Not every ASX ETF deserves a permanent place in your portfolio. But when you find one that offers strong long-term growth potential, it is the kind of investment you want to tuck away and let compound over decades.
If I were building a buy and hold portfolio designed to stand the test of time, these are three ASX- ETFs I would want at the core:
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Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
The spotlight usually shines on U.S. tech stocks — but if you're serious about the future of innovation, Asia deserves a seat at the table. The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors exposure to the region's most influential tech names. This includes ecommerce giants, semiconductor leaders, and cloud infrastructure providers that are shaping digital life across billions of consumers.
What sets this fund apart is its access to economic growth that's accelerating faster than the West — especially in countries like China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Many of the companies in this fund are already dominant in their fields, but they're still in growth mode, expanding their reach across new markets and verticals.
Among its holdings are Temu owner PDD Holdings and ecommerce giant Alibaba.
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
Another ASX ETF that could be a great buy and hold option is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.
This ASX ETF provides direct exposure to the 500 largest listed companies on Wall Street, including global heavyweights like Apple, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and JPMorgan. But it's not just about owning the biggest names — it is about owning the engine room of the US economy that has delivered steady returns for generations.
What makes the S&P 500 so compelling is its natural self-renewing quality. As outdated companies drop off, stronger, more relevant ones rise to take their place. This bodes well for future returns.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)
The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is a bit different to the others. It isn't about owning everything — it's about owning what matters. This ASX ETF focuses on U.S. companies with sustainable competitive advantages and attractive valuations.
It's a more refined approach to equity investing. You're not buying based on size or hype — you're buying based on quality and price discipline. The result is a dynamic portfolio that includes a mix of household names like Adobe, Boeing, Disney, and Pfizer, as well as lesser-known gems with exceptional financial strength.
Warren Buffett has had a very successful career investing in this way. This fund is an easy way to try and replicate his success.
