3 top ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginners

Let's see why these funds could be good picks if you're starting your investment journey.

| More on:
A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.

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

Getting started with investing can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to pick individual stocks.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. With just one click of a button, you can instantly gain exposure to large groups of top stocks.

For beginner investors, it is a smart and simple way to build a diversified portfolio without needing to be an expert stock picker.

So, if you're just starting your investment journey, here are three ASX ETFs that could be the perfect place to begin.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

First up is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF. This fund gives investors access to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange — the beating heart of global tech innovation.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers exposure to global giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA). These companies have powered global growth for more than a decade and continue to be at the forefront of trends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

For long-term investors with a growth mindset, it could be a great way to back some of the most innovative businesses on the planet.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Next is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF. If you're looking to stay closer to home and want to invest in the best local stocks, this ASX ETF is worth a look.

This fund focuses on high-quality Australian stocks that have strong balance sheets, high return on equity, and consistent earnings. Think of it as a curated list of some of the most robust businesses on the ASX. Current holdings include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) — all companies with a long history of delivering shareholder value.

For new investors, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF provides a disciplined and data-driven approach to stock selection, without the need to analyse company financials yourself. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Finally, we have the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. This ASX ETF offers instant global diversification by tracking over 1,200 large and mid-cap stocks from developed markets around the world.

This includes Wall Street's tech giants as well as household names like Nestle (SWX: NESN), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). It could be an ideal core holding for any portfolio, particularly for beginners looking to spread their risk across sectors and countries.

John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Technology One, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, Technology One, Wesfarmers, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and Nestlé 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 and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Technology One, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

A trendy woman wearing sunglasses splashes cash notes from her hands.
ETFs

Could this undervalued ASX stock be your ticket to millionaire status?

This investment could deliver almost everything an investor could want to reach $1 million.

Read more »

Young Female investor gazes out window at cityscape
ETFs

3 high-quality ASX ETFs to buy in December

Want to invest in the best stocks? Here's an easy way to do it.

Read more »

Two men look excited on the trading floor as they hold telephones to their ears and one points upwards.
ETFs

3 explosive ASX ETFs to buy and hold

These funds could be destined for big things in the future. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Miner with thumbs up at mine
ETFs

Expert names 2 preferred ASX ETFs reaping the rewards of surging mining shares

Mining-focused ASX ETFs have been boosted by rising commodity prices and higher mining share prices in 2025.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

This new ETF aims to pay high monthly dividends, helped along by gearing

A new ETF from Betashares aims to deliver a strong monthly dividend yield without excess volatility.

Read more »

A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock, indicating the ex-dividend date is approaching.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs I'd buy right now to build wealth

Here's why these funds could be destined to deliver big returns over the next decade.

Read more »

Three happy construction workers on an infrastructure site have a chat.
ETFs

Meet the newest ASX ETF from Betashares

Meet the new kid on the block.

Read more »

An accountant gleefully makes corrections and calculations on his abacus with a pile of papers next to him.
ETFs

Which of the most popular ASX ETFs has brought the best returns this year?

Do you have exposure to these funds?

Read more »