Buy these ASX ETFs for passive income in 2025

Here are a few options for income investors with an aversion to stock picking.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If you don't like stock picking but want to generate income from the share market, then exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be the answer.

But which ASX ETFs could be good picks for income investors? Let's take a look at three that could be worth considering:

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

Image source: Getty Images

Betashares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund (ASX: YMAX)

The Betashares Australian Top 20 Equity Yield Maximiser Fund could be an ASX ETF for income investors to consider buying.

Betashares notes that this fund aims to generate attractive quarterly income and reduce the volatility of portfolio returns through something called a covered call strategy. This strategy is held over a portfolio of the 20 largest blue-chip shares listed on the Australian share market.

The fund manager has recommended the ETF as a top option to counter falling dividend yields. It notes that the aforementioned covered call strategy "performs well in a neutral or gradually rising market, allowing call options to generate income without stocks being called away too often, as has been seen in recent months."

At present, it trades with a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 6.9%.

Betashares Australian Cash Plus Fund (ASX: MMKT)

Another ASX ETF that could be a good option for income investors is the Betashares Australian Cash Plus Fund.

Betashares believes that it would be a good pick for investors seeking an enhanced yield from their core cash allocation.

It notes that "MMKT provides monthly income to investors by offering diversified exposure to not only Australian bank deposits, but also a range of more sophisticated money market securities usually only available to institutional investors."

At present, the fund trades with a trailing dividend yield of 4.9%. And as mentioned above, it pays out its dividends every month. This provides regular income with a high degree of capital stability.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

Finally, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is a popular option for income investors.

This fund uses broker research to group together in the region of 70 ASX shares that are forecast to have larger than average dividend yields.

But rather than just loading up on banks or miners, the fund has diversity in mind. This means that its holdings come from all corners of the market.

Among them are the likes of BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).

The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF currently trades with a dividend yield of 4.8%.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Happy work colleagues give each other a fist pump.
ETFs

Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs in May

These funds could be smart buys. Let's see what they offer.

Read more »

Two people toss papers in the air in joy.
ETFs

These 3 ASX ETFs just hit the Australian stock market

VanEck has launched three new ETFs for ASX investors.

Read more »

a group of people stand examining a large glowing cystral ball held in the hands of one of the group members while the others regard it with various expressions of wonder, curiousity and scepticism.
ETFs

Why these ASX ETFs could be top picks in May

Let's see what these funds offer Aussie investors with money to put to work in the market.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
ETFs

$10,000 invested in the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield (VHY) ETF a year ago is now worth?

With income back in favour, this high-yield strategy has delivered a strong result over the past 12 months.

Read more »

A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten
ETFs

3 reasons why this could be the best Vanguard ETF to reach $1 million

This fund offers investors numerous positives to build wealth.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop with a financial graph superimposed across the image.
ETFs

3 exciting ASX ETFs for growth investors to watch in May

These funds offer investors an opportunity to invest in key megatrends.

Read more »

A happy woman stands outside a building looking at her phone and smiling widely.
ETFs

2 ASX ETFs up 35% or more in 2026

Some ASX ETFs are performing better than others amid a volatile market this year.

Read more »

Cubes placed on a Notebook with the letters "ETF" which stands for "Exchange traded funds".
ETFs

3 of the best performing thematic ASX ETFs over the last 3 years

These funds have brought strong returns.

Read more »