ASX ETFs are a great way for Aussie investors to gain exposure to the US stock market. Those that did over the last couple of years have most likely seen some solid returns.
However, the start to the year has been bumpy for the US stock market. For context, the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) is down roughly 6% to start the year.
But a couple of down months for US stocks doesn't mean investors should dump their holdings and run for the hills. History tells us there will be a bounce back. It's a matter of "when" it happens rather than "if" it happens.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for exposure to international markets, here are three options to consider that have all had strong starts to the year.
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Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)
This ETF provides exposure to many of the world's largest companies listed in major developed and emerging countries outside the US.
With over 3,000 holdings included in the fund, it is mostly focused on large market-cap companies.
It has a large exposure to these markets:
- Japan: 15.9%
- United Kingdom: 9.4%
- China: 8.4%
- Canada: 6.4
- France: 6.6%
The fund has provided solid returns over the last five years, up 52.03% during that time, including gaining 5.78% so far in 2025.
Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)
For those targeting Asian markets, VAE provides exposure to securities listed in Asia, excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
It currently has more than 1,600 holdings, with its largest exposure being to these markets:
- China: 31.8%
- India: 21.9%
- Taiwan: 21.5%
- Korea: 10.3%
- Hong Kong: 5%
Over the past 5 years, the fund is up 33.12%, including a 3.84% rise in 2025.
iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)
For investors monitoring shares in the EU, this ETF aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Europe 350.
The S&P Europe 350 is a stock market index designed to represent the performance of large and mid-cap companies across Europe.
IEU has a large exposure to companies in:
- United Kingdom: 23.17%
- France: 17.10%
- Germany: 14.97%
- Switzerland: 14.94%
- Netherlands: 6.95%
IEU has grown 74.52% over the past 5 years, including more than 11% since the start of the year.
