% | 14.75% | 9.99% | -0.88% | 26.55% |
| Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Income 1D | 5.90% | 14.89% | 9.89% | -0.93% | 26.69% |
| Xtrackers FTSE 100 UCITS ETF 1C | 5.88% | 14.72% | 9.98% | -0.91% | 26.50% |
| iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (Dist) | 5.78% | 14.82% | 9.96% | -0.93% | 26.60% |
| Vanguard FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Distributing | 5.78% | 14.74% | 9.98% | -0.86% | 26.59% |
| UBS ETF (LU) FTSE 100 UCITS ETF (GBP) A-dis | 5.50% | 14.55% | 9.88% | -1.00% | 26.37% |
| Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Acc | 5.33% | 14.73% | 9.90% | -1.02% | 26.22% |
| Amundi FTSE 100 UCITS ETF Dist | 5.32% | 14.78% | 9.81% | -1.00% | 26.45% |
Source: justETF.com; As of 31.01.25; Calculations in EUR including dividends
Finding the Right FTSE 100 ETF for Your Portfolio
Choosing the “best” FTSE 100 ETF depends on individual investor needs and preferences. Factors such as cost-sensitivity, desired fund size, and preferred profit distribution (accumulating or distributing) should be considered. By utilizing the comparison resources and performance data provided, investors can effectively evaluate and select the FTSE 100 ETF that aligns best with their investment goals. For investors operating with Euros and interested in Pound Sterling denominated assets, understanding the Eur 100 In Gbp exchange rate is a practical consideration when assessing the real value of these UK-focused investments. While this article doesn’t provide real-time currency conversion, keeping exchange rates in mind can aid in comprehensive portfolio planning when investing in FTSE 100 ETFs.
