If you're building a long-term portfolio, few tools are as efficient and easy to use as ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Whether your goal is to generate income, capital growth, or achieve global diversification, ETFs offer an accessible path to reaching your financial objectives — without the need to pick individual shares.
Here are three of the best ASX ETFs investors can consider for income, growth, and diversification.
Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
If generating passive income is a priority, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is hard to ignore. This ASX ETF tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index, providing exposure to some of the highest-yielding shares on the ASX.
The fund includes a concentrated mix of blue-chip Australian stocks — often including the big four banks, major miners, and other mature businesses with consistent dividend payments. Historically, the fund has offered a dividend yield of around 5–6%, making it a compelling choice for retirees or anyone looking to boost their income stream.
Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
Technology continues to reshape the world, and cybersecurity is one of its most critical frontiers. The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF gives investors exposure to a portfolio of global companies leading the charge in cybersecurity — an industry forecast to grow significantly over the next decade.
Top holdings include global names such as Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), and CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD). These companies play a vital role in defending organisations, governments, and individuals against digital threats — an area with increasing demand as cyberattacks grow in frequency and complexity.
With strong secular tailwinds and a global footprint, this fund could deliver substantial growth over the next decade.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
Finally, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides investors with broad diversification by tracking the performance of over 1,500 large and mid-cap companies across a multitude of developed countries (but excluding Australia).
It gives investors exposure to global blue chips such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), and Toyota (TYO: 7203), spreading risk across both regions and industries. By including the U.S., Europe, and Asia, this popular ASX ETF reduces home bias and smooths out volatility tied to the Australian economy.
Overall, for those wanting a strong core holding in their portfolio, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF offers long-term stability and global reach.
