3 ASX ETFs every beginner should know about

These funds provide investors with easy access to the best stocks in the world.

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Starting out in the share market can feel daunting. But you don't need to pick individual stocks or be a market expert to grow your wealth over time.

That's because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make investing simple, diversified, and affordable — and there are several excellent options available right here on the ASX.

Here are three ETFs that every beginner investor should know about, offering exposure to high-quality global businesses and long-term growth potential.

ETF with different images around it on top of a tablet.

Image source: Getty Images

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF tracks a portfolio of fairly valued US companies that have sustainable competitive advantages. These are businesses with strong brands, pricing power, high barriers to entry, or dominant market share.

Current top holdings include names like Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Nike.

Why it could be great for beginners:

  • Focuses on quality, resilient companies with durable business models
  • Offers built-in stock screening based on deep research
  • Diversifies across sectors like tech, financials, healthcare, and industrials

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Another ASX ETF for beginners to look at is the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF. This fund invests in a portfolio of global companies with strong balance sheets, high return on equity, and consistent earnings growth.

It screens out lower-quality businesses and focuses on financially sound leaders across developed markets. As a result, its top holdings include Apple, Meta Platforms, LVMH, and Novo Nordisk, giving you broad exposure to quality names from the US and around the world.

Why it could be great for beginners:

  • Focuses on companies with proven financial strength
  • Offers exposure to multiple countries and sectors
  • Removes the need to screen global stocks manually

It was recently named as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Finally, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be a great option for beginner investors. It is one of the most popular ASX ETFs out there and it isn't hard to see why.

This fund gives investors exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is home to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. This includes major tech giants like those mentioned above, as well as Broadcom, Netflix, Nvidia, Palantir, and Tesla — businesses at the forefront of AI, cloud computing, semiconductors, and digital services.

Why it could be great for beginners:

  • Simple access to global tech growth
  • Complements other ETFs focused on quality or value
  • Offers high long-term growth potential

John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nike, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nike, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom and Novo Nordisk and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Netflix, Nike, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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