At the start of every year, investors are inundated with new stock market outlooks, highlighting which investments could shine and which to avoid.
And so far this year there’s been a lot for investors to keep track of — from Trump’s pursuit of Greenland and his tariff u-turns to a barrage of company earnings reports from the biggest stocks in the world.
How to invest when stock markets fall: 3 ETF ideas
If you’ve still got years before you plan on accessing your pension, like a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), it can be hard to avoid chasing these latest trends. But you’ll likely be better off over the long term by blocking out the short-term noise and instead building a portfolio that can grow steadily over decades.
And if retirement is just around the corner and you plan on using your pension pot soon, then it makes sense to be thinking about trying to preserve your wealth over looking for growth.
Get your free guide to SIPPs in 2026
So, with that in mind, where have InvestEngine Self-Invested Personal Pension investors been putting their money in January?
What are the most popular SIPP ETFs in 2026 so far?
This list of ‘Top ETFs’ has been calculated by most bought (by number of net trades) between 1 January and 31 January 2026 and excludes trades from Savings Plans.
This ETF offers investors the opportunity to invest in a wide range of companies from across the globe, including both developed and emerging markets. It aims to mirror the performance of the FTSE All‑World index, providing diversified exposure to the world’s stock markets.
This ETF might appeal to those looking to spread their investment across different countries and sectors, potentially reducing risk while potentially benefiting from broad global market growth.
This ETF offers investors broad exposure to a diverse range of companies across both developed and emerging markets worldwide. It includes a variety of large and mid‑sized companies from numerous sectors, like technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer goods.
By tracking a specific index, this ETF aims to reflect the overall performance of global stock markets, encompassing companies from regions including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Investors could find this ETF appealing if they’re looking to diversify their portfolios and invest in a wide array of global investment opportunities. It’s suitable for individuals who want to participate in the growth potential of both developed and emerging economies while spreading their investment risks.
3. Vanguard S&P 500
This ETF aims to mirror the performance of the S&P 500 index, offering investors a diversified way to invest in the 500 largest companies in the United States.
This ETF might appeal to those looking to invest in the US market, and who are wanting to benefit from the overall growth and success of these companies, without having to invest in each one individually.
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What to consider before buying an ETF
When comparing ETFs, it’s worth digging a little deeper than recent returns.
Start by looking at what the fund actually tracks.
A global index like the FTSE All-World spreads your money across thousands of companies, while something more focused, like the S&P 500, tilts heavily toward the US and big tech names. Knowing the index helps you understand where your money is really going.
Costs matter too. Most ETFs are already low cost, but even a small difference in fees can add up over time, especially if you’re investing regularly. Larger funds also tend to trade more smoothly, which can save you money when buying or selling.
Finally, think about how the ETF fits into your wider portfolio.
Is it a core holding you plan to build around, or a focused addition that targets a theme like gold or technology?
Getting that mix right can make a big difference to how your portfolio performs and how comfortable you feel holding it through market ups and downs.
For more information on each ETF, check out its factsheet where you can also find its Key Investor Information Document.
What are the risks of buying ETFs?
ETFs make investing simple, but they still come with risk. Markets move, and prices can fall just as easily as they rise. Even broad funds can drop in value during periods of uncertainty, as seen earlier this year when rate cuts and economic data caused sharp swings across global indices.
Some ETFs are concentrated in certain regions or sectors, which can amplify both gains and losses. Diversification helps smooth the ride, but it can’t remove risk completely. Currency movements can also affect returns on international funds, even when the underlying companies are performing well.
The key is to take a long term view. If you understand what you own and why, short term market moves become less stressful and your investing decisions more consistent which is often what matters most in the end.
How to buy ETFs easily with InvestEngine
InvestEngine makes it straightforward to invest in top ETFs, whether you’re building a long term portfolio or adding a few new funds for diversification.
Why use InvestEngine?
✅ No trading or platform fees
Buy and sell ETFs commission free, so more of your money stays invested and working for you (ETF costs apply).
✅ Powerful portfolio tools
Track your holdings, compare ETFs, and rebalance whenever you need all in one simple dashboard.
✅ Automate your investing
Set up a Savings Plan to invest regularly, choosing how much and how often. It’s an easy way to stay consistent and build wealth over time.
✅ Flexible account options
Invest through an ISA, SIPP, general investment account, or Business account, all with no platform fees on DIY portfolios.
With these tools, InvestEngine makes it easy to own the ETFs that have led the market in 2025 and prepare your portfolio for the opportunities ahead in 2026.
Important information
Capital at risk. The value of your investments may go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
ETF costs apply. If in doubt, you may wish to consult a professional adviser for guidance.