5 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy and hold forever

These funds could be destined to deliver strong returns over the next decade and beyond.

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

For investors who want to build long-term wealth without constantly watching the market, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a simple, diversified solution.

With just a handful of funds, you can capture exposure to the world's biggest companies, the fastest-growing sectors, and the highest-quality businesses.

Here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the long haul.

asx shares to buy and hold represented by man happily hugging himself

Image source: Getty Images

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. This includes tech leaders like NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), the powerhouse behind AI chips, and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), which continues to deliver consistent revenue and earnings growth from its iPhone and services ecosystem. With its 10-year average return above 20% per annum, this fund has a strong track record and an equally strong outlook.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

For exposure to Asia's booming tech sector, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could be worth considering. It tracks some of the region's largest innovators. Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), a dominant force in gaming and social media, and TSMC (NYSE: TSM), the world's most important semiconductor manufacturer. With rising demand for chips and digital platforms, this fund taps into growth that's often overlooked by Australia-centric investors.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

As businesses and governments ramp up digital security, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF could be a big winner. It offers targeted exposure to the booming cybersecurity industry. Holdings like Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), a leader in next-gen firewall and security solutions, and CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), a pioneer in cloud-native endpoint protection, stand to benefit from surging demand for cybersecurity services.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF focuses on stocks with high return on equity, strong balance sheets, and stable earnings. Among its portfolio are Costco (NASDAQ: COST), known for its steady membership-driven growth, and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), a global healthcare giant with decades of growth. These businesses tend to hold up well even when markets turn volatile. It was recently named as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Finally, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF could be worth considering for the long term. It applies the same quality focus (as above) to the ASX, targeting local companies with durable earnings and robust balance sheets. Key holdings include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), the diversified conglomerate behind Bunnings and Kmart, and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), a biotech leader with a long history of compounding earnings. This fund was also named as one to look at by Betashares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Betashares Capital - Asia Technology Tigers Etf, and CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Costco Wholesale, CrowdStrike, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, CSL, CrowdStrike, Nvidia, 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 Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETF written in white on a multi coloured background.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold forever

Let's see why these funds could be worth considering for the long term.

Read more »

Woman looking at her computer and pondering something.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Should I buy the iShares Global 100 ETF (IOO) now?

I think the quality of the companies inside this global fund gives it a strong foundation for the long term.

Read more »

Worried woman calculating domestic bills.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why I'd buy this ETF instead of picking 20 ASX shares

For investors who would rather skip the company research, there is a much simpler way to build a diversified portfolio.

Read more »

Man working with his colleague with a hologram of a world map.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

This ASX ETF has beaten the market over the last 10 years

This fund is set up for long-term success.

Read more »

A group of young people lined up on a wall are happy looking at their laptops and devices as they invest in the latest trendy stock.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Which ASX ETFs could be top picks for beginner investors?

Starting your journey? Here are some ETFs that could help.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 very exciting ASX ETFs for investors to watch

Let's see why these funds should be on your watchlist.

Read more »

ETF written in white on a multi coloured background.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

These ASX ETFs are generating big momentum in the second half of 2026

These are some of the hottest funds right now.

Read more »

Happy woman looking at her phone, with buildings in the background.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why I'd buy these Betashares ETFs in September

For fresh money this September, I like the different opportunities these three ETFs provide across global and Australian markets.

Read more »