Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be an excellent way to build long-term wealth. They combine the potential to generate enormous capital gains and dividends using a lower-risk, diversified approach.
But which ETFs are in particularly high demand today? I've checked out the latest Top 10 bestseller list among Fidelity's UK customers for October. And it's thrown up some gems that could prove excellent funds to consider for the long-term.
Two that have grabbed my attention are the Vanguard FTSE Global All-Cap ETF (LSE:VALL) and the iShares Physical Gold (LSE:SGLN).
Go for gold?
Gold has endured a rollercoaster 2026. It's been yanked back and forth by fears of rising interest rates and a rampant US dollar, alongside worries over geopolitical instability, government debt, and a potential stock market crash.
Bullion's down roughly 8% in the year to date. But demand for gold among retail investors is soaring again as signs of an AI bubble worsening existing fears. The result? The gold-price-tracking iShares Physical Gold fund was the third-most popular ETF with Fidelity clients in October.
I have previous metal exposure through another ETF, one that tracks the share prices of gold miners. I'm expecting more volatility in the near term as the conflicting factors I've described do battle.
Yet over a longer horizon, I'm confident yellow metal values to keep rising as interest from retail and institutional investors alongside central banks accelerates. And this makes the iShares Physical Gold worth a close look. Even after this year's volatility, the fund's still up 117% on a five-year basis.
A great growth opportunity?
The Vanguard FTSE Global All-Cap fund was only launched in August. But it seems that everyone's craving a slice of the action — it became the seventh most popular ETF with Fidelity customers for the first nine months of 2026. Then in October, it took top spot with investors.
The reason for this popularity? It's the only fund currently offering exposure to the FTSE Global All-Cap, which provides significant exposure to small-cap growth stocks as well as the mid- and large-cap companies typical of global ETFs.
This approach adds risk though it also offers more growth opportunities for investors to explore. Theory dictates that smaller-cap businesses have greater scope to grow earnings as they expand their operations, launch new products and services and capture market share. It's a long-term strategy that can deliver spectacular portfolio growth.
One other thing's caught my eye. This Vanguard product has an ongoing charge of just 0.07%, which is dirt cheap compared to other global funds. For instance, Vanguard's FTSE All-World ETF charge is low but still double, at 0.14%.
In total, the Vanguard FTSE Global All-Cap holds shares in 6,977 different shares. That's several thousand more than many almost all other all-world funds offer. And with exposure to both developed and emerging markets, it offers steel on top of the explosive economic growth potential of fast-growing regions. I think it's a top ETF to consider right now.
Should you invest £5,000 in iShares Physical Metals Plc - iShares Physical Gold Etc right now?
When investing expert Mark Rogers and his team have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Twelfth Magpie Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.
And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if iShares Physical Metals Plc - iShares Physical Gold Etc made the list?
Royston Wild does not hold any positions in the companies mentioned.
The post Everyone's buying these ETFs right now! Here's why they could be star buys appeared first on The Twelfth Magpie.
More reading
5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50
One Top Income Stock From The Twelfth Magpie
The Twelfth Magpie 2026
