For investors looking to put $10,000 to work, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the easiest and most diversified ways to invest across global markets and sectors.
Whether you're aiming for growth, thematic exposure, or diversification beyond the ASX 200, there are several top ETFs worth considering right now.
Here are three standout ASX ETFs that could be smart additions to a balanced portfolio today.
Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)
India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and its stock market has become increasingly attractive to global investors. The Betashares India Quality ETF gives investors access to some of the country's highest-quality companies, selected based on high profitability, low leverage, and high earnings stability.
Since launching in 2019, this ASX ETF has delivered a solid 9.15% p.a. total return, reflecting the strength of Indian corporate earnings and the country's expanding middle class. Holdings include major Indian technology and financial names, such as Infosys Ltd (NYSE: INFY), that are playing a central role in the country's digital and economic transformation.
With India expected to continue outpacing many developed economies over the coming decade, the Betashares India Quality ETF could be a great long-term pick for investors. It was recently tipped as one to buy by the team at Betashares.
Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)
The world is entering an era of rising defence budgets and renewed geopolitical risk. The good news is that the Betashares Global Defence ETF provides direct exposure to this theme. This ASX ETF invests in global companies involved in defence equipment, aerospace technology, intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Among its holdings are the likes of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a leading manufacturer of military aircraft and missiles, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), which specialises in defence systems and space technologies, and Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX), one of the world's largest aerospace and defence conglomerates.
As governments around the world increase spending on national security and modern warfare, the Betashares Global Defence ETF is positioned to benefit from these tailwinds. It was also recently tipped as one to buy by Betashares.
Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
A different kind of defence now. Cybersecurity has become a top priority for corporations and governments alike. From protecting sensitive data to defending critical infrastructure, demand for cybersecurity solutions continues to rise.
The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF invests in a basket of global leaders in this space. Its portfolio includes names like Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), a key provider of cloud security solutions, CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), which uses AI to detect and stop cyber threats in real time, and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), a major supplier of firewalls and network security systems.
With cyberattacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, this ASX ETF gives investors easy access to an industry that is expected to see consistent long-term demand.
