When it comes to building long-term wealth, few strategies are as effective — or as simple — as buying high-quality ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) and letting them do the heavy lifting over time.
With a single trade you can gain exposure to hundreds (or even thousands) of shares from across global markets and industries.
If your goal is to grow a strong, diversified portfolio that stands the test of time, here are seven ASX ETFs worth buying now and holding all the way to 2035.
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF tracks the top 300 companies listed on the Australian share market. This could make it a strong foundation for any long-term investor who wants exposure to the local market.
You'll own names like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
Another ASX ETF that could be a top buy and hold option is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.
It gives you access to 500 of the largest U.S. companies, including global titans like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL). The S&P 500 has a long history of delivering strong compound returns, driven by innovation, scale, and efficient capital markets.
Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF takes things a step further by focusing on the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. It is a tech-heavy index that includes Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META).
While it is more volatile than broader market ETFs, it offers concentrated exposure to innovation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital platforms. These are the megatrends shaping the next decade.
Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)
Another ASX ETF to look at for the long term is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF. It screens for high-quality companies around the world with strong balance sheets, high return on equity, and consistent earnings.
This means you'll be invested in businesses with staying power — the types that tend to outperform over long periods and hold up well during downturns. It was tipped as one to buy by the team at Betashares.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides investors with broad exposure to developed markets outside Australia. This includes Europe, Japan, and North America.
It holds over 1,500 companies, making it one of the most diversified international ETFs available to Australian investors.
Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
As the digital world expands, so does the risk of cybercrime. This is music to the ears of the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF, which provides investors with easy access to the leading players in the industry.
Its holdings include CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT).
Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
If you're looking for exposure to Asia's tech powerhouses, then the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is the way to do it.
This ASX ETF includes companies like Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 0700), Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM). These are businesses with deep regional influence and global reach.
Asia is home to some of the most digitally connected populations on Earth, and as consumption, fintech, and cloud computing expand across the region, this fund is well placed to capture that growth.
