Here's why I own these 2 US ETFs in my portfolio

These US funds add some special sauce to my portfolio.

| More on:
the australian flag lies alongside the united states flag on a flat surface.

Image source: Getty Images

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

This morning, I wrote about two ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that currently hold a place in my personal investing portfolio. Whilst I love a good ASX ETF, funds that call Australia home are not alone in said portfolio. In addition to a collection of individual ASX and US stocks, I also own a few US ETFs.

The ASX is a fantastic place to invest in. But the US markets just offer some things that the ASX doesn't. As such, I like to proverbially pick apples from both trees when building my portfolio.

So today, let's discuss two of the US ETFs that I currently own, and why.

2 US ETFs that I buy for my ASX stock portfolio

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSE: DGRO)

First up, we have this dividend growth ETF from familiar ASX fund provider iShares. Unlike the ASX, the US isn't exactly known for its heavy-hitting dividend stocks. However, US stocks tend to have far more impressive dividend growth streaks than ASX companies, though, with the 'States hosting a number of companies with 50-year-plus track records of annual dividend pay rises.

This ETF holds some of those stocks, such as Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble. But it also holds a number of dividend 'up-and-comers', including Apple, Visa, and Microsoft.

Most of DGRO's holdings have been steadily raising their dividends for many years. As such, the US ETF's annual dividends (which are paid quarterly) are also steadily rising.

I regard this ETF as a portal into some of the US' best dividend stocks. Together with the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE: SCHD), I intend to hold DGRO for many, many years, and (hopefully) enjoy the constantly rising dividend payouts along the way.

Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE: SCHG)

As most ASX investors would know, the United States is home to the best tech stocks on the planet. No other market can rival the likes of Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Alphabet, NVIDIA and their peers in terms of scope, scale and global dominance of their respective markets.

I used to own the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) for broad exposure to large-cap US growth stocks like the ones listed above. However, I swapped out this ASX ETF for a US ETF a few months ago. That US ETF is the Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF.

This fund gives me a similar level of exposure to the largest and most successful growth companies in the United States. But instead of charging me 0.48% per annum for the privilege, SCHG only asks 0.04% per annum, more than ten times cheaper. That fee difference can make a big impact on one's overall returns over a long period of time.

SCHG's portfolio contains all of the stocks listed above, as well as Mastercard, Costco, Palantir Technologies and Booking Holdings. It adds some pleasing diversification to my portfolio, as well as high potential returns going forward. I was happy to make the swap.

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. Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Coca-Cola, Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, Microsoft, Netflix, Procter & Gamble, Schwab Strategic Trust - Schwab U.s. Large-Cap Growth ETF, Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, Visa, and iShares Trust - iShares Core Dividend Growth 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, Booking Holdings, Costco Wholesale, Mastercard, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson 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, Booking Holdings, Mastercard, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Three generation of women cuddling and smiling together.
ETFs

3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for ASX investors to buy in February

These ETFs stand out to me as practical, long-term building blocks rather than short-term trades.

Read more »

A woman with strawberry blonde hair has a huge smile on her face and fist pumps the air having seen good news on her phone.
ETFs

5 exciting ASX ETFs to buy this month

Let's see what makes these funds stand out in February.

Read more »

ETF with a rising arrow.
ETFs

2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in February

These could be two of the best funds to own for the long term.

Read more »

The letters ETF with a man pointing at it.
ETFs

2 ASX ETFs I'd buy amid the AI sell-off

These funds look like great buys today.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
ETFs

Meet the ASX ETF up 119% in a year

This ETF's investors have doubled their money in a year.

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that delivered 43% to 73% last year

Gold, global banks, and semiconductors are the key themes of these ASX ETFs.

Read more »

Woman holding $50 notes with a delighted face.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs for global growth and income

These funds offer income investors balanced global exposure.

Read more »

A young woman lifts her red glasses with one hand as she takes a closer look at news about interest rates rising and one expert's surprising recommendation as to which ASX shares to buy
ETFs

3 amazing ASX ETFs to buy before it's too late

Want to invest in exciting stocks? These funds provide an easy way to do it.

Read more »