If you're thinking about starting out your investment journey in the new financial year, but feel nervous about making your first move, don't worry.
That's because you don't need to master stock picking to begin building wealth. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple, low-cost, and diversified way to get started — and there are some excellent options listed right here on the ASX.
Here are three ASX ETFs well suited to beginners, offering broad exposure, easy access, and strong long-term potential. They are as follows:
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is a go-to option for Australian investors. It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, giving you exposure to the top 300 companies listed on the ASX. This includes big names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), and Woolworths Group (ASX: WOW).
With a low management fee, Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is a cost-effective way to access diversified, large-cap Australian shares. It also pays quarterly dividends, making it a favourite for income-focused investors.
For beginners, this ASX ETF offers simple, reliable exposure to the local market — and can make an excellent core holding in any portfolio.
BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
As its name suggests, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index. It is home to the 100 largest (non-financial) companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. This includes global tech leaders like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Google parent Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG).
This means that it gives Australian investors exposure to some of the world's most innovative companies at the centre of megatrends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services.
While the Nasdaq can be volatile, it adds a powerful growth engine to a portfolio. This could make it a valuable complement to the income and stability offered by the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
A third fund to look at is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. It offers exposure to more than 1,500 large and mid-cap companies across developed markets including the US, Europe, Japan, and Canada.
This means that it gives you broad international diversification in a single trade.
Top holdings include Apple, Microsoft, Nestlé, Visa (NYSE: V), and Toyota (NYSE: TM). This a strong mix of global leaders across multiple sectors.
For beginners, this ASX ETF offers a way to reduce home-country bias and build a truly globally diversified portfolio over time.
