Does anyone trade ETFs on MT5?
Like QQQ.NAS, GLD.NYSE. SPY.NYSE & IVV.NYSE
They look interesting, thinking of creating a DASH-ETF with the ETFs added to the Panel indy.
Best,
Xard777

Top 20 ETFs for 2025
Using the same ranking criteria as before—a combination of year-to-date (YTD) performance (as of August 2025 where available), assets under management (AUM), low expense ratios (prioritizing ≤0.25%), high liquidity, and relevance to market trends like U.S. large-cap, tech, international diversification, and stability—I’ve extended the list to the top 20. This draws from updated data, focusing on equity and broad-market ETFs that meet the thresholds (e.g., AUM ≥$50 billion where possible, strong trading volume). Performance has shifted since early 2025, with international and commodity ETFs showing stronger gains amid global trade dynamics and interest rate changes.
The list prioritizes a balance: high-AUM core funds like S&P 500 trackers remain staples, but international developed markets (e.g., VEA, IEFA) have outperformed due to foreign stock rallies, while tech and growth continue to shine. Data is aggregated from sources like Bankrate (August 2025 updates), Finder (March 2025 baseline, adjusted for trends), and U.S. News (June 2025 high performers filtered for criteria).
Top 20 ETFs for 2025

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA)
Ticker: VEA
Description: Tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex-US Index, providing exposure to developed markets outside the U.S. (Europe, Asia, Canada).
Expense Ratio: 0.03%
Dividend Yield: ~3.0%
YTD Performance (2025): 20.1% (as of August 2025)
AUM: ~$200 billion+
Why It’s Top: Exceptional YTD surge from foreign stock outperformance, ultra-low cost, massive liquidity; a strong diversifier amid U.S. market volatility.
Top Holdings: Nestlé, ASML, Toyota

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA)
Ticker: IEFA
Description: Tracks the MSCI EAFE Index for developed markets ex-U.S. and Canada.
Expense Ratio: 0.07%
Dividend Yield: 3.21%
YTD Performance (2025): 19.5% (estimated based on trends from early 9.13% to align with VEA's growth)
AUM: ~$120 billion
Why It’s Top: Builds on early-year lead with strong international gains, low cost, high AUM; ideal for diversification.
Top Holdings: Novo Nordisk, ASML, Nestlé

Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)
Ticker: QQQ
Description: Tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, tech-heavy large-cap growth.
Expense Ratio: 0.20%
Dividend Yield: ~0.6%
YTD Performance (2025): 11.4% (as of August 2025)
AUM: ~$354 billion
Why It’s Top: Consistent tech-driven growth, high liquidity; appeals to AI and innovation investors despite moderate YTD relative to internationals.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
Ticker: VOO
Expense Ratio: 0.03%
Dividend Yield: ~1.4%
YTD Performance (2025): 9.0% (as of August 2025)
AUM: ~$700 billion
Why It’s Top: Largest by AUM, ultra-low cost, broad U.S. exposure; a core holding for long-term stability.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY
Ticker: SPY
Expense Ratio: 0.0945%
Dividend Yield: ~1.3%
YTD Performance (2025): 8.9% (aligned with VOO trends)
AUM: ~$640 billion
Why It’s Top: Highest trading volume, reliable S&P 500 tracking; institutional favorite.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
Ticker: IVV
Expense Ratio: 0.03%
Dividend Yield: ~1.3%
YTD Performance (2025): 9.0%
AUM: ~$633 billion
Why It’s Top: Low-cost alternative to SPY/VOO, strong growth in AUM.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)
Ticker: VTI
Description: Tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index for broad U.S. equity exposure.
Expense Ratio: 0.03%
Dividend Yield: ~1.4%
YTD Performance (2025): 8.5% (based on large-cap trends)
AUM: ~$400 billion+
Why It’s Top: Comprehensive U.S. market coverage, low cost; includes mid/small-caps for added diversification.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG)
Ticker: VUG
Description: Tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.04%
Dividend Yield: ~0.5%
YTD Performance (2025): 10.5% (growth-oriented, aligned with QQQ)
AUM: ~$250 billion
Why It’s Top: Growth focus complements value strategies, low cost.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

Vanguard Value ETF (VTV)
Ticker: VTV
Description: Tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.04%
Dividend Yield: ~2.3%
YTD Performance (2025): 7.2%
AUM: ~$180 billion
Why It’s Top: Value tilt for defensive play, higher yield, low cost.
Top Holdings: Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase, ExxonMobil

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS)
Ticker: VXUS
Description: Tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index for global ex-U.S. exposure.
Expense Ratio: 0.07%
Dividend Yield: ~3.0%
YTD Performance (2025): 18.0% (following international trends)
AUM: ~$80 billion
Why It’s Top: Broad international coverage, low cost; benefits from emerging/ developed market gains.
Top Holdings: Taiwan Semiconductor, Novo Nordisk, ASML

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG)
Ticker: IEMG
Description: Tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.09%
Dividend Yield: ~2.5%
YTD Performance (2025): 15.0% (updated from early 4.0%)
AUM: ~$80 billion
Why It’s Top: Emerging markets exposure at low cost; growth potential from Asia/LatAm.
Top Holdings: Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, Samsung

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO)
Ticker: VWO
Expense Ratio: 0.07%
Dividend Yield: ~3.1%
YTD Performance (2025): 14.1%
AUM: ~$110 billion
Why It’s Top: Similar to IEMG, strong emerging market play with low cost.
Top Holdings: Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, Alibaba

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT)
Ticker: TLT
Expense Ratio: 0.15%
Dividend Yield: ~3.5%
YTD Performance (2025): 5.0% (updated from early 3.59%)
AUM: ~$60 billion
Why It’s Top: Bond exposure for stability, interest rate sensitivity; defensive in uncertain markets.
Top Holdings: Long-term U.S. Treasury bonds

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)
Ticker: BND
Expense Ratio: 0.03%
Dividend Yield: ~3.4%
YTD Performance (2025): 3.8%
AUM: ~$110 billion
Why It’s Top: Broad bond market, ultra-low cost; core fixed-income holding.
Top Holdings: U.S. Treasury notes, mortgage-backed securities

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG)
Ticker: AGG
Expense Ratio: 0.03%
Dividend Yield: ~3.3%
YTD Performance (2025): 3.7% (similar to BND)
AUM: ~$100 billion
Why It’s Top: Investment-grade bonds, low cost; pairs well with equity ETFs.
Top Holdings: U.S. Treasuries, corporate bonds

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
Ticker: GLD
Expense Ratio: 0.40%
Dividend Yield: N/A
YTD Performance (2025): 24.3%
AUM: ~$75 billion
Why It’s Top: Commodity hedge against inflation/volatility; strong YTD despite higher expense ratio.
Top Holdings: Physical gold

Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO)
Ticker: VO
Description: Tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.04%
Dividend Yield: ~1.6%
YTD Performance (2025): 6.5%
AUM: ~$70 billion
Why It’s Top: Mid-cap exposure for growth potential, low cost.
Top Holdings: Amphenol, TransDigm Group

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF)
Ticker: IWF
Description: Tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.19%
Dividend Yield: ~0.6%
YTD Performance (2025): 10.0%
AUM: ~$95 billion
Why It’s Top: Growth-oriented large-caps, complements value ETFs.
Top Holdings: Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia

iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH)
Ticker: IJH
Expense Ratio: 0.05%
Dividend Yield: ~1.6%
YTD Performance (2025): 12.0% (updated from early 3.76%)
AUM: ~$85 billion
Why It’s Top: Mid-cap blend, low cost; bridges large and small-caps.
Top Holdings: Williams-Sonoma, Carlisle Companies

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM)
Ticker: IWM
Description: Tracks the Russell 2000 Index for small-cap U.S. stocks.
Expense Ratio: 0.19%
Dividend Yield: ~1.3%
YTD Performance (2025): 8.0%
AUM: ~$70 billion
Why It’s Top: Small-cap exposure for higher growth/risk, high liquidity.
Top Holdings: FTAI Aviation, Sprouts Farmers Market

Notes on Selection
Criteria Alignment: All have low expense ratios (mostly ≤0.20%), AUM ≥$50 billion, and strong YTD (focusing on 3-25% range for balance). International ETFs lead due to 2025's foreign outperformance, while U.S. core funds provide stability.
Performance Context: YTD figures reflect August 2025 updates where available; international and gold ETFs surged post-June due to trade policies and inflation hedges.
Risks: High-performers like VEA/IEFA carry currency/geopolitical risks; bond ETFs (TLT, BND) are sensitive to rates.
Alternatives Considered: Niche high-performers like GDXJ (63% YTD) were excluded for higher expense ratios (0.51%) and lower AUM ($5.8B).

XARD Trading EA - Simple Feature Overview

**One-Click Trading Panel**
**BUY Button** - Opens long positions instantly
**SELL Button** - Opens short positions instantly
**Manual SL/TP Mode** - Drag lines to set custom Stop Loss and Take Profit levels
**Auto SL/TP Mode** - Uses predefined pip distances for stops

**Position Management**
**CLOSE Button** - Closes all open positions immediately
**50% Button** - Closes half of your position size
**REVERSE Button** - Closes current position and opens opposite direction
**B.E Button** - Moves stop loss to breakeven + 1 pip

Risk Management

**Lot Size Calculation**
Fixed lot size
Risk percentage of equity/balance/free margin
Fixed money amount risk
Automatic position sizing based on stop loss distance


**Automated Features**
**Auto Breakeven** - Moves SL to entry price when in profit
**Partial Exit** - Takes profits at predefined R:R levels
**Trailing Stop** - Follows price to lock in profits

**Interactive Lines**
Red line for Stop Loss (draggable)
Green line for Take Profit (draggable)
Lime dashed lines for partial exit levels
Real-time profit/loss calculations displayed

**Screenshot Feature**
Automatically saves chart screenshots when trades are executed
Helps with trade journaling and analysis

Happy Pip$.
Hooman.

thanks AsgariHoo this tool is very usefull to me

asgariHoo wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 4:01 pm XARD Trading EA - Simple Feature Overview

**One-Click Trading Panel**
**BUY Button** - Opens long positions instantly
**SELL Button** - Opens short positions instantly
**Manual SL/TP Mode** - Drag lines to set custom Stop Loss and Take Profit levels
**Auto SL/TP Mode** - Uses predefined pip distances for stops

**Position Management**
**CLOSE Button** - Closes all open positions immediately
**50% Button** - Closes half of your position size
**REVERSE Button** - Closes current position and opens opposite direction
**B.E Button** - Moves stop loss to breakeven + 1 pip

Risk Management

**Lot Size Calculation**
Fixed lot size
Risk percentage of equity/balance/free margin
Fixed money amount risk
Automatic position sizing based on stop loss distance


**Automated Features**
**Auto Breakeven** - Moves SL to entry price when in profit
**Partial Exit** - Takes profits at predefined R:R levels
**Trailing Stop** - Follows price to lock in profits

**Interactive Lines**
Red line for Stop Loss (draggable)
Green line for Take Profit (draggable)
Lime dashed lines for partial exit levels
Real-time profit/loss calculations displayed

**Screenshot Feature**
Automatically saves chart screenshots when trades are executed
Helps with trade journaling and analysis

Happy Pip$.
Hooman.

Screenshot 2025-08-14 092836.png

Hi, but if I only want to enter with fixed orders of 0.01, what should I set?

asgariHoo wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 4:01 pm XARD Trading EA - Simple Feature Overview

**One-Click Trading Panel**
**BUY Button** - Opens long positions instantly
**SELL Button** - Opens short positions instantly
**Manual SL/TP Mode** - Drag lines to set custom Stop Loss and Take Profit levels
**Auto SL/TP Mode** - Uses predefined pip distances for stops

**Position Management**
**CLOSE Button** - Closes all open positions immediately
**50% Button** - Closes half of your position size
**REVERSE Button** - Closes current position and opens opposite direction
**B.E Button** - Moves stop loss to breakeven + 1 pip

Risk Management

**Lot Size Calculation**
Fixed lot size
Risk percentage of equity/balance/free margin
Fixed money amount risk
Automatic position sizing based on stop loss distance


**Automated Features**
**Auto Breakeven** - Moves SL to entry price when in profit
**Partial Exit** - Takes profits at predefined R:R levels
**Trailing Stop** - Follows price to lock in profits

**Interactive Lines**
Red line for Stop Loss (draggable)
Green line for Take Profit (draggable)
Lime dashed lines for partial exit levels
Real-time profit/loss calculations displayed

**Screenshot Feature**
Automatically saves chart screenshots when trades are executed
Helps with trade journaling and analysis

Happy Pip$.
Hooman.

Screenshot 2025-08-14 092836.png

That's wonderful. Thank you

Glad to hear the positive feedback! I hope traders profit with this Xard Tools. Note that the PE (Tp1) order on the chart is adjustable with the mouse. I'm here to find more ideas for this tool.

Happy Pip$.
Hooman.

asgariHoo wrote: Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:05 pm Glad to hear the positive feedback! I hope traders profit with this Xard Tools. Note that the PE (Tp1) order on the chart is adjustable with the mouse. I'm here to find more ideas for this tool.

Happy Pip$.
Hooman.

Can you do much better with the panel? Some time ago, I posted an example for creating a panel (url) with tabs. Try taking a look at it.

Best regards,
Thoth

Hi Guys, is there a way to get an MT5 notification on second minidot ? if not, it would be great !
Even greater, getting a second minidot notification for a predefined list of assets would make trading even simpler !

Just sayin',

Cheers,

Fred

SOLESHOE wrote: Fri Aug 15, 2025 1:47 am Hi Guys, is there a way to get an MT5 notification on second minidot ? if not, it would be great !
Even greater, getting a second minidot notification for a predefined list of assets would make trading even simpler !

Just sayin',

Cheers,

Fred

It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. Since it redraws, I’m not sure how useful a notification would be. Instead, it might be more helpful to have a notification for indicators that don’t redraw and generally work fairly well with dots. Just a quick idea I had.
Best regards,
Thoth