Core Insights - The article discusses the significant rebound of certain ETFs in 2025 after substantial declines in 2024, highlighting the resilience of these funds in the face of changing market conditions [1][2][3]. ETF Performance - Twelve actively traded ETFs, including iShares MSCI South Korea (EWY), VanEck Rare Earth & Strategic Materials (REMX), and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy (PBW), have returned 20% or more in 2025 after dropping 20% or more in 2024 [1][10]. - iShares MSCI South Korea has seen an impressive return of 87.45% in 2025, recovering from a decline of 20.79% in 2024 [10]. - The Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF has rebounded by 66.78% in 2025 after a 30.62% drop in 2024 [10]. Sector Analysis - The AI rally has contributed to the performance of U.S. AI and technology ETFs, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) up nearly 27% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 [2]. - ETFs focused on South Korean stocks are benefiting from strong global demand for semiconductors, with major holdings like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix driving performance [4][5]. - The Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF's recovery is attributed to the increasing energy consumption from new data centers supporting the AI boom, alongside the expiration of tax credits for residential solar installations [8]. Market Trends - The article notes that investment styles in ETFs can fluctuate significantly from year to year, emphasizing that past performance does not guarantee future results [3][9]. - The demand for basic materials in Latin America has positively impacted the iShares Latin America 40 ETF, which has returned nearly 48.62% in 2025 after a 23.01% decline in 2024 [10]. - Speculative investments, such as the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF, have also seen rebounds, with a 23.09% return in 2025 following a 45.35% drop in 2024, driven by hopes for more lenient regulations [8].