5 ASX ETFs for smart investors to buy in May

These funds could be great places to invest your hard-earned money.

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

The ASX has bounced back strongly in recent weeks, recovering from April's sell-off.

While it is easy to feel like you've missed the dip, smart investors know it's never too late to start building long-term wealth. The key is staying invested in the right trends, sectors, and global opportunities.

And one of the best ways to do that without picking individual stocks is through exchange traded funds (ETFs).

With that in mind, here are five standout ASX ETFs that smart investors may want to consider buying in May.

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today

Image source: Getty Images

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 index. It is home to the world's top tech companies, including Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Amazon.

This means that buyers of this ASX ETF get instant exposure to AI, cloud computing, consumer tech, and digital infrastructure — all in one simple trade. For growth investors, it is hard to look past the sheer global dominance of the companies held by the fund.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF opens the door to high-growth tech giants across Asia. This includes Tencent, Alibaba, Samsung, PDD Holdings, and Taiwan Semiconductor. It is more volatile than its U.S. counterpart, but also taps into an enormous, fast-growing consumer base and digital transformation trends.

With AI, fintech, and mobile-first platforms scaling rapidly in Asia, this ASX ETF offers a long runway of growth at attractive valuations.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A third ASX ETF for smart investors to buy is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. It focuses on U.S. companies with sustainable competitive advantages and attractive valuations.

Its holdings change now and then to reflect valuation changes, but at present there are high-quality names such as Adobe, Pfizer, and Walt Disney included in the fund.

Its strategy avoids overpriced hype and leans into high-quality businesses when they're good value, making it a strong long-term holding for smart investors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF is a straightforward, low-cost way to own 500 of the largest companies in the United States. This includes across sectors like tech, healthcare, mining, financials, and industrials.

For investors looking to build a globally diversified growth portfolio, this fund is about as reliable and long-term focused as it gets.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Finally, cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is essential. And the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF gives you targeted exposure to companies defending the digital world, such as CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet.

As cyber threats grow, investment in this sector is only expected to accelerate. This ASX ETF allows you to capture this trend without the need to pick individual stocks.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital - Asia Technology Tigers Etf, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Pfizer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, Walt Disney, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, CrowdStrike, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Walt Disney, and iShares S&P 500 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

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Own GDX, MOAT, or ESPO? VanEck just announced ASX ETF dividends

WOW! There are some whopper dividends available to ASX ETF investors this season.

Read more »

One hundred dollar notes blowing in the wind, representing dividend windfall.
Dividend Investing

Own Vanguard ASX ETFs? Here is your next dividend

Vanguard has announced its next lot of dividends and when it will pay ASX ETF investors.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city.
ETFs

3 excellent ASX ETFs for easy buy and hold investing

These funds make it easy for investors to build wealth over the long term.

Read more »

ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.
ETFs

Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs in July

Here are three funds worthy of your attention as a new month approaches.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

Which ASX ETFs are good options for a $1,000 investment?

Money to invest? Here are three funds that could be worth considering for long-term focused investors.

Read more »

Two people work with a digital map of the world, planning their logistics on a global scale.
ETFs

3 reasons why the VDHG ETF could be a top buy and hold investment

Looking for an easy way to invest? This fund could be worth a closer look.

Read more »

A man clasps his hands together while he looks upwards and sideways pondering how the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF performed in the 2022 financial year
ETFs

Should I buy the NDQ ETF or the VAS ETF?

Both are quality options but which one could be the better buy? Let's find out.

Read more »

Two people on a seesaw.
ETFs

Invested in IOZ ETF? Your portfolio has changed today

Here are the ASX shares that are in, and those that are out, after the June quarter rebalance.

Read more »